Online Reporter
Rodgers Irimayi
Cultural Perspectives
GOD created us in a very unique way.
We are thrown to this world, and live a lifecycle that takes us through phases, from the mother’s womb to a baby.
At one time you depend on others as a toddler, passing through to the youthful stages to develop into a full grown adult.
At adulthood, you are able to support yourself and others as well as you fend for yourself, get employed or get self-employed, and hustle to make a living.
You might be able to have several children and establish flourishing businesses, building yourself homes in town or rural areas.
However, as years pass by and without realising it, you grow older and older until you start feeling worn out.
If you are permitted to see more years in life before leaving this world you, you will always need a place for retirement.
As you start to grow weak and as an elderly, you become dependent on others.
It is therefore imperative to prepare yourself for those years as to ease the burden on those who will care for you.
There are a few key places where older adults can get proper rest and care as they age, but the best of them all is a proper home where you are used to, and this should be the home you will have prepared for yourself.
Recently, I asked a friend why she tendered an early retirement resignation notice. She said she was prepared for it after serving Government for 34 years.
She felt she wanted a rest.
She had built herself a home in the peri-urban. Imagine yourself as an elderly staying at your home in town where you stay with tenants or grandchildren and you use the same toilet.
The embarrassment you will get when hard pressed to use the bathroom, only to see that there is someone, and you knock the toilet door to be answered by someone inside who calls back: “Mune munhu sekuru”.
That alone will tell you that there is something amiss, you need to have free space where you do not crowd yourself with others.
As you become an elderly, you will definitely need a home with family and someone who provides caregiver support.
Many elderly people prefer to remain in their own homes as long as possible, with help from family members, home health aides, or other community services.
Although some prefer old people’s homes, the right option depends on the individuals.
Rural areas often provide peace of mind for the elderly people as they maintain strong community bonds which can be beneficial for social support and connections.
A rural home can be an excellent choice for retirement for several reasons which include peaceful environment which can be beneficial for relaxation and stress reduction surrounded by nature that can promote a sense of calm and well-being.
A peaceful environment can reduce stimulation and stress which can be beneficial for older adults who may be more sensitive to noise and busy activity.
Such an environment can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression which are common mental health concerns among older adults.
The rural area has lower cost of living considering the affordable housing construction costs compared to urban areas.
Most of the construction resources are free and brick moulding is not that expensive.
There are lower expenses when considering the cost of food, transportation, and other necessities.
One can drill a borehole for water, and install alternative sources of electric energy such as solar and biogas for lighting most of your electric gadgets like the television, computers and refrigeration.
In fact, a rural home can have all modern equipment needed, provided you give yourself enough time to prepare for it.
Our culture prescribes the rural home as the best option as it promotes independence and self-sufficiency.
The rural set up offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as gardening and fishing which can promote physical and mental health.
Running various agricultural projects such as poultry and livestock production can benefit, not only yourself, but the surrounding community.
There are physical health benefits associated with retiring at a rural home, and these include lowering of blood pressure.
Continuous stress can contribute to high blood pressure which is a significant health concern for older adults.
A rural home offers a peaceful environment that can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
Such a peaceful environment can also promote better sleep quality which is essential for good mental health.
Rural home environments provide a sense of control, familiarity, predictability and comfort, which can be particularly important for older adults who may be experiencing cognitive decline or memory loss.
Rural areas promote social bonding which is crucial for the elderly as it reduces loneliness and isolation which are common among older adults.
Social engagement has been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
It also encourages older adults to stay active and mobile, reducing the risk of falls and other mobility-related issues.
By attending funerals, church services and other social gatherings, you remain part of the society.
Social connections can provide the elderly with emotional support as others in the community help older adults cope with life’s challenges and stressors.
The participation in activities, events and groups fosters that sense of community belonging and also helps to combat loneliness and isolation.
Aging causes loss of muscle mass and flexibility, making physical activity and daily tasks more tiring, and older adults tend to take longer to recover from illness, injury, or strenuous activity compared to when they were younger.
Many older adults develop conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or dementia that require more rest and management.
In view of all these factors, the perfect resting place for you when retiring becomes the rural home.
Rodgers Irimayi is the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Masvingo Provincial Information Officer. He writes in his personal capacity and can be contacted on +263778246098 or [email protected].
