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Life can re-start at 60

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People who hate getting old are not wise. Every year is a privilege. Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age owing to the dwindling importance given to them. But it need not be so, if only we follow the basic principles scrupulously.

Never say ‘I am aged’

There are three ages: Calendar-wise, biological and emotional. We have no control on the first one, which is based on our date of birth. The second one is determined by the health conditions and the third how old you feel you are.  While we can take care of our health with proper diet, exercise and cheerful attitude, an optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.

Health is wealth

If you love your kith and kin, taking care of health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them.  Nature does not equally distribute energy.  Get annual health-check up done. Take health insurance cover and learn to relax.  Sleep well, love good music and follow your passion.

Money is important

Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities and earning family respect and security. Don’t spend beyond your means (even for your children). You have lived for them all through and it’s time you enjoyed a harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful, you are blessed.

Time is precious

Imagine that every day you are born again. “Yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash.” Use it profitably, live this moment. Change is inevitable. Be happy that our children are blessed. Accept others as they are. Savour every moment – even the difficult ones. It all goes so fast.

Have gratitude

Most of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return.  Be grateful to those who stood by us.

Sweet sixty

In Chinese culture, 60th birthday holds special meaning. The Chinese people believe that when a person reaches the age of 60, he or she has completed a full cycle of life, calling for a grand celebration.

Someone who is sixty today, I would argue, is middle-aged. Barring serious illness and disability, age is much affected by attitude. Some people eat more, abhor walking, are glued to television, leading to stiffening joints, weakening muscles, fading eyesight and clouding memory coupled with modern world’s contempt for the old, frequent hospitals, and become a sedentary 70-year old at 50.

What have I learned?

“Are you feeling any older?” I was asked. “Not really.” “Any wiser?”  I think some soul-searching might be required. Surely, the trials and triumphs helped me to shape and taught me something.

I am 60, and have made peace, or at least truce, with whoever I have turned out to be. I have accepted, for better or worse, the everydayness of my life. While I may not have the charisma to fill a stadium, or talent to win a Nobel or Oscar, I have learned that past performance doesn’t always predict the future. Sounds like mutual fund investment disclaimer? It’s never too late to become better, to learn new skills, to widen an established circle of friends… I have learned that life is forever improved by one’s attitude. I have learned that to take a leap you can’t wait for the perfect moment, because ideal conditions rarely come together when, where and how you want them.  Actions speak louder than everything else.

You can never challenge your brain enough. There are many of us who are still stretching ourselves in different ways. Our brains are good – sometimes a little slower, but our experience compensates. With self-belief and a bit of imagination, it is possible. As a freelance writer, I love my work more than ever. Plus, I’m writing things I wouldn’t have been able to write aged 30, 40, or 50.

They say if candles cost more than the cake, may be you are getting old.  In most cultures, 60 is the “retirement age”.  Well, it is a new beginning for me. I don’t count the candles, as my attitude stands me in good stead.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

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