It was 11 pm. Tarun had just finished reading Ghachar Ghochar, a translated Kannada novella, and walked to the kitchen for a glass of water. As he passed his parents’ bedroom, he heard laughter. Curious, he glanced inside. His father was lying on the bed, phone held close to his face, smiling at reels.

He went back to the kitchen, drank some water, and returned to his room. He was not able to sleep. Instead, he lay awake, thinking.

His father, a businessman now retired, had always slept before 9.30 pm. For decades, his routine rarely changed. Dinner, a short conversation, lights off. That rhythm had carried him through most of his adult life. And yet, here he was, awake late into the night, quietly amused by a glowing screen.

So many question began filling his head. When did this change happen? And what had gently replaced the old routine? Are his parents addicted to social media?

The Unnoticed Change After Retirement

As these thoughts settled, a sudden realisation dawned on him. His parents grew up in a world shaped by structure. Morning tea with The Hindu. Office hours that gave the day a clear beginning and end. Evenings with family. Time had form and direction. Retirement altered that form. Work, which once occupied nearly a third of their lives, is no more a part of his life. Colleagues were not merely co-workers but daily companions, familiar voices, shared lunches. When one retires, that social presence fades quickly. In its place, news, short videos, and social media.

Filling the Space Thoughtfully

The space created by retirement should be filled with something that feels equally engaging, but more nourishing. Here are a few gentle ways that will help move towards a more balanced and connected routine.

Meet-ups For Seniors

Work provides us with a ready-made community. After retirement, it disappears overnight. That is why one has to rebuild the social circle again. Meetups are a simple and often overlooked way to do this, especially for seniors. In most metropolitan cities, there are walking groups, yoga sessions, dance classes, book clubs, heritage walks, photography circles, gardening societies, and volunteering opportunities created with older adults in mind.

Bring your curiosity to real life

Did you watch a interesting reel about poetry? Instead of watching a dozen more videos on poetry, check out if there is a poetry meetup nearby you. Where, you can listen or read out your favourite poem. Watched a video about bird-watching? Pick up your binoculars and go to the nearest garden. The phone can be a starting point, not the destination

Meet people in real

WhatsApp groups are wonderful for staying in touch, but they're appetizers, not the main course. That colleague who keeps sharing jokes in the group chat? Call them up and suggest meeting for filter coffee. Nothing can beat real-life meeting.

An active physical life

Regular physical activity improves sleep, lifts mood, and brings mental clarity. Walking groups, yoga circles, swimming, or nature outings gives you social interaction as an extra benefit. Physical tiredness leads to better rest, which in turn reduces late-night scrolling. More importantly, walking or excercising together creates shared moments beyond screens.

From screens back to connection

The digital age is not an adversary. Used well, it keeps families close, shares memories, and helps parents stay informed. They understand this. What is easy to forget is how quietly screens can begin to replace presence. Happy reading :)