Beyond Retirement: 5 Incredible Indians Proving Life Begins at 60 and Beyond! (Part 2)

Welcome back to our series on the Indian seniors who are redefining what it means to age. In Part 1, we discussed how retirement is not your “sunset years,” but rather your “sunrise years”—a golden opportunity to author a brand new chapter in your life.

If you thought we were done showcasing these shining examples of human spirit, think again. India is brimming with vibrant seniors who simply refuse to let a number dictate their potential.

Inspired yet? We sure are! As a continuation of our previous post, here are five more awesome Indian seniors who will blow your mind!

Harbhajan Kaur – Grandma Entrepreneur (Age 94)

“I want to earn money on my own.”

When Harbhajan Kaur told her daughter this at the age of 90, she wasn’t caught up in daydreams. She was feeling the entrepreneurial spirit bubbling inside, and she decided to take matters into her own hands—literally!

Setting up camp in her kitchen, Harbhajan ji began whipping up batches of her delicious Besan Barfi and homemade pickles. Naming her brand “Harbhajan’s,” she set out to share her treats with India. And share them she did! Thousands lined up to taste her culinary creations, solidifying her status as a successful businesswoman.

Harbhajan Kaur teaches us that it’s never too late to launch a startup, create a brand, or cash your very first paycheck. She proves that ambition is ageless.

Kishore Rao – Healing With a Human Touch (Age 82)

While most people retire to take care of themselves, Kishore Rao felt the need to heal the pain of others. This 82-year-old humanitarian is a walking testament to the power of kindness.

Kishore Rao volunteers at the Karunashraya Hospice. And he’s not new to volunteering at the hospital either – he’s been volunteering there for over two decades now! Kishore ji has spent time with over 20,000 cancer patients in their final moments of life. “Giving medicines can make them forget their body pain, but your human contact can make them forget their soul pain,” he says.

Kishore Rao is proof that age is no barrier when it comes to doing good in this world. If anyone, we need more people like him as we age to remind us that a life of service is the most meaningful you can lead.

S. Ramakrishnan and Shankar Raman – Fighting for Disability Rights

You think you’ve had it hard? Wait till you try living with a disability in India. While we cannot even begin to comprehend what that’s like, we can take a moment to appreciate the people fighting for it.

Retired men, S. Ramakrishnan and Shankar Raman, have spent their lives championing the cause of Disability Rights in India. The duo started Amar Seva Sangam, an NGO that helps empower those with disabilities.

Despite suffering from physical disabilities of their own, the pair have enabled over 1,500 kids and young adults to learn livelihood skills and undergo rehabilitation. By creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where differently-abled children support one another, they have shown us what true leadership looks like. Ramakrishnan and Raman teach us that retirement is the ideal time to wage war on social injustice and build a legacy of inclusion.

Thayammal – The Mother of Trees (Age 75)

“Do you want me to sit inside and wilt away?”

That is a question you will never hear from Thayammal. A former school teacher fondly known as the “Mother of Trees,” she didn’t let retirement stop her from nurturing life.

Rather than sitting idle, this 75-year-old environmentalist has transformed a barren land into a “mini forest”, all by planting trees. Spending her days nurturing tree plantation drives, this lady Thayammal ji is teaching us all about her green legacy. We realise from her that it is our duty to protect Mother Earth, and you’re never too old to grow a better future.

Reena Varma – The Trekker & Walkathon Enthusiast (Age 87)

There comes a point in every young athlete’s life when they might be humbled by Reena Varma. At 87, this unstoppable woman leaves folks half her age in the dust.

A regular at walkathons, Reena ji is proving that old age doesn’t have to come with physical frailty—she simply refuses to accept it. Did she trek the challenging Nathula Pass at the age of 75? You bet she did!

Reena Varma inspires each of us to just keep moving. She teaches us that the more we stay active, the more energetic, joyful, and limitless our lives as senior citizens will be.

Live Your Second Life To The Fullest

At Jagriti Dham, a luxurious old age home in Kolkata, we are dedicated to fueling this exact kind of resilience. We believe that life after 60 shouldn’t be about slowing down; it should be about shifting gears. By liberating you from daily burdens like housekeeping and maintenance, we create the space and freedom you need to focus on what truly matters.

Whether you dream of launching a business, conquering new fitness heights, or dedicating your time to social causes, our 5-star facility provides the resources, companionship, and care to help you do it all. Our residents are living proof that the best chapters are often written in the second half of the book.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is active ageing just about doing exercise and eating healthily?
  Active ageing is an all-encompassing term that involves keeping active in terms of health, mind and society. It’s about taking every opportunity to keep yourself healthy and secure and increase your quality of life, so remaining sociable and mentally stimulated is as important as being physically fit.
• Can I start doing something completely different or start up a new business after 60?
  It’s never too late to begin. The body and mind react well to positive, healthy change at any age, and the improvements to your longevity can be felt almost immediately. You should, however, always get the all-clear from your doctor for particularly strenuous physical activity, and take it slowly in the early days of any new professional endeavour.

What’s your next adventure going to be?

Find out how Jagriti Dham, a luxurious old age home in Kolkata, can help you trade “retired” for “rewired” at our website. Start planning today!

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