Live with a different mindset
Dance till the music ends
“I just wanted to manage my own organisation after nearly four successful decades working mostly in a senior capacity with some of the finest financial institutions in Singapore. "
"I decided it was time to use my skillsets to do the things that I am good at and like, and give myself more time for several other social issues I feel strongly about today. These include ageing issues, mental well-being, matters relating to the 'differently-abled’ who have much to offer to society."
"My goodness! He is 80, such a pro in the music world, and I am 73 and occasional performer for charity. We entertained the international dinner crowd and everybody seemed to be moving to the music — therapeutic at any age!"
Nothing is forever
“And an opportunity to embrace life. For me, that's a phase of autonomy, where are you choose the things that you want to do."
"If you are financially challenged, then of course get yourself back into financial adequacy."
“I have attended so many funerals in the last few years. Most are parents of my contemporaries, but some are contemporaries, some are even children of contemporaries. Some of these are famous people. Weeks after the funeral is over, nobody remembers them, except their loved ones, their families and their closest friends. But we live as if our reputation and public standing are going to last forever."
"That’s delusional."
“The people who matter most are our families and our close friends. Spend time with our children and siblings. If we are fortunate to have great friends still around with us, we must invest time and be with them. They will be the ones that will remember us. So, if we are not spending time with them before we go, what are we here for?"
"My last word to anyone in retirement is go make a difference to the people that matter. This is our second shot!"
Downsize and scale down
"I am 65, and intend to work for as long as I can contribute to the industry."
"Before Covid, I was already starting to downsize the company to concentrate on projects that are interesting, challenging and offer personal satisfaction."
"When Covid was over, I had a clear idea of how to bring the company forward in a direction that suited my ideal pace of working."
“It may sound like a lot but it’s a fraction of what we used to undertake. The big difference is getting rid of the anxiety of pitching for potential jobs which is really more challenging than the actual job itself."
"To me, there is only one important thing to have when reaching this stage of life, and that is to have the right attitude: Accepting you don’t need to try too hard to be relevant for the times; allowing a slower pace, acknowledging that change is a big part of this adjustment; enjoyment of the here and now; and that your health is your wealth."
Overcoming frailty
"I have osteoporosis, and knee issues. I cannot squat. And for aikido, we have to do a lot of falling and rolling."
"But when they were having their training, I would sit down and watch. The class grew, and they needed help. I thought I would go in and help them just with the basic techniques."
"So why not I go on? That's how I started, at the age of 63."
"Tai chi is very good for old folks but aikido is also very good, especially for women. You don't have to use a lot of force, just have your centre (of gravity) to move (our partners). In aikido, we have martial artists that go up to 80+ years old. Sensei from Japan are 90+."
