Whilst this piece serves as advice to pensioners, it is also meant as a guidance to the current working force as well as the youth.

Although the reality is different, the general perception in Namibia is that retirement is the time when one starts enjoying the money one has worked for and saved, and that there is ample time to relax and a lot of free time do the things that you always wanted to do.   

All, but one of the above myths is true and realistic if other determining factors are not in place.

The common perception can be true to some but for many retirees, this becomes a time of loneliness and boredom, accompanied by sickness and a strong feeling of being abandoned because you are unable to contribute to family and society. 

This contribution is an attempt to address some of the above issues.

Finances

The announcement by late president Hage Geingob that the pension would be increased to N$3 000 was good news, and pensioners were hoping and waiting for this increase to become a reality. My advice to my fellow pensioners is that we should not count the chickens before they hatch, but rather make-do and plan with what is now on the table.    

Currently, only 6% of Namibia’s population is older than 60 years, and this number is projected to increase due to demographic changes such as age structures, but also improved healthcare, changing lifestyles, social support and other factors. This number also corresponds to our current life expectancy. 

Remember that after retirement, you are not receiving the income that you were used to, medical aid contributions are high, and food and fuel prices continue to increase. In short, the living costs are constantly increasing, and the monthly pension cannot sustain the living costs. That being said, today’s retirees are actually in a more fortunate position. Take a moment to envision the future when our current workforce reaches the retirement age. Will the workforce be big enough to sustain the elderly population, which will have increased, taking into account the rising living costs? This is a good reason for today’s young people to take their future retirement plans seriously. A lack of a steady income can impact a pensioner’s life at different levels. Your financial state is an important factor and can determine your health, social life and yes, your self-confidence. 

Not all old people receive a steady or sufficient income, or enjoy committed family support. I thus advice my fellow pensioners to find a way of continuing their old career (if they had one) in the form of a private business or consultancy.

Physical and mental health

The factors that impact our lifespan include our physical and emotional health, financial status, social support and also our natural environment.

Although the status of the current pensioner is characterised by an increasing cost of living, and limited social interaction due to social media and behavioural influences, it is also exposed to an avalanche of information in the form of social media (although the use of the cellphone becomes a challenge).  

The modern pensioner has to adapt to this changing and challenging environment. He or she is, however, also exposed to helpful information,
and can find a lot of tips on types of physical exercises, diets, outdoor activities and hobbies to keep the brain active as well as to connect to other social groups.

It is a fact that mental and physical health deteriorates with age, and that the body is more susceptible to illnesses associated with the ageing process such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.  Although a lot of the health problems cannot be avoided, we can decelerate ageing and decrease risk factors through a healthy lifestyle and a positive mindset. It is, therefore, of critical importance for pensioners to get regular check-ups, and to look after their health. Omit sugar, fatty and processed food. I know that this is easier said than done and also difficult, more especially if one lives in a town or city. On the other hand, one can at least cultivate one’s own food in the village and also income sources such as family support, businesses or savings. Also, take your daily walk and get enough sleep.

Contribution to society

Besidse the fact that a percentage of persons above the age of 60 are still healthy, physically active and with a lot of experience and knowledge in different fields of expertise, they are according to law forced to retire from their long years of service. This also means that their contribution to society officially comes to an end, and their experience is lost in the absence of sufficient knowledge transfer.  

This, to me, is the form of brain drain that we do not consider.  We perceive brain drain only in the sense that academics and technocrats go to
western countries for greener pastures, whilst we ignore and disregard the wealth of knowledge and expertise of our former teachers, nurses, engineers, fishermen, scientists, etc. 

Although our national laws have set the retirement age at 60, there is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience which should be taken advantage of for the good of all Namibians. This shift in mentality should be added into our education system, our national policies, and social support systems.

I argue that, just as there exist
support programmes for the youth, women and other social groups, there
is a need to establish support
programmes for the pensioners who are active and still want to contribute to society.

Family support

Family support should not only be financial. Other family members must see where they can engage the grandmothers and grandfathers in social activities. This can involve taking walks, playing and listening to music, playing games, and just having fun at home.

Having a job for years does not only become a routine in life, your fellow workers become social friends and people with whom you share your stories and problems. You lose some of these social interactions at retirement as well as a daily routine.

According to my research and experience, most of the retirees can cope within the first three to six months. After that, it becomes boring, with a major impact on their emotional health.

Boredom and isolation is the plague of old people, and that is mainly due to a lack of communication or the reduced or absence of interaction with family members, neighbours or other community members. The lack of social interaction cannot only be a main course of anxiety, depression and other mental conditions, but can also lead to an earlier death.   

Engage your pensioners in all activities that they can handle, and make their last days as convenient as possible.

My last appeal is to society to appreciate the presence of our old people. They carried you to up to here, so make their last days as comfortable and fulfilling possible.

*Asser Ndakolonkoshi Mukapuli is a social commentator, freelance tour guide, seafood chef and German language teacher at Luderitz. These are his personal views.