In the traditional Chinese calendar, every 60 years forms a cycle, also known as “jiazi” (sexagenary cycle). As life moves onto the next cycle, it is as if one is stepping into a new beginning. How do Hong Kongers in their sixties find value in the second half of their lives?
Mr. Pong, who is about to turn 60, has been working for more than 40 years. His children have started their own families, and he has begun thinking about retirement. His biggest concern is not the loss of income, but the sense of emptiness arising from all the free time he will suddenly have every day if he chooses to part ways with his fulfilling work life. Meanwhile, his wife, who has been a fulltime housewife for many years, has been focusing all her energy on her husband and children. With her children grown up and no longer needing as much attention and care, Mrs. Pong has decided to take on another challenge – applying to become a foster parent and turning her experience into practical skills to take care of children in need.
On the other hand, 61-year-old Uncle Bing opted for early retirement a few years ago. The main reason is that he hopes to have more time to take care of his elderly mother and mother-in-law. Confucius said, “One should care for one’s own aged parents and extend the same care to the aged parents of others.” He does not only give his all in looking after his loved ones, but also hopes to spend the second half of his life caring for the elderly in need in our society to make up for the regret he feels about an unfulfilled wish involving his father.
