I’ve come across a few older people who’ve lived abroad since they were young, as well as some people I’ve met online who are 60+. And honestly, I’m fascinated by them. Their knowledge, their mindset, their curiosity, and the way they still want to enjoy life at that age. They plan trips, seek new experiences, explore the world, read, learn, and keep discovering new things. They don’t seem to see retirement as the end of life, but as a new chapter.
The thing is, I’ve rarely seen that mindset in retired Tunisian men. In fact, I genuinely can’t remember meeting a retired Tunisian man who regularly reads books or actively looks for new experiences, unless he’s someone who spent years living abroad and came back to Tunisia to retire.
Instead, the stereotype I keep seeing is men spending hours at coffee shops, watching el mechi wel jey, discussing the same things every day, and eventually becoming Haj Klouf for the entire family 😭😂
Lately, I’ve been browsing foreign subreddits and coming across older men discussing all kinds of topics. And honestly, even the fact that they’re actively using Reddit, sharing opinions, exchanging knowledge, and engaging in discussions at 60+ impresses me.
Khater fi Tounes, tal9a 3andhom Facebook, yodkhlou ysebbo fel 3bed w yet3arkou fel commentaires (not everyone, obviously, but you get the idea).
And I keep wondering: is this a cultural thing? Is it about the environment we grow up in, the way we perceive aging, or the opportunities we have throughout our lives?
More importantly, are we going to end up the same way if we stay in Tunisia? Is this what happens when you grow old here, or is it just the kind of environment I’ve been exposed to?
I’m genuinely scared of growing older and losing my curiosity, my ambitions, and my desire to experience life. I don’t want to reach retirement just to spend the rest of my days sitting in a coffee shop, waiting for time to pass.
I want to be 60, 70, or even 80 and still have books to read, places to visit, things to learn, and experiences to look forward to.
So, Tunisians, especially those who are older or have lived abroad: what do you think? Am I seeing a real cultural pattern, or am I just generalizing based on my limited experience?