At Retire KZN, we love bringing our community the latest information and inspiring stories about retirement. We want to introduce you to the Rocktirement Podcast – retired and rewired – by Circle Senior Living, hosted by Gidon Novick. Every month, this engaging podcast redefines retirement, showing how notable South African figures continue to live with purpose, passion, and adventure even in their later years. We found this podcast fascinating and thought our KZN retirees would enjoy the inspiring life lessons and fresh perspectives it offers.
Get ready to listen to Dr. Ali Bacher’s journey of perseverance and passion! In the first episode of Rocktirement, Dr. Ali Bacher reflects on his incredible life, filled with both triumphs and challenges. From celebrating his son’s 50th birthday to reflecting on his own journey at 82, Dr. Bacher shares a life brimming with gratitude. He humorously recounts his daily walks, a constant reminder of his health and the lucky hand he’s been dealt despite undergoing cardiac bypass surgeries and using a pacemaker. His story is one of resilience, where each day is met with appreciation.
Dr. Bacher credits much of his passion for sports to his family, especially his mother’s side, where cricket played an integral role. He reminisces about his early days at Ellis Park and his admiration for Sir Donald Bradman, whose advice shaped his career. While the letter from Bradman may have been lost to time, the impact on young Bacher’s life remains profound. This heartwarming anecdote captures the essence of mentorship, which has played a pivotal role in Dr. Bacher’s life, both as a cricketer and later as a sports administrator.
Perhaps the most poignant takeaway from Dr. Bacher’s episode is his belief in embracing every chapter of life with purpose. From his transition from cricket to medicine and later sports administration, he has consistently sought new opportunities. Even in retirement, his commitment to projects like the Maharishi Institute shows his desire to continue making a difference. Dr. Bacher reminds listeners that retirement is not the end but an opportunity to redirect energy toward meaningful ventures that align with personal passions.
Following the engaging first episode with Dr. Ali Bacher, The Rocktirement Podcast continues to inspire with its second episode featuring another South African icon, Ruda Landman. In this episode, Ruda shares her reflections on a life in journalism, the transition into retirement, and the importance of finding purpose and joy in the next phase of life. Her candid insights offer wisdom and humour that are sure to resonate with anyone considering how to approach their golden years with grace and enthusiasm.
Ruda Landman, a beloved South African journalist and broadcaster, recently shared her reflections on retirement in a special podcast episode that provides a rare and insightful look into her post-career life. Known for her decades-long career with Carte Blanche, Ruda’s reflections offer a mixture of inspiration, humour, and heartfelt wisdom that can serve as guidance for anyone approaching or navigating retirement.
Reflecting on her remarkable career, Ruda speaks candidly about the transition from a high-paced media life to the quieter rhythms of retirement. She notes that, while it may seem daunting to move away from the routine of a career, retirement offers a unique opportunity to rediscover personal passions and find a new sense of purpose. She emphasises that it’s important not to view retirement as an end but as a new chapter of exploration and self-fulfilment.
Her advice for seniors is to embrace change with an open heart. She encourages retirees to take stock of what they truly enjoy, whether it’s travel, learning new skills, or spending more time with loved ones. Ruda believes that the key to a happy retirement is maintaining curiosity and staying mentally engaged.
One of the most insightful aspects of Ruda’s journey is how she has learned to embrace a slower pace. While her career was filled with tight deadlines and constant movement, she now cherishes the quiet moments that retirement affords. In the podcast, she reflects on the power of taking time to think, read, and appreciate life without the urgency of schedules. Her advice to retirees is to allow themselves the space to breathe, reflect, and enjoy the present moment.
Ruda also touches on how slowing down has allowed her to cultivate deeper relationships with her family and friends. Retirement offers a special opportunity to reconnect with loved ones in meaningful ways, making time for conversations and activities that may have been sidelined during busy working years.
Far from seeing retirement as a time to step back, Ruda views it as a period of reinvention. She shares how she has reignited her passion for writing, taking on projects that speak to her personally rather than those driven by deadlines. Her advice for seniors is to lean into the activities that bring joy, whether it’s creative pursuits, volunteering, or hobbies that may have been long forgotten.
Her reflections highlight an essential lesson: purpose doesn’t end with retirement. She stresses the importance of staying active and contributing to the community in ways that feel fulfilling. Whether it’s sharing your experience and knowledge with younger generations or getting involved in causes close to your heart, Ruda encourages retirees to find what lights them up.
A key theme that comes through in Ruda’s reflections is the idea of living boldly. She speaks about how retirement should be seen as a time to take risks and try new things. Whether it’s exploring a new hobby, traveling to new places, or learning a new skill, she believes that age should never be a barrier to growth or adventure.
Her message to retirees is clear: don’t let the fear of aging prevent you from living your best life. Push beyond your comfort zones, as this stage of life is full of opportunities for personal growth and joy.
Ruda’s podcast conversation is infused with humour and light-heartedness, qualities that she believes are essential for a happy retirement. She discusses the importance of finding humour in everyday life, particularly as challenges arise. Her reflections on aging are peppered with wit, making it clear that she doesn’t take herself too seriously.
She also speaks about the importance of gratitude — something she practices daily. By appreciating the little things in life, from a good cup of coffee to the beauty of nature, she maintains a positive outlook. Her advice to retirees is to cultivate a sense of gratitude, which can profoundly shift one’s perspective and lead to a more content and peaceful retirement.
Ruda Landman’s insights into retirement are both uplifting and practical. As someone who has transitioned from a successful career into a fulfilling retirement, she offers invaluable wisdom on embracing this new phase of life with grace, curiosity, and enthusiasm.
Don’t miss out on the upcoming podcast where the next Rocktirement episode will interview Pieter-Dirk Uys!
