Preparing for retirement isn’t just about saving money! The super-aged society needs “learning ability” even more

When it comes to preparing for retirement, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is pensions.

We are worried about whether the labor insurance is bankrupt and whether the pension is sufficient. We also work hard on investment and financial management, hoping to accumulate more security for our retirement life. As a result, "how much money to save for retirement" has become the question that many people are most concerned about. However, as Taiwan officially enters a super-aged society, we may have to think more: If there are still twenty or even thirty years of life left after retirement, is the only thing we really need to prepare for is pension?

The OECD recently released the "Education Policy Outlook 2025", which lists the pre-retirement period as an important and critical moment for lifelong learning. The report points out that in the face of population aging and digital transformation, whether individuals have the ability to continue learning, adapt to changes, and participate in society will profoundly affect the quality of life and happiness after retirement.

The OECD released the "Education Policy Outlook 2025", which lists the pre-retirement period as an important and critical moment for lifelong learning. The picture shows the New Taipei City Education Bureau recently held a "Lifelong Learning Store Press Conference", inviting professionals from various fields to participate. (File photo) For a long time, we have been accustomed to equate retirement planning with financial planning, but rarely discuss preparations for study, social participation, and life roles after retirement. Many people have a fixed job, personal network, and life rhythm before retirement. Once they retire, these structures that support life may disappear in an instant. A lack of work goals, a lack of social interaction, and a loss of focus in life are often more disturbing than a loss of income. The biggest challenge faced by many retirees is not lack of money, but not knowing why they get up every day.

Therefore, the most important asset after retirement is not necessarily savings, but the ability to continue to grow.

The OECD proposes that lifelong learning requires learning willingness, learning ability and learning opportunities. For retirees, being willing to engage with new things, learn new skills, and build new interpersonal networks not only helps adapt to changes in life, but also maintains cognitive function and mental health.

At the senior learning scene, we often see retirees rediscover their sense of accomplishment and life goals through learning. Some people learn digital technology, some devote themselves to artistic creation, and some find through volunteer services that they can still contribute to society. These studies are not just courses, but also an important process of re-constructing the value of life.

In the face of a super-aged society, retirement is no longer the end of life, but a new beginning.

The twenty years after retirement should not be just waiting for the years to pass, but rather a golden period of continuous exploration, growth and contribution.

At the senior learning scene, we often see retirees rediscover their sense of accomplishment and life goals through learning. The picture shows the Pingtung Senior Learning Digital Demonstration Experience Field, which uses augmented reality games to help the elderly conduct health analysis. (File photo) Therefore, retirement preparation should not only include financial planning, but also establish a complete "four pillars of retirement": finance, health, social relationships and learning ability. The first two allow us to live with peace of mind, while the latter two determine whether we can live a wonderful life. Retirement pension can protect life, but it cannot guarantee the richness and fulfillment of life. What truly accompanies a person through his retirement years is not just the numbers in his bank account, but the passion for continuous learning and the courage to start over.

Pension determines the quality of life, and learning ability determines the quality of life. As a super-aged society approaches, the latter may deserve more attention than the former.

(The author is the CEO of Miaoli County Elderly Learning Demonstration Center & an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Resources Development, National Jinan International University)