What Should a Retiree do with his/her Life after Retiring?

Retirement does not mean giving up doing your favorite things. It merely means using your time effectively doing all the things you could not before thanks to a packed schedule. Yes, now you have all the time in the world to pursue interests which you haven’t been able to pursue yet. Things such as senior travel, join book reading clubs and doing various jobs for senior citizens can keep you invested in life. 

Best Things to Keep Retirees Invested

1.       Senior Travel – If you have recently retired, this is the time to check out various places. This will not only help you check out new places but know more about a new place, it’s people, cuisine and so on. You can go off to the mountains, check out historical places, or relax on a beach, choose whichever caters to your preferences. A holiday helps rejuvenate your, mind, body and soul. Take this much-awaited holiday and spend quality time with your friends and families.

2.       Joining a book club- Books fire up your imagination in more ways than one. It gives you company in those solitary evenings when others are too busy to give you company. Yes, books can inviteyou to a whole new world altogether. There are different types of books you can read, such as fiction and non-fiction. Curl up on your favorite sofa with a book in one hand a steaming cup of java in the other. In the eyes of a book lover, there can be nothing as blissful as this.

3.       Gardening – The closer you are to nature, the more relaxed you are, as it will help you stay amidst nature. Nature has a healing comforting touch that can substitute the most technologically advanced gadgets and gizmos. The sight of pretty flowers or newly sprouted veggies in your patch of green can give you unmitigated happiness. Try it, it will add a whole new meaning to your life. 

4.       Jobs for senior citizens – You can explore different job opportunities after retirement. It may not be a full-time job as before but it can help challenge your creative instincts and stimulate your intellectual capacity. There are a number of job opportunities nowadays, You can try volunteering, consultations, tutoring, content writing, explore business opportunities and so on. In fact, there is no reason why you shouldcool your heels after retirement,  you will be surprised to find out there are so many things to try and indulge in. 

Consider some of the options listed here and make your retirement years, fun, interesting and rewarding. Best of luck for an invigorating journey ahead.

Best Jobs for Older People: Best Tips to Thrive After Retirement

Working non-stop for so many years as you have been working can make you wish for some time for yourself and you know that when you have time on your hands after your retirement, you wish you could work again. Yes, you miss work and you wish to keep working to keep your mind and body engaged and keep our creative juices flowing. Not like before but maybe you can engage in a work that calls for more flexibility, few hours and less stress too. Engage in work in which you can pursue your interests is a fun way to continue working. So if you are interested to keep on working, it’s time you start again with these jobs for older people.

Senior Employment Strategies – Jobs for Older People

There are myriad job opportunities for senior people for you to try, here is how you can try a number of things to keep your retired life interesting and engaging.

·         Work as a consultant-Retired people who have had great experience and had trained in certain aspects can certainly use their expertise in areas like consulting. If you have experience in certain aspects such as litigation, programming, finance and website development you will be much sought-after. 

·         Work part-time- Full-time jobs are often extremely taxing, so it is better you seek part-time jobs which will be rewarding and yet it won’t burden you. You can work in pet care centers, child care centers, libraries, call center jobs, retail positions, and student mentoring and so on. 

·         Work for your former employer- If you loved the job you did previously you can consider the option of having a second go at your former job with a lot more flexibility. If you were really valuable to your former employer he or she be excited to have you back as an employee once again. Starting all over again with fresh zeal, how interesting and cool is that. 

·         Start a retail business- If you have always wanted to try your hand at business, now is the time to go for it. If you have a large collection of anything, you can start selling it online. Anything that catches your fancy, selling organic foodstuff or anything to do with fashion is lucrative stuff.

·         Work as a volunteer- There are many retirees who want to do their bit for the society for example, they can work for animal centers,  at old age homes, orphanage, and so on. This kind of work will help them stay busy and any good deed has the power to make you feel good from inside. It is true this kind of organizations need trustworthy volunteers from all walks of life! 

So, you see when one part of your journey meets a dead end, another part of your journey begins. Invest your mind and body in the kind of work you want to do and don’t forget to enjoy the experience while you do so.

Senior Citizens’ Wellness Plan: Best Tips to Stay Healthy

A healthy person is someone who is physically and mentally fit and that is only achievable with the right health care.  Try thesehealthy tips for seniors to keep fit and healthy even when you are on the wrong side of 60. 

Best Healthy Eating Tips for seniors

Eating Healthy: Eat well and mindfully and this is the best way to stay true to a healthy lifestyle. A balanced wholesome diet can combat any health issue such as metabolism, digestive system, and makes. Eating foods such as veggies, fruits, and nuts can cater to your nutrient requirements.

