The most beautiful feature of Sanatana Dharma, or generally known as Hinduism, is the four phases in every person's life, or the four stages of life that have been beautifully assigned and outlined for those keen to follow, the social doctrine known as Ashramas, namely Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa.
From "Spiritual Culture" at https://spiritualculture.org/the-four-ashramas-stages-of-life-in-hindu-thought/ we gather it as a wonderful journey "from the disciplined dawn of youth to the quiet dusk of renunciation. These stages are not just historical ideals, but living truths offering insight into who we are, what we are called to do, and how we can live meaningfully."
Brahmacharya is the phase whereby one seeks "education and builds on his character, laying the foundation for future responsibilities."
Then, entering the phase of a Grihastha, he begins to socially engage with the community and society. It revolves around the "family life, career, and his or her contribution," where one’s Dharma is enacted. He takes on various roles and the duties of a "spouse, parent, worker, and citizen". The post describes it beautifully, stating that "Many see household life as spiritually limiting. But Hinduism reverses this, saying: Spirituality must thrive in the heart of the world, not just in forests or temples. Our emails, diapers, deadlines — all can be sacred, if done in the right spirit."
Then "one begins to withdraw -- not to escape, but to contemplate. Vanaprastha marks a time of detachment, generally after children are grown and responsibilities lessen. One might still live in society, but with less involvement. Duties are now handed to the next generation. The heart turns toward prayer, scripture, and spiritual counsel. This stage is also a time to mentor, to guide others from one’s deep well of life experience. A Vanaprastha becomes a quiet pillar of the community, not seeking praise, but giving presence. The Vanaprastha vision says: this is your time to grow within, to write, meditate, teach, travel spiritually. It reframes aging as sacred evolution."
Finally, Sannyasa is where he "lets go of all identity, giving up all attachments to possessions, roles, name, ego. He is now inwardly free".