A Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Ghana, and resident minister of PIWC- East Legon, Reverend Professor Osafo Adu, has urged retired ministers, their wives, and widows to approach retirement as a season of renewed purpose rather than inactivity and isolation.
Speaking on emotional and psychological well-being in retirement at the ‘Seminar For Retired Ministers, Wives and Widows’ held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), he described retirement as one of life’s major transitions. According to him, ministers often face a unique challenge because their identity and sense of purpose are closely tied to active ministry and institutional responsibilities. He cautioned that without meaningful engagement, retirement can become monotonous and unfulfilling.
Reverend Professor Osafo Adu noted that individuals aged 50 years and above are projected to constitute about 12 percent of Ghana’s population. He explained that life expectancy in Ghana has increased from about 50 years in 1960 to approximately 66 years in 2024, making retirement preparation more important than ever.
He further revealed that only about 14 percent of Ghanaian retirees have access to formal pension schemes, while many others lack structured retirement plans. According to him, a significant number of retirees experience emotional and psychological challenges, including depression, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. He also observed that only a small proportion seek professional mental health support.
Highlighting the effects of declining intergenerational living, he noted that many older adults now live alone and often lack adequate emotional and social support systems.
Professor Osafo Adu encouraged participants to “retire into something rather than simply retire from something,” stressing the importance of purposeful activities, structured routines, and active community involvement. He noted that inactivity can negatively affect mental well-being, especially when retirees lose the sense of purpose previously derived from active service.
He also underscored the importance of grief management, healthy relationships, and addressing unresolved marital and emotional issues before retirement. He concluded by urging retirees to prioritise their health, maintain meaningful connections, and continually pursue purpose to ensure a fulfilling and emotionally healthy retirement.
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