Exercise: t is important to stay active; it is beneficial for everyone including the sexagenarians and beyond. Working out helps maintain a balance in your physical, mental and emotional health. A simple form of any exercise can reduce your chance of combating heart disease and another chronic disease. It can also lower the risk of depression, improve the memory, boosts the immune system, and keeps you energetic. You can also try yoga for seniors for both physical and mental fitness. Other forms of exercise that one can do are swimming, brisk walking, dancing and so on.

Meditation: Meditation has many health benefits for people of all ages. It helps you achieve a calm state of mind and body, simultaneously. You can try several techniques of meditation. Do it in the presence of calming music or out in nature, close your eyes and just soak it all in. Meditation is a powerful tool to reduce stress provides clarity of thought and emotions and enhances the blood circulation and digestive system.

Quit Rid of the Vices: This is a crucial step for all seniors. As you grow older you must be more conscious of your choices, avoid bad habits such as drinking and smoking. Smoking and drinking leads to tons of health issues such as cancer and strokes and accelerates aging.

Keeping Brain Active: Staying mentally active and keeping your brain stimulated is one of the biggest healthy lifestyle practices that seniors can do. It is important not to ignore the brain. Regular reading and writing practices and playing games such as crosswords and Sudoku and trying out new hobbies are the primary requirements for a sound and healthy brain. This will keep at bay health and mental conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Also, it can also improve ability and memory.

Get Good Sleep: Insomnia and restlessness are some of the problems that older adults face. Waking up frequently at night or sleeplessness can trouble many elderlies. Everyone deserves deep and relaxing sleep to renew energy to stay healthy and age well. Elderlies can try different stuff such as exercising daily, reducing caffeine intake, make your bedroom dark and comfortable, lowering your screen time in the latter half of the day, trying relaxation techniques such as meditation can help you doze off to restful sleep.

How to Earn Money After Retirement - 7 Highly Effective Ideas

While at work, we seldom get to do what we want, but as soon as we retire we try to fill our days with vacationing, playing golf, and enjoying with loved ones. But when retirement comes, we start missing work. This is the time when we should start with our retirement planning.

 

There are a number of reasons to continue to work after retirement: it can help you stay physically and mentally active, and provide an additional source of income. You may wish to find a job in your own field with more flexibility, fewer hours, and less stress, or you can try an entirely new career field. Instead of fitting your life around your job, you can try for jobs that help you pursue fresh interests. This can be a perfect dream for a retiree.  

 Employment for Seniors

Top Job Options after Retirement

Some of the things that concern retirees are how will they spend their idle hours after retirement. Also, some people worry about their financial condition. Working after retirement invariably solves all these issues. You become financially stronger and also keep your mind and body engaged. Check out some job options retirees can explore after they retire and try the best retirement plan in India. Your post-requirement needs are now going to be solved!

·         Work for your previous employer- What’s not to like about this job opportunity? You will be working on familiar terrain and your former employer would also be ecstatic to get back a responsible and hard-working employee back on board. Your salary structure may change besides your working hours. But then it will be more flexible and less intense, just the way you would want it to be after retirement.

·         Part-time jobs for retirees- Choosing to work part-time is another option you can try. In fact, it is a great retirement planning advice. If you had detested the long hours at work in the last few years after retirement, working for a few hours every day is an option you can very well try and there are so many options for you to explore. You can work at child care services, call center jobs, teaching assignments and so on. This kind of jobs will help you stay active and stay in touch with people.

·         Work as a temp-Temporary job provides a great opportunity for you to alternate work with leisure. The nature of these jobs vary, but they may include office jobs which include including customer service, bookkeeping, and data processing positions. Assignment duration can last for one day to several weeks.

·         Volunteering jobs- This kind of jobs offer you the opportunity to give back something to society. These may not be very paying but soul-satisfying, nevertheless as you will be doing something for someone, for the betterment of the society. You can use your skills and life-experience to good use, by working for daycare centers, animal care centers, teaching and so on.

·         Take surveys -Becoming a survey taker is not going to make you rich but it will add that all-important extra cash and keep you busy. You can ever take them even while you are watching your favorite television shows.  Sign up for one of the survey companies and get you started earning money today.

·         Work as a temp - Temporary jobs are a golden opportunity for you to alternate work with leisure. There are several variations of this job such as general labor or office jobs, including bookkeeping, customer service, also data processing positions. Assignment duration varies, you can select the time duration you are most comfortable with. 

·         Call Center Jobs-  In a call center, employees have to spend time sitting and talking on the phone, which is particularly fit for seniors with low mobility. In fact, seniors can even try working from home and this can be a great opportunity for them to try out different types of jobs.

Working after retirement  can provide a wonderful opportunity for you to live your life on your own terms, work when you want and spend some quality time with family and friends when you want. For many people, life begins after retirement! Let it be the same in your case too. Great opportunities with minimum time investment.

