oldies embrace their twilight years

Intellectual and cultural stimulation keep Celeste Wood's mind sharp and her brain engaged and active.

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After 32 years spent working in a senior position at a large corporation in Johannesburg, Wood says the seeds of what she envisaged her retirement to be began when she reached the definitive age of 60.

“These started with observations of what I knew I would enjoy when I was no longer an employee: a brisk walk early every morning at the Emmarentia Botanical Gardens, being able to play my piano on a daily basis versus being restricted to weekends, and reading more books on topical issues such as the geopolitics and historical events that have shaped the world.

“Other items on my wish list included being able to learn and practise mindful yoga as opposed to a hectic gym workout, which I was not very adept at. International travel was also very much on the ‘must do’ list.”

The goals she'd imagined before her retirement, including the study of philosophy which relies on reason, logic and critical analysis, became a reality once freed from the demands of a working environment. Shortly after retiring at the end of December 2020, Wood joined the University of the Third Age (U3A), the global movement focused on lifelong learning for retired individuals. It offers a diverse range of activities, from lectures and courses to outings and social events.

Susan Russell, a journalist, mother to son James and animal lover - she has two rescue dogs, Alan and Lily, and three cats, Riley, Lucinda and Mina is surprised by the joy that retirement has brought.