In a recent report it was stated that the European Union is encouraging older people to visit other countries in an effort to encourage a wider outlook on life and possibly make more friends. This is considered more urgent in the case of men, who tend to find it more difficult to socialise after retirement.

There is nothing more destructive of mental well-being than spending long hours in front of a television because of nothing better to do

What is striking about such a concept is the implication that those who have reached the age of 60 are encouraged to consider themselves ‘old’. It was indeed the case half a century ago that this limit was close to the life expectancy, but today it represents just over two-thirds of a lifetime, and one expects to live for a further 20 to 30 years. With what stretch of the imagination can one therefore classify people aged 60 as ‘old’?

Unfortunately, it is a fact that for many of those who have spent a lifetime in an unstimulating job, consisting of repetitive work and accompanying drudgery, the prospect of early retirement represents a state close to earthly nirvana, with freedom to sleep in, and untrammelled opportunities for fishing or playing bingo.

The facts are quite different: with the onset of retirement one finds that quite a few opportunities for socialising have suddenly disappeared. Anyone who has occupied a position of some authority will suddenly feel castrated. A feeling of uselessness suffuses one’s existence, with the first question one asks as soon as a head is raised from the pillow being: “What am I going to do today?”

Not to be underestimated is the serious economic downturn associated with the loss of a regular salary, which no pension can remedy. It is a historic fact that increases in the rates of pensions lag considerably behind increases in salary and cost of living, with the result that one gets relatively and irrevocably poorer as one gets older.

We are also well aware of the health issues associated with lack of activity, physical and mental. One of the reasons currently recognised for the epidemic of dementia (particularly Alzheimer’s disease) is the lack of stimulation associated with socialising, or mental activity of any kind. There is nothing more destructive of mental well-being than spending long hours in front of a television because of nothing better to do.

Self-respect depends on a balance between one’s own personal self-assessment, as well as feedback from close members of society, relevant ‘others’ whose input helps to promote and balance one’s own views. When this is lacking, there is a very high probability that our assessment of our own value will take a nosedive. This could have a tremendous effect on our world-view as well as our own role in it. No wonder that anxiety and depression are so common among our aging population.

Unfortunately, ageism has become rampant within society. For many, older people are a burden on society, particularly when it comes to use of healthcare facilities. They are seen as takers rather than givers. The role they played in building the country is soon forgotten.

In view of all this, one can conclude that early retirement should not be encouraged, but incentives should be put in place to get people involved. In the US, nobody can be sacked on the basis of age.

Introduction of workplace changes, including part-time work and flexitime, would allow more participation for longer. In particular, transition from full-time work to complete inactivity should be slow and well-planned to ensure a smooth transition.

(Mark Anthony Falzon’s column is not appearing this week.)