Retirement is not merely a fixed number but a turning point that allows each person to choose their desired way of life. From the perspectives of different generations, this reveals diverse philosophies on life after work, ranging from seeking health longevity to adopting a Slow Life at age 35.
From the view of a Gen X representative, Dr. Amp—Tanupol Virulhagarun, CEO of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort at Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited—retirement is defined differently, not tied to a standard age but linked to “Health Span,” the period of life with good health and free from debilitating illness.
Retirement should occur when physical health no longer supports working. As long as physical health, mental health, and brain health remain good, he wishes to continue working because work is not only for money but also to exercise the brain and motivate the body each day.
“Nowadays, people talk about retiring at 45 or 60. In truth, we do not have to do the same things all our lives. I often say that at 60 or in your 50s, you retire from the old work, then you can upskill, reskill, and learn anew. If people take good care of themselves, they can live to 100.”
For this reason, Dr. Amp strives to continuously learn new skills to diversify his abilities and keep his brain healthy. He believes that with good self-care, humans can live up to 100 years, and a long life after work requires ongoing personal development.
Gen Y individuals seek balance between work and life after retirement, setting clear yet flexible goals. Similarly, DJ Nippon-Naphat Banjongjitpaisan plans to retire in her late 50s to 60, though she slightly worries whether her deep attachment to daily work will allow retirement as planned, but she has clear financial plans.
Her main goals for life after retirement are “travel” and “rest.” She has calculated how much money she will need monthly to travel abroad every 2-3 months, believing that at a certain age, resting and finding happiness are most important.
Earth-Katsamanat Namviroj, a male actor in BL series, offers a bold and fast vision of retirement from the Gen Z perspective, skillfully integrating personal interests with technology.
He intends to retire at 35, planning to work intensely through his youth and early career to achieve financial goals and be able to stop regular work.
For life after retirement, he dreams of living a Slow Life in Chiang Mai, farming vegetables, being close to nature, watching sunrises and sunsets, and spending time with loved ones.
However, in an era where social media is a key work tool, he sees the possibility of continuing work alongside this lifestyle without leaving entertainment or his interests, simply by relocating his workplace to a place he loves, illustrating the flexibility of work in today’s era.