Ron’s Story: Life After Retirement

When Ron, 68, from Livingston retired in 2020, he expected life to become quieter.

After completing his career working in IT and coaching, he was looking forward to his retirement and having more time for himself. But over time, he found himself spending more and more time alone.

"Most of my week was spent in the house. I'd go for the occasional walk or meet up with family, but it was quite a solitary life."

Then, following the loss of a close friend, Ron realised he was withdrawing from the people and activities around him.

“I was in a bit of a downward spiral… It was only when I realised what was happening that I started looking for something to get me out of the house. That’s when I discovered the (West Lothian) 50 Plus Network. " That decision changed his life.

After joining the West Lothian 50+ Network, a community organisation supported by Age Scotland that helps older people stay connected and active, Ron quickly found himself part of a welcoming community. He started by just attending a coffee group, which soon led to new friendships, new experiences and new opportunities to get even more involved.

Today, most of Ron’s week is filled with activities. He runs a technology drop-in group, helped establish a fly-fishing group and men's social group, and regularly takes part in photography and other events.

"What I've done is turn my hobbies into groups. Rather than being solitary pleasures, I've got friends to do them with now."

For Ron, one of the greatest strengths of groups like the West Lothian 50+ Network is that they help older people remain active, connected and heard.

Too often, he believes, older people's voices can be overlooked.

Staying connected became even more important for Ron after a difficult period with his health. Having experienced serious kidney problems and recently undergoing a kidney transplant, he knows first-hand how older people’s voices and opinions can quickly be overlooked.

Reflecting on his stays in hospital, he remembers occasions when people seemed to focus on his age rather than seeing him as an individual.

"They look at your chart and see your age, and then they just pigeonhole you," he says.

It's one of the reasons he feels so strongly about the importance of organisations like Age Scotland. Through our campaigning to tackle ageism and advocating for the rights of older people, we’re working towards a Scotland where no one becomes invisible because they’ve grown older.

"There is so much talent and experience in older people. When people stop working, they don't lose those skills."

Without finding the Network, Ron believes his own life could have looked very different. He found support at the right time. He found friendship, purpose, and a place where he belongs. "If I hadn't found the network," he says, "I think I'd be sitting in my house today, not doing very much."

But his story is also a reminder of what is possible when older people have the support they need.

Thousands of older people across Scotland are still facing loneliness, financial hardship and isolation. Many are struggling to access advice, support or social connection when they need it most.

Age Scotland's helpline, friendship service, support for local groups and national campaigning all work together to create a Scotland where older people have purpose, a place to belong and a voice.