Over the past two years, I have written more than 100 articles focused on senior citizens—their lives, experiences, and possibilities. The Never Say Retired mission is dedicated to empowering seniors to remain active, engaged, and valuable contributors to society.
In several of my earlier articles, I explored the idea that living beyond 100 years is not unattainable if one follows a disciplined and balanced lifestyle. Our scriptures too bless us with “Shatayu Bhava”—a wish for a long, healthy, and meaningful life.
Recently, I had the privilege of meeting someone who brought these ideas to life—a 102-year-old lady, Mrs. Ratna Mahajan. Meeting her was not just inspiring; it felt like witnessing a living example of everything I had been writing about.
As I sat in her drawing room speaking with her 73-year-old daughter, Kusum ji, I saw Mataji slowly walking towards us with the support of a walker. Her face radiated a remarkable glow and confidence. When I touched her feet, she blessed me with a warm smile. I learned that she started using a walker only two years ago; before that, she managed with a walking stick.
What amazed me most was her sharp memory and eagerness to converse. She vividly recalled past events with clarity and confidence.
She migrated from Lahore during the Partition while she was pregnant—a deeply emotional memory that still touched her heart. Her husband passed away in 2005.
When I asked her about the secret of her health, her answer was simple yet powerful. She spoke about her traditional diet—two large glasses of milk with cream daily, sometimes even fresh milk directly from the cow. She enjoyed desi ghee and butter in abundance. Even today, after her prayers, she consumes almonds, walnuts, fox nuts (makhana), and roasted gram. Due to chewing difficulties, she now prefers powdered forms of some foods. One key principle she emphasized was—never overeating. She enjoys simple foods like poha, chilla, and idli-vada, and occasionally relishes parathas.
Surprisingly, she is not on any regular medication today. Earlier, she took medicines for diabetes and high blood pressure, but now everything is under control.
Her daughter shares that apart from assistance in bathing and dressing, she remains largely independent.
Her daily routine includes reciting the Gita, Hanuman Chalisa, Ganesh prayers, and Ganga Aarti. She occasionally visits the temple and interacts warmly with old acquaintances—remarkably, she remembers everyone’s names.
She watches news regularly and takes interest in current affairs. She is an admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and even composed a cheerful jingle during elections:
The one who ensures Modi’s victory shall taste sweet fruits.
When asked for a message for today’s youth, she said simply:
Speak the truth, serve and respect your parents, and stay away from lust, anger, attachment, greed, and ego.
Her life is a lesson not only for seniors but for all generations. If we aspire for a long life, we must embrace discipline, mindful eating, and a positive outlook—just like her.
Her full interview and devotional singing will soon be available on the Never Say Retired YouTube channel.
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.
