A letter to my 20-year-old self by retirees
As the curtains close in 2023 and the dawn of 2024 unfolds with aspirations and optimism, many are crafting plans for education, employment, and personal development in the coming year.
For those in their twenties, the focus is often on academic pursuits or gaining practical skills while also engaging in various activities reminiscent of the past.
Reflecting on their journeys, individuals like Beatrice Ngendo, 73, and Elijah Mwega, 67, share a common sentiment of wishing they had invested more in their futures during their twenties.
Beatrice, a former government employee, laments not preparing adequately for her senior years, emphasizing the importance of building a foundation early in life.
“I started working when I was 18; if I had known then, I would have built myself and saved money so I would not end up in poverty in my old age. I would have done so many things that could have helped me now,” expresses Beatrice, a mother of four.
Elijah Mwega echoes similar sentiments, regretting that society often undervalues older individuals.
As the founder and CEO of Kenyan Aged-People Require Information, Knowledge, and Advancement (KARIKA), established in 2003, he encourages today’s youth to recognise the challenges of ageing and take proactive steps.
“I wish I could have understood the challenge of our aging population. I could have done better than what I did, and that is what I would say to all the young generations, you need the energy that you have today, tomorrow,” urges Elijah, emphasizing the significance of utilizing youthful energy to prepare for the challenges of old age.
He further challenges youths to invest their energy to prepare for their old age.
“I urge you all to imagine a situation where you will lose your energy even to take yourself to the toilet and what you will do when you do not give yourself drinking water, be kind to the older people so that you can be a blessed family in the future,” he says.
He challenges the younger generation to invest their vigour in planning for their later years, envisioning a future where everyone supports the elderly for a blessed family.
Elijah’s organization, KARIKA, located in Dagoretti’s Riruta ward, provides a space for older individuals from different parts of the country.
Engaging in economic activities like soap making, they also participate in social sessions, including exercises, fostering a sense of community and well-being among the elderly.
“I’m happy when I see older people eating together and coming together, socializing and also seeing people of goodwill coming and supporting them. I always admire seeing people agreeing with the older people and giving them the support they need,” says the former government employee.