"Some people are ok with doing nothing all day after they retire, but then some people if they had nothing to do would go mad and start banging their heads against a wall"

Different individuals approach retirement with varying attitudes and needs, and these differences can profoundly affect their sense of fulfillment and well-being. Some people, after decades spent in the structure of work and responsibilities, find immense satisfaction and peace in a more relaxed phase of life. They are able to embrace idleness, enjoy leisure, and fill their days with activities that require little to no effort or structure. For these individuals, the absence of professional obligations is a welcome respite. Doing nothing, for them, is not a burden but a reward, a way to savor the simple pleasures of life and appreciate moments of rest without the pressure to perform or be productive.

However, there is another segment of people for whom constant engagement is essential to their identity and mental health. They derive a sense of purpose, self-worth, and satisfaction from being active, contributing, or having a routine. Retirement, instead of signifying freedom, brings forth a kind of existential emptiness that can be deeply uncomfortable. The sudden lack of a structured day or meaningful tasks can lead to feelings of restlessness, frustration, and even despair. For these individuals, inactivity is intolerable; their minds crave challenges and their hands seek work. Without a sense of purpose or occupation, they experience agitation, a mental distress so pronounced it could figuratively drive them to extreme expressions of frustration.

Khan’s observation points to the idea that human fulfillment is highly individualized. Retirement is not merely an economic or career transition, it is an adjustment on psychological and emotional levels. Recognizing these differences is crucial, not only for retirees but also for those who support them. Encouragement to pursue hobbies, part-time work, volunteering, or lifelong learning opportunities can help ensure that those who need constant stimulation or engagement can find fulfillment. Meanwhile, it also legitimizes the desire for restful idleness in those who welcome it, emphasizing choice and personal well-being above universal prescriptions.