Nothing wrong in that, in fact it's a beautiful phase! But somewhere along the way, we Indians have made it as an unspoken rule - After a certain age, one is expected to slow down and take it easy!
Now look elsewhere, in the developed countries (and maybe other not so developed ones too).... You will find 60- and 70-year olds are still working & travelling.. even running ultramarathons, doing cross-country cycling or climbing up mountain peaks! For them, age isn't a signal to slow down but just a number on the calendar.
Over time, the divergence reflects in something deeper - the health of the seniors in any country. The contrast between India and its developed peer nations isn't just economic - it's physical, psychological and social !
And that contrast gets you thinking 🤔
Our parents' generation had a very different journey. In the India of 1970s and 1980s, the opportunities were limited, income levels were modest and aspirations were largely centred around stability. Many would have left their hometowns in their 20s to larger cities, looking for jobs, struggled through their 30s and 40s going through managing their life responsibilities - building a career from scratch, raising families, buying a home, funding our education etc. Signing up for a marathon or planning an international holiday would not have featured in their their Top 100 goals !!
We, on the other hand, have had a different runway. India's economic transformation meant better opportunities, higher income, global exposure and access to better healthcare and education. means more awareness to health and fitness. Aspirations are broader and this also means we now have a choice.
Maybe our "second innings" would not have to be the same as that of our parents.... Maybe it can be more active, more adventurous and more intentional.
So here's a thought that's been playing in my mind - personally I don't want to celebrate my superannuation at 58/60.. instead I would want to run an ultramarathon on my 70th birthday.
Sounds ambitious? Probably yes.... Unrealistic? Maybe not, if the next 20-25 years are spent in the right way.
The way we work, eat, recover and prioritise our health today...that's what defines how our Tommorow will look like. In addition to the Mutual Fund SIP to build a retirement corpus, it's time that we do one hour daily of Health SIP too.
Our parents gave us a better starting point, the least we can do is to take it further ! The real goal should not be to just live longer, but rather to live better at every stage - sixty and beyond !
Cheers
Sunil
9 comments:
Your writing is always inspiring Mr. SP …. The contrast between the countries is captured so well…. Esp beyond economic parameters….
And loved the way you route it to Health SIP…. I am sure that readers will definitely think for their goals set for their second inning….
Keep sharing ☺️
Nailed it again! Loved the analogy you used.
Very well written
Very True
Beautifully penned
Good Read! Keep writing and inspiring!
Nicely written, Sunil. I read it twice. Your blog beautifully comes together in two parts. One, a reflection on how an entire generation often settled into a predictable, routine version of retirement, quite different from what we see seniors doing in many other countries. And two, a compelling and inspiring call for our generation to invest consciously in health and continue seeking excitement, purpose, and vitality well into our 70s. It’s a powerful and thought provoking perspective.
That said, I’ve also been fortunate to witness another side of this story. I see my father, at this stage of life, passionately involved in teaching children, something that gives him immense joy and a strong sense of purpose. I know many others who have embraced things that keep them deeply engaged like taking up responsibilities within their communities, walking a spiritual path, or simply giving back in ways that resonate with them. To me, these choices are equally meaningful, as long as they foster happiness & engagement.
I’ve also seen senior citizens rediscover joy through travel, visiting places they never had the opportunity to explore earlier in life. So while the paths may look different, the common thread is staying active, curious, and mentally alive.
For our generation, your idea of a Health SIP truly strikes a chord. That’s something I fully endorse. I’m grateful to be surrounded by friends who constantly motivate me to stay active and make healthier choices. While I may not aspire to run an ultramarathon someday, I am absolutely committed to leading an active life and staying engaged in pursuits that I genuinely enjoy.
Different second innings, perhaps but all with purpose, movement, and meaning.
when i went to Switzerland i came to know that 70 year old person u have to call him middle aged man...at their 70 s they r cycling running along with working...nicely written Sunil 👏🏻 ultra marathon on 70 th bday... u will achieve for sure 👍
Very true ..and what a long term goal set !
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