Leading a purposeful life and experiencing productive ageing

To me, the story of Elder Dobri from Bulgaria, a 90+ man who walks 43 km everyday to beg money for donation and charity, highlights the fact that if one has a purpose in life in old age and has a spiritual bent of mind then it acts as a major determinant in them leading a productive and healthy ageing. Because of his selfless acts he is considered to be a living saint by many people in Bulgaria. I salute this great soul and I am sharing a video in which his efforts have been acknowledged: http://youtu.be/RKe9CPjNf9c





Points to ponder: Isn't he leading a selfless and purposeful life?

Active Ageing a Reality

While reading an article in Economic Times (http://bit.ly/155RlgJ) about the the four 65+ successful hoteliers, Captain Nair, Biki Oberoi, R.K. Krishna Kumar and Habib Rehman, I got really inspired by them, who through their determination and hard work have become stalwarts in this field and are still actively contributing to this field. They are a real example of active ageing. Its a must read article for those who believe in active ageing.

Points to Ponder: Do you believe in active ageing?

Engagement in activities is a key to Healthy Ageing

It really makes me feel bad to observe some of the myths and stereotypes existing in our society about old age as a stage when people sit idle at home either in frustration or depression.

While pursuing my Ph.D., I observed that many of the senior citizens from whom I collected data, believed in keeping themselves healthy by engaging in either some household or personal chores or pursuing some outdoor activities. Some of them were even pursuing second careers and other work, related to their interest. I am proud to say that my father also belongs to such category of people. He is 65 years old and is actively pursuing his medical profession.

All of them believe that keeping oneself engaged in some activities is not only a means of keeping oneself physically active but is also a way of keeping oneself psychologically fit and socially involved, which is must for a healthy and productive ageing.

I strongly suggest those who believe that life after 60 years is inactive and useless, to change their mindset and meet such people who believe that one can keep oneself fit through a strong will power irrespective of age related changes.

Points to ponder: Do you also believe in such myths and stereotypes about old age?

Adventure @ 80 years

It’s a general notion that one cannot be physically fit, active and mobile at the age of 80 years. Mr. Yuichiro Miura, a Japanese man proved all these myths wrong by climbing Mt. Everest yesterday, at the age of 80 years, despite four heart surgeries. Through this he became the oldest man to scale the peak. He did this earlier also at the age of 70 and 75 years. Interesting fact is that Mr. Bahadur Sherchan, 81 years Nepalese man, who too scaled Mt. Everest at the age of 76 in 2008 to set record, is preparing to climb this peak next week regardless of health problems.

I salute these two men and seriously wish that we all should get inspired from them for keep ourselves physically fit and active so that we can lead a healthy and active life, especially post 60 years.

Sharing the video by BBC World News about Mr. Yuichiro Miura’s success:

Do watch this video and get inspired!!!!

Points to ponder: Is this news motivating you to plan some adventure trips?  

Helping Independent Parents Post Retirement

Found an interesting article in Economic Times, (http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-05-20/news/39392741_1_shravani-retirement-home-retirement-corpus) which I found to be very useful for those who wish to financially help their independent parents after their parent's retirement, without much interference in their sense of independence.

Points to ponder: Have you planned your parent's and your retirement?

Age is not a barrier!

Really got inspired after reading this news item (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Run-for-fun-on-a-Sunday/articleshow/20144409.cms) which mentions about participation of around 712 senior citizens in 4.7 km run in the 6th edition of TCS World 10K run yesterday in Bangalore. This proves that age is not a barrier for those who wish to keep themselves healthy inspite of any challenge whether physical or social. 

Point to ponder: Is it possible for everyone to keep onself fit?

Real examples of Productive Ageing

Yesterday, felt really amazed to meet and interact with six (50+) students of paraprofessional course of Nirmala Niketan. Was very happy to observe their motivation to gain more information on social issues and their eagerness and passion to apply that knowledge for the welfare of society. They are the real heroes, the real change makers and a perfect example of active and productive ageing.

I strongly wish that other senior citizens should take inspiration from them for not only leading an active and healthy life but also making a meaningful contribution to society.

I would also like to thank my friend Mr. Sailesh Mishra of Silver Inning Foundation for giving me an opportunity to join him in a discussion with those students at Nirmala Niketan Extension Centre, Goregaon.

Point to discuss: Have you come across any such examples of active and productive ageing?

Keeping oneself psychologically well is a key to Healthy Ageing

 
While watching the movie Something’s Gotta Give (released in 2003, directed by Nancy Meyers) during the weekend, in which two lead characters (50+) Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton have portrayed an active and enthusiastic life and also remembering the zeal with which an Indian elderly couple were enjoying water sports activities during my recent trip to Thailand, the quote by Mark Twain that “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter” seems so true and meaningful. 

I know that in old age, social and family matters play an important role and at times create stress for elderly. However, inspite of various old age related challenges, if elderly opt to enjoy life and keep oneself psychologically well then they are surely going to move towards the state of healthy ageing.

Believe me this is not something ideal, I have seen live examples of it!

Point to reflect: In what ways one can keep oneself psychologically well?

Healthy diet - Healthy Ageing

Needless to say that our diet plays an important role in maintenance of our health throughout our life, especially during old age when a person is vulnerable to many health challenges.

Found an interesting research paper ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2544374/) which highlights the effectiveness of Mediterranean diet on healthy ageing. I am sure you will find it useful.

Point to discuss: Can you share some other diet patterns which have positive impact on healthy ageing?

Elder Friendly Environment

During my last few days in Bangkok, was really happy and amazed to see the elder friendly transport and infrastructure facilities available there for promotion of active ageing. This is something which is very strongly recommended by Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing for promotion of well-being in old age.

I seriously wish and hope that someday elder friendly transport facilities through buses and trains (especially local trains in Mumbai) and infrastructure facilities like lifts, ramps and toilets for the convenience of elderly at railway stations, hospitals, government offices, malls and other public places may be available in India in most of the places for the promotion of active and healthy ageing.

Point to Reflect: In what ways our transport system can be made more elder friendly?