Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/652704
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 13 MARCH 2016 VI Retirement Choosing to help others in retirement FOR some retirement is a blessing and for others it is a time of anxiety and foreboding. Many people really begin to enjoy their free time and occupy themselves with activities and pastimes that they truly enjoy. Others struggle to feel useful and sadly fall into apathy, often leading to depression or aliena- tion from their immediate family. In both cases an option one could explore is helping out in the commu- nity. Finding purpose and fulfilment in using your life experiences to bring happiness to others. The satisfaction this brings to both the person helping and those being helped is quite magi- cal and creates a whole new dimension in one's life. There are many ways one can help and many people and groups who need help and assistance. One could choose to volunteer, start helping a neighbour or family or perhaps even help for remuneration. One demographic that requires a great deal of help is the elderly - they are vulnerable, at times lonely and suffer many physical limitations. Help- ing the elderly in retirement is a great way to get in touch with the next phase of one's life while keeping active and fulfilled. Many a time, strong friend- ships are created between the person providing care and the family in need, and sometimes all it takes is sharing a cup of tea or helping someone with their shopping or giving much needed respite to a family member who may be exhausted and overwhelmed with their new found situation. We all need help from time to time and certainly more and more as we age. Using this time given to us in retirement opens up our communities the great opportunity to remain active in giving. Helping others is a great way of helping oneself remain active and needed in society. Helping the elderly in retirement is a great way to get in touch with the next phase of one's life