When ageing defies time and sets examples for others

BY ANOUSHKA SAXENA

At the heart of ageing, lies a deep-seated belief being carried on since ages.

“Now that you have crossed 60, you must take adequate rest and grab the bed immediately. It is high time that you resign from all your duties.”

I have heard my relatives conveying this to the elderly members of my family, and this remark somehow always leaves me feeling uneasy.

The mere thought of giving up on all your responsibilities with ageing, silently peeking through the hole in your window, the idea of it does not sit well. Imagine having to hit the pause button when you still have so much more to give.

Ageing gracefully isn’t merely about wrinkles and graying hair; it’s about embracing life with a vigor that defies time itself. The tales of individuals like Teresa Moore and Fauja Singh serve as beacons of resilience, reminding us all that the human spirit knows no bounds and so doesn’t one’s age.

A report done by Fox News last year, says at 103, Teresa Moore of California isn’t just living; she’s thriving. With a solid determination, she takes the reins of her life in her hands and gracefully makes her way into her local gym three to four times a week.

Picture this: a 103-year-old woman, who is most likely expected to be found counting her last days, adorned with jewelry and flawless makeup, appears ready to conquer the treadmill and lift weights. Teresa’s life mantra is to live with no regrets.

A simple yet profound philosophy that has carried her through the decades, propelling her forward with unwavering resolve.

Then there’s Fauja Singh, also known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” who ran the marathon at the age of 100. Olympics.com celebrated the achievement of this centenarian by chronicling his journey under the headline: “Fauja Singh: Oldest marathon runner an inspiration for youngsters.”

This extraordinary individual did not just defy age; he rewrote the rules of what it means to be elderly. His story resonates far beyond the realm of sports, inspiring youngsters, and elders to chase their dreams relentlessly, without submitting themselves to the societal expectations.

These remarkable individuals embody the essence of resilience, proving that age is but an illusion, and the grand show of life that lies beyond it is much bigger. Their journeys remind us that life’s greatest adventures often lie beyond the confines of our comfort zones, waiting to be embraced with open arms and unwavering determination.

Ageing has often been compared with the closure of an old chapter, but what if we turn this narrative around, today?

Seeking inspiration from the life-changing stories of several such elderly people, how about we recognize ageing as the unfolding of a new, a bigger and a brighter phase of life. Larger than ever, exuberating unhindered invincibility.

The next time you are tempted to succumb to the notion that ageing equates to slowing down, think of Teresa Moore and Fauja Singh. Let their stories serve as a reminder of the resolute spirit that lies within each of us, just waiting to be tapped into. There stories are a living testament, urging you to defy expectations, shatter limitations, and carry forward your lives with the same youthful energy that managed to get them this far.

After all, as they have shown us, the spirit knows no age—it is timeless, boundless, and infinitely resilient.

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