Education News has revealed through its exclusive survey two months ago that teachers live longer after retiring than other civil servants in Kenya.
A random interview conducted in both urban and rural areas of seven counties in various regions found that tutors, especially those teaching in primary schools, live longer due to various factors attributable to their nature of work.
Education News further sought to understand possible reasons and factors that led to the findings’ conclusion. Some of the interviewed teachers cited lifestyle as a reason they live long.
“We, as primary teachers, don’t live complicated lives like other officers,” said one Onyango from Homa Bay County.
Most of her colleagues echoed her reason. They agreed that they live simple lives that do not attract much stress even after exiting the service.
Exposure to a lot of physical exercise every morning and evening as they attend duty was the second reason why they gave as a major contribution.
“It’s rare to find an overweight teacher, especially in primary schools,” replied Namburuk, a resident of Laikipia County.
He asserted that teachers have enough exercise as many do not use vehicles to go to school. He further claimed that with the oncoming of motorbikes, things might change for them.
The claim that most teachers come from the villages and urban centres where their schools are located seems to cement the reality that many teachers do not suffer much shock when they retire.
“They will go back to the same villages, same compound, and even eat the same food they have been eating during their active times,” agreed Mwashigade from Voi.
Teaching involves a lot of social activities compared to other professions. The survey found that, since teaching involves talking, guiding, counselling, and directing learners, teachers are in a position to relieve their mental pressure and avert health complications related to mental and heart health.
This is further bolstered by teachers’ involvement in community activities. It was further revealed that teachers play the roles of pastors, treasurers, secretaries, and masters of ceremonies, among other tasks, in the communities they come from.
Owing to teaching being a holistic profession, teachers were found to be more knowledgeable in different fields, including health and weather, than their colleagues from other sectors. Teachers, in this regard, are able to solve and address most issues on their own, giving them an advantage over other professionals.
“A teacher can easily detect his/her ill health and make a correct diagnosis. This makes them guard their health and remain healthy,” agreed Wambulwa, a retired Agronomist.
ALSO READ:
The survey further found that teachers are more serious about retirement planning than most civil servants.
“Most teachers are in Saccos, which actually helps them to buy property, build houses and even start income-generating activities,” commented one Lameck, a retired local administrator from Kitui.
He pointed out that, unlike other civil servants, teachers encourage each other to look beyond their working years, adding that this is a rare trait ingrained in them.
Life beyond working years is crucial for every teacher and, to a greater extent, the Teachers Service Commission.
In this respect, it is very important for each and every teacher to be cognizant of what can prolong their lives beyond the mandatory 60 years of active service. The commission should find a way of prolonging the lives of its employees after retirement by devising a robust retirement plan that will acclimatize them to the new normal.
By Kaptich Tarus.
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
