Does a Retired Person Have the Right to Pursue Personal Fulfillment?

Yes, a retired person living off their life savings has the right to choose how they spend their time. The concept of productivity can vary widely from one person to another. Some may find fulfillment in hobbies, volunteering, or spending time with family and friends. Others may continue to work part-time or engage in projects that interest them.

Defining Fulfillment: A Personal Journey

Retirement can be a time for personal growth and redefining one's purpose. For many, it is a stage where they have the luxury to explore their interests and passions. However, for individuals who have faced challenges, this period can also bring about significant obstacles.

A Personal Struggle

Let me share my experience. I retired nine years ago at the age of 63 with an ambitious agenda: learning to play the banjo and reading books that an educated person ought to read. My retirement journey was initially filled with promise and excitement, but it quickly took a turn. After several years and many books read on a semi-recumbent stationary bike, I suffered a severe personal setback: I tore the left Achilles' tendon. Following this, I dislocated and fractured my left ring finger, which put an abrupt stop to my banjo lessons.

Upon experiencing numerous falls due to my ankle problem, I was misdiagnosed after many symptoms. A prominent doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital was initially dismissive, telling me I was in denial about my condition. Despite my protests, this doctor insisted on a diagnosis that, unfortunately, did not reflect the true severity of my condition. It was only after my diagnosis was overturned that I could engage in traditional physical therapy (PT) for my ankle and calf muscle atrophy. Sadly, traditional PT was not effective, and I quickly faced a new challenge: the tearing of the right Achilles' tendon.

In the ensuing years, I fell further into a state of physical and emotional decline. My primary care doctor, a general practitioner, was unable to provide the medical attention I needed, and her refusal to prescribe pain relief only further deteriorated my quality of life. When I finally found a doctor who prescribed gabapentin, I was able to manage my nerve pain in my feet, allowing me to begin walking again.

Now, at the age of 72, progress is slow, but I am making strides in reinforcing my legs and mobility. Despite the challenges, I remain determined to make the most of the time I have left.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

Throughout my experiences, I have encountered incompetence and greed among medical practitioners that I find incredible. This is not just a isolated incident but a broader systemic issue. The lack of accountability within the medical field reflects the powerful influence of the medical lobby, much like how outrageous drug prices reflect the power of the pharmaceutical industry. The swamp of corruption extends beyond Washington and permeates across the country, threatening the welfare of all individuals.

The Right to Define Fulfillment

Ultimately, the freedom to define what is meaningful and fulfilling during retirement lies with the individual. Society should individuals in pursuing their personal goals and passions, rather than imposing rigid standards of productivity. It is time to recognize that the right to personal fulfillment is a fundamental aspect of retirement, and every individual has the right to choose their path.