Our age is steadily increasing. The body is no longer as agile as it once was — a little weakness creeps in, our steps are not as swift as before, and even a simple walk sometimes brings fear. Forget youth, even the energy we had a few years ago now feels like a distant memory.
Yet, we remain occupied the entire day in one task or another. A routine has captured our life – wake up in the morning, finish daily chores, take care of small household responsibilities, and before we realise it, evening arrives. Night brings its own challenges; despite fatigue, sleep is often incomplete. And then the next morning repeats the same cycle. It feels as if life is stuck in a loop, stopping us from moving forward.
Now the time has come to pause and reflect — have we ever truly taken time for ourselves? Have we given ourselves the permission to be happy? Most of our responsibilities are already fulfilled. Our children have grown up, built their own families, and many of them are even grandparents now. This is the time to look at our life from a fresh perspective — a perspective that seeks joy, lightness, and inner contentment.
The Time to Advise Children Is Long Gone
A few days ago, I spoke with a 90-year-old gentleman. His son, who lives in America, had come to visit him. Observing the son’s lifestyle, the gentleman’s wife remarked, “Children should be guided on how to live their lives.” I smiled and said, “But he is already 65! He now guides his children on how life should be lived!” This struck a deep chord — our children’s children are now growing up, and we still feel we must advise our children! The time for “advising” has passed — now is the time to understand ourselves and find our own happiness.
Ask yourself: Where does my happiness truly lie? This is the most important question. After decades spent fulfilling responsibilities, it is essential to ask — What brings me joy? And what can I do now to make my life more joyful?
Conversations Can Become Little Festivals of Joy
If speaking with friends brings you happiness, then why not turn those two or three conversations every week into small celebrations? Today the mobile phone is in our hands — with just one tap, a friend’s voice can fill our ears and brighten our mood.
Many people hesitate, thinking, “Will I disturb them by calling?” But this hesitation only distances us from happiness. Remember — your friends are probably just as eager to hear from you. If someone must take the first step, why not you? Otherwise both sides silently think, “Why should I call first?” The next time your heart nudges you, make the call. As soon as the conversation begins, the mind blossoms.
Songs, Memories, and Old Gatherings — What Greater Joy Than This!
Many seniors love singing old film songs among friends, explaining their meanings, and reliving those moments. Old songs have a magic of their own — every word carried a message, every tune carried emotion, every line touched the heart. When you sing, your age does not decrease — your spirit becomes young.
Today, senior citizens’ groups are forming in many places — where daily singing, laughter, poetry, bhajans, and live music bring joy to everyone. Why not join one of them? Who knows — your songs might inspire others to sing. And honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a few heartfelt compliments?
Music Instruments Hold Hidden Reservoirs of Joy
Perhaps you still have an old instrument lying somewhere — a banjo, sitar, harmonium, or mouth organ. Bring it out once in a while. Let it breathe. Play the tunes of your younger days. Young people today may not even know the name ‘banjo’, but once it was the pride of every gathering. Many of my friends played the mouth organ beautifully — its soothing melody could calm the mind for hours. Today these instruments lie in some corner, gathering dust. Why not invite them back into your life? Playing music is not just about sound — it calms the mind, keeps the brain active, and refreshes the soul.
Give Yourself Permission to Be Happy
All our life we lived for others — for children, for family, for society, for work. Now this life belongs to us. We must give ourselves the right to say:
- I can take time to be happy.
- I can do what gives me peace.
- I can live my life in my own way.
Whether it’s sipping morning tea on the balcony, calling an old friend, listening to music, or restarting an old hobby — do everything that brings a smile to your face.
Remember — happiness requires not age, but a willing heart.
Author
The author is the founder of the Never Say Retire mission. In order to achieve this goal, he also runs this website and his Facebook group Never Say Retire Forum has Hundreds and Thousands of members today.
