From Dean To Dream: How Retirement Led To Health, Friendship, And Fulfilment 

By Outlook Money Guest Author

Retirement from a routine that lasts for years can often lead to feelings of isolation. However, for some people, it also brings in more time, social connections, and new beginnings. 

Archana, a 69-year-old woman from Delhi, falls into the latter category. She retired as the Dean of the College of Home Science in Bikaner, Rajasthan, in 2016, after a nearly four-decade-long career in academia.

After retirement, she relocated to Faridabad to be closer to her son, and eventually settled in Dwarka, Delhi, in 2018. As she had more free time on her hands, she decided to pursue the hobbies and interests that she had set aside while managing her job, children, and other responsibilities.

“After retirement, I finally had the chance to pursue the passions that had been on hold during my 37-year career. Whatever I felt I missed out on, I started doing it," Archana recalls. 

But like many retirees with renewed enthusiasm, her plans faced an unexpected obstacle. “Soon COVID hit, and things took a standstill,” she says.

However, social distancing could not deter her from looking for opportunities to connect with people virtually. Rather than allowing isolation to define her experience, she sought connection in the digital world. 

As she says, “I started looking for engaging opportunities online and soon discovered a community platform on Facebook. What began as a simple search for engagement during lockdown soon became a transformative health journey.” 

Archana had been struggling with persistent gut issues when she discovered a nutrition class on the platform.

Health Is Wealth

She says incorporating smoothies, juices, and millets into her diet made a world of difference to her gut health. “I said goodbye to my medications and welcomed a new sense of well-being,” she says.

This holistic approach to wellness became a cornerstone of her retirement lifestyle.

Beyond physical health, Archana experienced remarkable improvements in her mental and social well-being. As pandemic restrictions eased, virtual connections blossomed into real-world friendships.

Having Social Bonding Is Liberating

She says that once the lockdown was lifted, the community planned a trip, and they all went to Goa, which was a wonderful experience. 

“Despite being virtual friends, outsiders at the hotel thought we were having an alumni meet, seeing how close we all were,” she says.

She says this was just the beginning of her adventures. “My travels with the community did not stop there; I went to Kerala and then again to Goa,” she says.

The depth of these new relationships stands out to Archana. “Although I have many friends, the bond I share with my community friends is exceptional. It's amazing how we connect, and I love that we continue to meet each other in our monthly Delhi Meet-ups. It's always fun!” she adds.

Don’t Remain a Spectator, Participate To Feel Alive

Not content to be just a participant, Archana actively contributed her talents to the community. 

“I have conducted poetry and storytelling sessions, played roles in virtual dramas, and reenacted classic movies like Pakeezah and many others virtually for the community. The platform fulfilled my life. I have also hosted many cooking sessions and have been featured in the community cookbook!” she adds.

For Archana, retirement has become a time of fulfilling long-held dreams.

“Through the community, I achieved what I wanted to do in my college days. I wanted to travel, and I was able to travel. I wanted to dance, and I danced. I also got to participate in a fashion show and lead drama sessions,” she says.

Her story serves as a reminder that retirement is not an ending, but a beginning, no matter one’s age, it is never too late to pick up new hobbies or skills; besides, continuing to learn and stay active is a step towards maintaining health and well-being, while also acting as a catalyst for forging meaningful connections.

This article is contributed by GetSetUp team