Don't just age, flourish

A life of purpose and joy doesn’t have to start with a grand plan. Instead, it is enough to begin with a single, deliberate choice — the decision to rewrite our story, no matter what stage we are in. While growing older often brings a sense of loss — of youth, strength, and old friendships—it is easy to mourn what once was. But what if ageing isn’t about what is taken away, but a profound opportunity to become more of who we were always meant to be?

The truth of this is embodied by 72-year-old Selvamani, who was recently in the news for enrolling in an electrical engineering diploma programme at a government polytechnic college. After his daughters were settled and he could have slipped into a quiet retirement, he chose to reignite his lifelong passion for technical knowledge. 

Imagine a senior citizen travelling 50 km every day, juggling his studies with the responsibility of caring for his ailing wife.

His story is a powerful reminder that purpose is not something we stumble upon; it is something we pursue with unwavering commitment, even in the face of significant challenges. His life stands as a beacon, showing us that the human spirit’s capacity for growth has no age limit and that dreams deferred are not necessarily dreams denied.

A recent study found that happiness often comes before a sense of purpose, suggesting that feeling good provides a stable emotional foundation. This foundation allows people to take risks and pursue deeper, more meaningful goals. We can use happiness from both big and small victories to fuel our pursuit of purpose, creating a virtuous cycle of fulfillment. The challenges of life are real, but our attitude is a choice. 

This inspiring journey, much like that of Raj Kumar Vaishya, who earned his Master’s degree at 97, and Jay Kishore Pradhan, who cleared the NEET exam at 64, shows us that for many, retirement is not a full stop. It is an invitation to continue a life of purpose and intellectual curiosity. It is a testament to the cultural value placed on knowledge and the recognition that learning is a lifelong pursuit.

We can let time happen to us, or we can see it as a new phase, a final and most glorious act. Don’t just get older; get wiser and flourish. 

Remember, our best story is still waiting to be written, and it begins the moment we decide to live a life of purpose and joy.