Shahin Bepari Lambe
Panaji
Life does not retire, and growing older should not mean withdrawing from life. For many older people, the years after retirement can be a new phase to remain active, contribute to society, stay connected with family and friends and continue learning.
Adv Nick Colaco, president of the All Goa Senior Citizens’ Federation, said many people feel disheartened after 60 because their active life appears to come to a standstill and opportunities reduce. “But if we truly understand it, retired is not the end – it is the beginning of a new era after long years of active life,”
said Colaco.
At 86, Colaco said he continues to take part in family life with his grandchildren, gardening and creating awareness about reducing plastic use and saving water and electricity. He said he is active in associations, serves as president of the All Goa Senior Citizens’ Federation and Popular High Ex-Students Association, and continues to practise as a lawyer. “Age is just a number – but it is a challenge for us to live as if we are not too old to do anything,”
he said.
Chartered Accountant V B Prabhu Verlekar said ageing gracefully was a choice even though growing old was inevitable. “Growing old is inevitable. Growing old gracefully is a choice,” he said. Verlekar said retirement should mean freedom from compulsory work, not freedom from purpose. Walking, exercising, gardening, reading, travelling, meeting people or following an old hobby can help keep a person active.
“Instead of constantly saying, ‘In our time…’, try asking, ‘Tell me more.’ Young people appreciate grandparents who listen without immediately judging,” he said. “A grandfather should not become merely a repository of memories. He can remain a source of energy, wisdom, humour and inspiration,” said Verlekar.
“We cannot stop the years from passing. But we can decide what kind of person will pass through those years. That, perhaps, is the real meaning of ageing gracefully,” he said.
Senior citizen Judy Colaco summed up the approach, “Ageing is a process of life, accept it with grace. It is an issue of mind over matter.”
“Ageing is not a disease to be cured. It is a journey to be lived with dignity, purpose, relationships and joy,” said Dr Amit Dias, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at Goa Medical College.
Dr Dias, who has worked in public health, medical education, research and community-based healthcare for over two decades and has been involved in developing better models of care for elders in Goa, said older people should not be seen only as people who need care.
“An older person is not simply someone who has accumulated years. They have accumulated stories, skills, memories, relationships and wisdom that no textbook can fully teach,” he said.
For Dr Dias, ageing gracefully is about adapting to change while continuing to find meaning, connection and enjoyment. He uses the word GRACE to describe some of the essentials of healthy ageing. G is for Get moving. R is for Relationships. A is for Activate the mind. C is for Care for health. E is for Enjoy, contribute and empower.
Dr Dias said age-friendly communities, senior-friendly housing and safe and affordable living options are important. Homes, neighbourhoods and public spaces need to be designed for people across the entire lifespan.
Safety is another concern. Older adults can be vulnerable to financial exploitation, neglect, abuse, abandonment and social isolation. Families should involve them in decisions about finances, healthcare and living arrangements for as long as they are able, Dr Dias said.
