Discovering Joy in Later Years

Exploring the Riches of Aging, Unveiling Paths to Fulfillment and Contentment: In this article, we explore the joys of aging and how life’s later chapters are filled with wisdom, serenity, and happiness. Join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of growing older and rediscovering joy in the golden years.

Santha’s speech:

I am Santha Narayanamurthy and my age is 86. At this old age, I am living alone in a new country (USA). I was born in India and lived there for more than 70 years. I want to say some good things for seniors. I am independent, live alone and do my own things. At old age, you need not feel lonely. You can try and do something, whatever you like.

Everyone has some talent. Somebody may be good at talking and giving advice. Somebody may like music and also good at playing music. Or creating new music and tunes.

[Listen to Santha’s Piano recording on SoundCloud]

If you don’t know something, there is no need to be shy. You can learn from somebody and from some friends. Nowadays, family people may have no time or patience to spend time with you, so have good friends you can talk and learn from.

Due to age, old people don’t understand quickly. It takes time to understand anything. So, don’t worry about it. All people may not have patience with you. Do something good and something that gives you happiness. Music gives me very good company – it is a great way to relax. I practice music daily – play the piano or keyboard.

I also do a lot of knitting. Make a sweater, shawl, scarf, or baby blanket. Start slowly and learn new patterns. Watch good movies, good serials and learn from reading and watching. Go shopping and look at various things in the shops – beautiful flowers, plants, colorful wool, and other things. Look at all the bright colors on the trees.

Don’t be afraid of things. Don’t always think about the past or about the future. Past is gone and cannot come back. Whatever happens in the future, you can face. But you have to live in the present. So, enjoy the present – whatever you see, whatever you get.

Make friends – in person locally and on the phone. You can talk to anybody in the world using facilities like WhatsApp. Share your emotion with others. If you don’t want to share with anyone, just take a notebook and write down all your emotions. You can cry if you want. But get up, wash your face with cold water and come back to normal. This is what I do when I feel sad.

Old age has many difficulties, but you can be strong and enjoy life and face whatever comes – health or other difficulties. Look at all the volunteers at senior centers. They are very nice and doing a lot of good service. Don’t sit alone and worry. Do something. Exercise your body and your mind.

Be happy. I love you all.