Retirement is not the end of life; it is the beginning of new experiences in life and work. In many countries, those who retire start life anew, becoming more vital, experienced and knowledgeable persons. Retirees can use the knowledge and skills that they have amassed in their careers for the service of their nation and the general benefit of society. Many large corporations offer executives who have retired from the company new contracts as consultants so that the organization can continue to benefit from the knowledge and advice of those who have accumulated experience and wisdom over the years. We should think of our retired citizens as consultants to the nation, and society should find ways to make use of their expertise. It would be especially advantageous if ways could be found to have our retired men and women interact with those in the younger generation who are just starting out in their chosen careers. The opportunity should not be lost to hand over the skills and knowledge of an older generation to the country's young men and women for the benefit of all. Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, recently spoke at a ceremony honoring the retirees of the Ministry of Interior's civil and military sectors. Prince Naif addressed the retirees as colleagues and spoke of how they had dedicated themselves to the development of the nation which was founded by King Abdul Aziz based on the Shariah. He said that the Kingdom is a free country which has never been enslaved by any world power, and that the love and loyalty for the country is manifested by its citizens who serve it, and he urged the retirees to continue “serving the homeland”. Indeed, retirement is not an end to the services which citizens can provide the nation. Retirees must continue to be productive and involved in work wherever they are, and they must continue to contribute to the development of the country. Their skills, knowledge and experience are an asset which no nation can afford to neglect. __
