[Is there life after trauma surgery? Way of life in retirement]

The transition from active working life as an emergency surgeon to retirement is accompanied by mixed feelings because the prospect of more free time and a reduced workload is overshadowed by the awareness that an important and satisfying phase in life is coming to an end. Planning well ahead will help to accept a step which will seem abrupt at the given time. Whereas moving to a different location or taking up another emergency surgery task at a reduced level should be considered with care, a social network, especially a large and interesting circle of friends and acquaintances is of considerable importance. If health allows it performing voluntary activities may not only be beneficial for the respective organisations but may also widen one's horizons. Hobbies that often had to be neglected during the period of working life can now be intensively pursued: sports, travelling, photography, gardening, handcraft, the list is long. Those who are lucky enough to have a large family, especially many grandchildren do not need to worry about sufficient tasks and lots of pleasure and diversion in old age.