Why retirees should work
Metlifecare residents develop passions and purpose after retirement.
Occupational wellbeing is striking that perfect balance between work and leisure to keep you feeling good. For residents at Metlifecare villages, it’s finding something they love — and doing it well.
Phillipa Bates, Operations Manager of the never2old sport and recreation programme at Auckland University of Technology ( AUT), says finding something we enjoy doing in our day-to- day life gives a greater sense of meaning and purpose.
“When we think of occupational well- being, we might think it only applies to a workplace situation. But, when you are retired and no longer have work that pays a salary, occupational wellbeing is just as important.
“What is it that you do in your day that gives you purpose, happiness and enriches your life? What special gifts, talents and skills do you have that give your life meaning?” asks Phillipa.
AUT partnered with Metlifecare to review village activities and provide independent accreditation against six dimensions of wellbeing — physical, occupational/ vocational, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual.
The partnership ensures a well- balanced, tested selection of resident activities with these six dimensions all represented, giving residents peace of mind the activities are approved by independent experts in aged care wellbeing. “There is great satisfaction in doing something different and sharing our skills and it contributes to our overall wellbeing,” says Phillipa.
Retirement offers time and opportunity to pursue passions, build on existing skills, try something new or revisit old hobbies.
Celebrating individuality and unique interests, Metlifecare works with residents to create, support or facilitate bespoke activities reflective of residents’ interests and skills — so they have an activity plan that works for them.
Resident of The Poynton on Auckland’s North Shore, Robert Thompson, 76, decided to use his extensive technical background to start a community radio station. A village resident of eight years, Robert had always had an interest in radio and, with the support of Metlifecare, he finally had the time to start and run a station of his own — tailored to the interests of his community.
“I love running our station, which we named ‘Bespoke Radio’ to really emphasise it’s made for our community,” he says. “It feels great to use my technical expertise because keeping up to date with new technology keeps my mind active.
“It is important to keep the brain and body active in retirement and I encourage others to pursue their ideas now they have the time. If you have a passion to get something started, do it,” says Thompson.
Resident, Marianne McRae, 81, reluctantly gave up her show garden when she moved into Pinesong at Titirangi but now gardens more than ever before. She says gardening has many benefits as well as being a hobby: “I love the physical side but most of all I love being outside alone with my thoughts and working to create something of beauty, something others may enjoy, too.”
Jan Knight, 80, resident of Greenwich Gardens, agrees and says the conservation bug continues to bite. After 15 years as a conservationist, including time on the committee of the Centennial Park Bush Society in Auckland’s Campbell’s Bay, Jan spearheaded a conservation movement within the village. Now, she and three other residents work with Metlifecare and the local Council on the land around the village — introducing 1200 native plants back into the area.
“Gardening is a great pastime to pursue as it’s one you can do alone or with others. It can be strenuous but it doesn’t have to be and it’s a wonderful way to stay active,” says Knight.
Residents have different wellbeing needs and interests, changing through life’s various stages, and Metlifecare supports them by co- designing or facilitating activities unique to each village.
“What is it that you do in your day that gives you purpose, happiness and enriches your life?” - Phillipa Bates