Pension Plans - a List of Senior Citizens Pension Schemes in India

Consider a list of senior citizens pension schemes in India

National Pension Scheme
National Pension Scheme or System is the safest senior citizen pension and an investment plan introduced by the Government of India that ensures social security to the retired persons of the country. It allows the investor long-term saving and market-based return that is completely secure. Under the purview of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), this is one of the best pension plans in India.

As compared to other pension plans, this one is cost-effective and it allows tax benefits, all at attractive market-based returns. At the same time, it is extremely secure because it is regulated by government statutory body PFRDA that was constituted through a parliamentary act in 2003. Anyone who is the citizen of India, a resident or a non-resident, belonging to the age group 18-65 years is eligible to avail this scheme and open an NPS account. This is among the many best pension plans in India.

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS):
Under National Social Assistance Scheme by Government of India, IGNOAPS is an old-age pension scheme for Indians above 60 years age and are living below the poverty line. The beneficiaries receive a monthly pension by central and state government both. Through this scheme, the government of India aims to provide a decent level of assistance to the elderlies who are not self-reliant and are not financially sound.

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojna (PMVVY):
This is one of the most recent additions to the list of senior citizen pension schemes in India. It is exclusively designed for the benefit of senior citizens of India or anyone above the age of 60. The scheme was first introduced in May 2017 and it was renewed till 31st March 2020. As per the scheme, the beneficiary can avail assured return at 8% per annum. This is payable monthly for the period of 10 years. In addition, the pension is flexible for the beneficiary to choose the period they want to make the claim for. The frequency can vary from monthly to yearly. The best part is that it is exempted from GST or Service Tax. A Beneficiary can also avail a loan up to 75% of purchase price, only after completing three years of owning the policy. More benefits include premature exit with 98% purchase price for the purpose of treatment of critical sickness of self or spouse. The investment limit is restricted to no more than Rs. 15 lakh per person. This pension scheme in India is being implemented by LIC and can be availed as one of the many safe and secure LIC senior citizen pension schemes.

Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana:
Introduced by NDA government, Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana aims to safeguard and protect the interest of senior citizens after demonetization when there was a slump in interest rates of fixed deposits. The scheme promises guaranteed 8% interest rate for 10 years. Implemented by LIC, it is known as yet another LIC senior citizen pension scheme. The subscriber can opt for returns monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually. The pensioner can also claim tax benefit under section 80CCC of Income Tax Act and it can be combined with other pension schemes too.

Pradhan Mantri Atal Pension Yojana:
This scheme was previously known as Swavalamban Yojana introduced by Government of India for citizens belonging to the unorganized sector and rural sector. The eligibility criteria are 18 – 40 years, with the sole purpose of increasing the number of members under the National Pension Scheme. This is a social security scheme through which the government plans to contribute to the citizens’ earnings after they reach the age of 60 years, the age when the pension begins under this scheme.

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme from RBI:
This is the most popular and beneficial senior citizen pension scheme and saving scheme in India. It is a source of secure and risk-free investment for the retirees. It is a long-term saving scheme that can be availed by any certified banks and post offices in India. Anyone above 60 years of age can invest in this plan with a maximum deposit of 15 lakhs in the SCSS account. This scheme offers the highest rate of interest, 8.6%, which is far greater than the interest on savings or FD account. Also, it is eligible for tax exemption under the section 80C and provides nomination facility.

Post Office Monthly Income Scheme:
Under the purview of the finance ministry, this is the best pension plan in India for senior citizens. It is highly reliable and can earn several benefits. While NRIs are excluded from the scheme, it can be opened in the name of a minor, who is above the age of 10. Under the scheme, an individual can invest up to 4.5 lakhs and joint members can deposit up to 9 lakhs. The interest is automatically credited to the account via ECS system.

Besides these senior citizen pension schemes and plans, it is suggested that citizens must invest in other saving plans that provide guaranteed returns for their safe and better old-age. Fixed deposits, health insurance, and tax-free bonds offer additional senior citizen benefits. For example, most of the banks offer a higher rate of interest on FDs to senior citizens as compared to the regular beneficiaries. On health insurance, senior citizens can avail exemption up to 50,000. These are a few safe investment plans for senior citizens that are highly recommended for a carefree future. These plans aim to reduce the financial burden and provide assistance in living a quality life.

NGO Working for Senior Citizens In India

1. Help Age India:

For almost four decades, this leading charity organization has worked to voice the concerns of the elderlies. Its sole mission is to care for and help the disadvantaged old persons to achieve dignified and respectable life. Established in 1978, this is one of the top NGOs in India that aims to improve the quality of life and support them tackle challenges of old age. Through their various agecare programs, this community promotes the concern for Universal Pension, quality healthcare, and adequate action against elder abuse. They function at national, state and societal level with the Central and State governments. The NGO is registered under Societies’ Registration Act of 1860. The head office is located in New Delhi; however, they are accessible in major cities of India through their regional branches.

