92 year old marathon runner

Harriette Thompson, a 92 year old woman proved that with strong will and determination nothing is impossible. She finished the San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon on Sunday 31st May, 2015 in total 7 hours, 24 minutes and 36 seconds.  By doing this she became the world oldest woman to complete a 26.2 mile race.

She ran for a noble cause which is to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She herself is a cancer survivor and she started running in marathon in her 70s. She runs not only to raise charity but also to keep herself fit.  She is a perfect example of active, healthy and productive ageing; and a source of inspiration for many people like me.

I enjoyed watching her video. Hope you will enjoy watching it too: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/ID/2668557832/

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Lets take a pledge on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Today on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day lets take a pledge to not only just protect our elders against abuse but also work towards empowering them to raise their voice for their right to health and well-being and to live with dignity.

We can do it in our own way and can start with our family, neighbourhood, community or society.

I am trying to do my bit in my own way, mainly for the promotion of healthy and productive ageing. What about you?

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In the memory of my Grandfather

This post is dedicated to my maternal grandfather (my Nana), who was 80+ and who passed away on 5th June, 2015. He participated in India’s struggle for freedom in a very young age, though never took credit for it. During his lifetime he was always eager to learn new things, even at the age of 70 he was interested in learning computers, which many people of that age still found difficult to learn in a city like Allahabad. Despite of his health issues he managed to lead an active and independent life fairly well till the end of his life journey. He left this world exactly the way he wanted, peacefully and calmly.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a chance to meet him or talk to him during the last days of his life, therefore sharing some feelings here for him in order to feel a bit better: “I never thought that I am going to miss you so much when you are gone.  You will always be in my mind and heart like a hero, who through his lifestyle made me believe that no matter whatever the situation is, always trust in your own capabilities, rely on your own energies and never force your decisions on others. I wish that this message must reach you wherever you are”

I just pray and hope that his soul must rest in peace.

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A 94 year old graduate from West Virginia University

Mr. Anthony Brutto, a 94 year old man has proved it right that its never too late to fulfill one's dreams. Through his strong will and perseverance he recently graduated from the West Virginia University. By doing this he achieved something for which he has been trying off and on for almost 75 years. He couldn't achieve it earlier due to some personal and professional commitments.

I salute this gentleman and his strong spirit for accomplishing such a task which for some at this age and even younger age seems difficult. He is a perfect example of active and productive ageing and we must learn from him one thing that inspite of the tough situations faced in our life we must never give up on our dreams.

I enjoyed reading his story on West Virginia University Chronicles (http://chronicles.wvu.edu/meet-the-grads/anthony-brutto) and I am sure you will enjoy reading it too.

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