•When a man has reached an old age, and already has grandchildren, then he, and possibly his wife, should retire to live as hermits in the forest. •Ideally, the older person who will retire to the forest will already have a son who will stay at home, since in Hindu tradition the son has the responsibility of lighting the cremation pyre for deceased parents. •In this post-householder stage of life, one will recite the Veda and follow spiritual practices for purification