Due to their excellent work in the past, HelpAge is well recognized at the United Nations and have received several special testimonials from the topmost global organization that is dedicated solely to the purpose of maintaining peace and harmony among various societies and help in the development of the underprivileged. You can do your bit by donating to HelpAge India. These donations are eligible for 50% tax exemption under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

2. Dignity Foundation:

 
This is among the many famous NGOs in India that is working towards the development of the elderly of our society. Dignity started in 1995 as a magazine named Dignity Dialogue that aimed to provide motivation, information, and inspiration for senior citizens to live a productive life. Over the years it grew bigger with the help of its various programmed like Dignity Helpline, Dignity Second Career, Dignity Dementia Day Care Centre, Dignity Donor Privilege Programme and more. In addition, they expanded across India and has offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune and Kolkata. As per the manifesto, Dignity considers elders an “integral part of the society” that must not be ignored. Their philosophy is to empower the elderly to live their life to the fullest without having to struggle for the basic needs for survival. The foundation focuses on the overall well-being of the senior citizens and lay special emphasis on psychological health.

3. Agewell Foundation:

 
Among many other NGOs working for Senior Citizens in India, Agewell foundation is a prominent one. This not-for-profit organization was established in 1999 and since then it has been working for the welfare as well as empowerment of the oldies. Their vision is to transform Social attitudes towards senior citizens. They aim to bring about the change by increasing effective interaction between the generations and eventually visualize to create a friendly environment for the senior citizens. Considering its brilliant efforts as Non-Profit Organization for elderly people, the foundation has been granted Special Consultative Status at United Nations. They function in 640 districts of India with the help of a humungous network of 7500 primary and 80,000 secondary volunteers across India.

4. Harmony:

The Harmony for Silvers Foundation was launched in 2004 by Tina Ambani. This is one of the top NGOs in India working for the betterment of Senior Citizens it refers to as ‘Silver Citizens.’ Through its various initiatives like Harmony-Celebrate Age, the magazine, online portal, Harmony Interactive Centre in Mumbai, research and publications it aims to improve the quality of life of the elderlies.

5. Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders society of India (ARDSI):

Located in New Delhi, ARDSI is a one-of-its-kind national organization devoted to the betterment of the victims of Alzheimer’s and dementia and their families. The core objective is to create awareness, provide care and support to the victims, conduct training, and set up Memory clinic and camps. They aim to collaborate with government and other non-governmental organizations to achieve their objectives and integrate rehabilitation centers for persons suffering from it.

6. All India Senior Citizens’ Confederation (AISCCON):

 
It is one of the largest organizations of Senior Citizens in India with federation members and individual members numbering to more than 10 lakhs across India. It is the national level organization that is committed to working towards the research and advocacy of the issues concerning welfare and empowerment of Senior Citizens in India. In addition, some programs cater to provide healthcare services like physiotherapy and eye care. AISCCON is listed under the Societies Registration Act and the Bombay Public Trusts Act,. The donations to the organization are eligible for tax exemption.

Voluntary Services In India

7. The Family Welfare Agency:

 
The FWA has been doing NGO work in India since 1950. The head office is located in Mumbai and it aims to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens and provides assistance to those who are suffering from mental illness. The FWA is registered under registered under the Bombay Public Trust Act.

8. Silver Innings Foundation:

SIF a Not-for-Profit organization provides need-based services to the elderly and aims to create awareness about “Graceful Ageing.” The foundation was founded in 2008 to work with and for Elderly or persons above 50 years old. If need be, the foundation interacts with the family too. Their larger goal is to form an “elder-friendly” world.

9. Dada Dadi:

The Dada-Dadi is a non-profit service and advocacy organization that is set up in Chandigarh, India. This leading NGO for senior citizen voices out the concerns related to older people. Additionally, it brings together non-profit organizations, businesses, and government to invent creative solutions for the betterment of elderlies’ lives. They are advocates of social and economic justice, innovation, and respect and caring for all. They aim to create alliances, coalition and multi-sector partnerships to achieve their core objectives.

10. Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT):

This is one of the many NGOs Working for Senior Citizens In India that was established in 1998 in Bangalore as Nightingales Home Health Services (NHHS). They are dedicated to assisting senior citizens and their core mission is to improve healthcare and aging experience for the elderly. Also, it aims to eliminate the problems faced by the elderly in social setup. They work towards many aspects of aging like dementia care, respite care, home care, enrichment of the elderly, training, and awareness and advocacy. They have launched elder’s helpline and work to provide jobs suitable for elders.

These are the top 10 NGO India working towards the enrichment of elderlies’ lives. The common goal is to create an attitude of care and respect for elderly in Indian society. At the same time, they assist in helping the abandoned and underprivileged senior citizens lead an honorable life.