Mighty retired members of a community who meet regularly at a ‘youth club’ are redefining life after 60, exploring new places, stepping up their health game, forging deep friendships ... and proving that you’ve never too old to have fun.
At first glance, one might confuse the group of retired Bahraini men from Karbabad as past their prime. However, they are a bunch of thriving and accomplished veterans, from physicists and bankers to chefs and more.
They meet thrice-a-week at the Karbabad Youth Centre for an hour-and-a-half of sport and exercise, followed by some nostalgic breakfast nosh featuring samboosa and a cuppa of sugar-free chai.
What started with just 10 retirees five years ago has astonishingly grown in popularity.
Presently, the group boasts more than 130 registered members.
Some of them are regular attendees of the morning routine, while others join in the many social activities planned all year round.
In the past, the club has staged museum visits, poolside entertainment and cultural tours to old mosques, as well as regional travels during which they meet pensioners from other countries.
All the initiatives focus on a holistic approach to retirement.
Whilst many folk focus on financial security while planning a ‘second innings’ there can be much more to life in the twilight years.
Cash may be crucial but preparing for situations like loneliness and the sudden loss of ‘social roles’ is equally important.
Experts have noted that a loss of career position, coupled with ageing aches and pains and the passing of family and friends often puts older adults face-to-face with loneliness.
As a result, socialisation becomes essential for them to maintain cognitive function, physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Retired port worker Hassan Eid, 66, has found new genuine friendships at the club.
“We’re like one family and meet each other even outside the group’s activities, especially during Ramadan and Eid,” he said.
“Retirement is not the end but a new beginning and we’re making the most of these years.”
Sayed Habib, partially retired Bapco Energies geophysicist, has also forged deep bonds with his peers at the club.
Additionally, the group has offered him an avenue to interact with and learn from diverse professionals.
When he is not with his fellow pensioners, Mr Habib enjoys playing with his two-year-old granddaughter and reading books on psychology and management. He also continues to consult on a freelance basis.
“Once I’m back home from my workout, I review my emails and spend some time working,” explained the 62-year-old.
It is not uncommon for retirees to continue working in some form, especially within a field they are passionate about.
Semi-retirement not only offers financial perks but also helps support wellbeing by giving structure and social connection.
In fact, many older adults stay in touch with their colleagues long after they have hung up their boots.
Among them is Redha Khalaf, former manager at Batelco. He misses the bond he shared with his team members and meets them from time to time.
“We were a close-knit family. I’m happy that we have kept in touch. Sometimes we go for picnics together,” added the 69-year-old fishing enthusiast.
The early riser starts his day at 3.30am with prayers. After that, he engages in some chores, as well as gardening and the odd grocery run.
Additionally, he enjoys helping in the kitchen for large family gatherings.
“I enjoy cooking and my chicken soup and biryani remain a big hit with many,” chimed in Ibrahim Alsarry.
The 57-year-old used to be a chef at Salmaniya Medical Complex. These days, he keeps himself busy with organising various activities for the group and spending time with his family.
Mr Alsarry, who also handles the marketing and social media for the Karbabad retiree group, went on to share that the village is famous for its basket weaving and palm water factories, nodding to his love of culture and tradition.
For many of the men, being a part of the ensemble has been an avenue to discover new interests, including travel.
“I have travelled extensively thanks to my companions here,” said Sayed Hamza, 66.
The former chief of general services at the Health Ministry sees retirement as a golden opportunity to do all those things that he could not when he was busy working.
Mr Hamza also spends time helping his children and is particular about Friday gatherings with his family.
He encourages meeting loved ones at least once-a-week to exchange ideas and share life experiences.
“At this age, one of our major roles is to use our life experience to help our friends and family,” he noted.
“I write down a list of tasks for the day and do not sleep until I have checked them all. Each day has its responsibilities. If you postpone anything, you will accumulate more tasks.”
The grandfather-of-eight also advises nurturing a relationship with God, praying and reading the Holy Quran.
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