Do you know which phase of human life delivers the highest-quality results? Which age group is actually the most capable and productive?
- Twenty to thirty?
- Twenty-five to thirty-five?
- No.
According to a report published in 2018 by the New England Journal of Medicine, the age group between sixty and seventy years is among the most effective and productive phases of life.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Another remarkable fact is that the average age of Nobel Prize winners is around sixty-two years. Similarly, the average age of CEOs leading Fortune 500 companies is approximately sixty-three years.
Human beings are rightly called “resources.” Every individual possesses relevance, value, and capability. Yet, unfortunately, at the very stage when a person has accumulated deep experience, wisdom, and practical understanding, society formally retires them from active service.
Just think about it.
When an individual who has spent decades gaining knowledge and expertise is suddenly removed from meaningful engagement, how great is the loss to society and the nation?
If the experience and wisdom of senior citizens are meaningfully utilized for nation-building and social welfare, India can continue reaching new heights of progress.
Imagine the possibilities if these experienced human resources worked through institutions, social organizations, advisory roles, or special projects. Development itself could accelerate tremendously.
According to one credible report, nearly 15,000 people retire every day in India alone.
Now consider this: if an average individual begins working around the age of twenty-five and retires at sixty, society effectively loses nearly thirty-five years of accumulated skill, knowledge, and practical experience from every person.
If this vast reservoir of experience were properly utilized, it could contribute economic value worth billions and trillions. Senior citizens too could remain financially active and self-reliant even after retirement.
Instead of becoming dependent pensioners, they could continue as self-employed contributors, mentors, consultants, skilled professionals, and active participants in strengthening the economy and society.
Unfortunately, many elderly people who sit idle after retirement gradually stop receiving the same level of respect and acceptance they once naturally enjoyed within their families and society. This often leads to mental stress and emotional isolation. The resulting health issues eventually become a burden not only on families, but also on society and the nation itself.
At the same time, the country loses access to valuable experience that could otherwise help guide future generations.
That is why it is important not only to keep the body and mind active, but also to continue using one’s skills, knowledge, and experience.
Whether through social organizations, institutions, government projects, personal ventures, or self-employment, staying engaged can reduce stress, maintain dignity, contribute to the nation’s GDP, and preserve one’s sense of identity and purpose.
In fact, if a person is not suffering from major illness, it is entirely possible to remain active and productive even at the youthful age of seventy-five.
Former Chief Justice of India, Justice N. V. Ramana, had also suggested that the retirement age of judges in higher courts should be reconsidered, observing that they still possess the energy and ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
I would also like to share two personal experiences.
A few days ago, I had the privilege of meeting a remarkable ninety-four-year-old gentleman. His energy was astonishing. His outlook on life deeply inspired me, and speaking with him felt like interacting with a young, energetic thinker.
Our conversation revolved around modern technology, astronomy, and artificial intelligence.
I later wrote about this meeting in an article titled: “At 94, L. N. Jhunjhunwala Confident of Attaining the Age of 116.”
Similarly, I once met a fifty-two-year-old woman whose story was equally inspiring.
At the age of forty-eight, she decided to learn mountaineering. Through determination and hard work, she successfully climbed several of the world’s highest peaks.
The message is simple:
If a person truly decides to pursue something, age becomes merely a number.
“Age is just a number” is not merely a slogan—it is a living reality.
As long as you remain healthy, continue working.
And there is another side to this truth:
As long as you continue working meaningfully, you often remain healthier.
Even Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasized the importance of action and कर्म (karma). This world functions through action. Human beings remain mentally and physically healthier when they continue engaging in purposeful work.
But the moment people completely abandon activity after retirement, stress quietly enters their lives, and illnesses begin arriving more freely.
That is why one should continue performing meaningful work without emotionally accepting the idea of becoming “retired” from life itself.
As Yogiraj Lord Krishna says:
Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana;
Ma karma-phala-hetur bhur ma te sango’stvakarmani.
(You have the right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your actions. Never become attached to inaction.)
Inspired by this very philosophy of action, the author initiated a social movement called Never Say Retired. Through articles, campaigns, and positive engagement, this initiative is gradually creating awareness among thoughtful citizens across the country.
For the welfare of society, the progress of the nation, and the preservation of one’s own meaningful existence, let us take a pledge:
to contribute our experience, our knowledge, and our efforts toward nation-building.
Because if you are sixty, it does not make you old.
It makes you extraordinary.
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.
