When we made it to the landmark age of 60, many of us were jubilant, but wary. This crossroad opened up possibilities that were closed doors in the past – doors to an unknown future. Was age just a number? Our annual medical review showed normal readings, but often included the formulation, ‘age-related degeneration’.
Well-meaning friends, while complimenting us on our good work, would add, ‘… and that too at your age’. Inspired youngsters would say we reminded them of their grandmothers… and so on.
Fortunately, with increasing education levels, health standards and life expectancy, perceptions of age today are quite different from what they were just a decade ago. Revolutionary developments in mobility, technology in daily use, and unprecedented speed and ease of communication, have all added multiple dimensions and directions to ways to spend our lives fruitfully and positively.
In the new 60s, 70s and even 80s, we have found several opportunities to expand our horizons beyond the mundane routine of work, family and home across our prime years. Many retired persons have cultivated worthwhile hobbies and social contacts, travelled extensively, and pursued their interests in literary, artistic and outdoor sports with stress-free enthusiasm, which they could not have even dreamt of earlier. Home-birds got an opportunity to work out of home and be proud of home and garden.
‘Senior Citizen’ is no more a term implying ‘less-abled’, ‘less interesting’ and ‘outdated’. Those amongst them who had been smart enough all along the tough years of education, work, raising families and running homes successfully, by careful spending and saving, have been unconsciously building up the tremendous powers of Knowledge, Experience and Decision-making – which come with age, time, practice and ability to learn.
No wonder that we see more confident and smiling faces among the senior citizens of today who have ‘been there and done that’. In fact they have the best of both worlds. The first, a rare knowledge of the past filled with pleasant memories of a less complex, less populated, cleaner and greener world, along with the ancestral legacy of the company of their elders with whom they had had time and inclination to spend long hours. (Youngsters today have everything but no time, unfortunately!) And the second, a vibrant, mind-boggling present, to be made the best use of. Age sharpens the intellect and it is an oft-proven point that patience rather than haste, especially in important matters, a sharp sense of discrimination and reduction or avoidance of waste, are its hallmarks. With growing age, mistakes made are fewer, physical and financial requirements are minimal, and time is aplenty.
The choice of what you do is yours. Just leading an active but organised life seems rewarding. This explains the success of many senior citizen communities and silver/golden jubilee get-togethers of college and university alumni.
But those approaching ‘retirement age’ must make sure they retain their mental and physical health, fitness and stamina, assets and finances and an awareness of what goes on around you. Staying connected with events and people that are positive, useful and necessary. The best is yet to come!
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