The session on healthy and happy aging was addressed by Dr AK Sen Gupta, Chief Trustee, My Retired Life Foundation.

A.K. Sengupta’s vision is to help retirees live happy, healthy, and productive lives after their professional careers end. He began his talk by clarifying that aging is often mistaken as something related only to old age, but in reality, it is a lifelong process that starts from childhood. It is simply the continuous progression of life over time.

There are two key aspects of aging: healthy aging and happy aging. Healthy aging extends beyond physical health to include mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. Recognizing its importance, the United Nations has declared 2021-2030 as the “Decade of Healthy Aging” to promote well-being among the elderly

Happy aging, on the other hand, focuses on maintaining joy and fulfillment in life. While health and happiness are not entirely dependent on each other, they are closely connected. The discussion highlights the importance of embracing aging with gratitude rather than fear, understanding that the only alternative to aging is death. Instead of viewing old age negatively, it should be seen as an opportunity to live with greater wisdom, happiness, and purpose. The key philosophy of life should be to stay as healthy and happy as possible, appreciating the time we have.

Health and well-being are more than just physical conditions—they are states of mind. True happiness stems from inner contentment and a deep sense of peace with oneself and the world. A genuinely happy person embraces life with a positive outlook, believing, “I am okay, my family is okay, my society is okay, and the world is okay.” This mindset serves as the foundation for a fulfilling and balanced life.

The key to happiness lies in three attitudes:

1. Letting go of the past – Regret serves no purpose; the past cannot be changed.
2. Enjoying the present – Happiness exists in appreciating the now, no matter how simple. As mindfulness teaches us to appreciate the now
3. Rising above difficulties – Challenges are inevitable, but finding joy despite hardships is essential.

A positive outlook makes life meaningful, especially in old age, by reducing unnecessary worries about health, finances, and family. Happiness has both rational and emotional aspects, often in conflict—while the rational mind sees problems, the intuitive mind fosters joy. True happiness comes from balancing these two, ensuring well-being even in difficult circumstances.

A balanced personality is key to happiness, as it integrates both rational (left-brain) and emotional (right-brain) thinking. People who rely solely on rationality, like atheists, question everything logically, while those who are intuitive may accept things without proof. A truly happy person learns to balance both perspectives, much like an agnostic or a figure like Buddha, who embraces both logic and intuition.

Since individuals naturally lean towards one side—either rational or emotional—it is beneficial to consciously develop the other side to achieve a balanced mindset. A balanced person does not dwell on negativity but moves forward with understanding and emotional stability.

An example is an 87-year-old woman who, despite losing her husband and child, remains happy and engaged in life. Her emotional resilience and ability to stay active contribute to her happiness, showing that balance in thinking leads to a fulfilling life.

Negativity leads to social withdrawal, making many elderly individuals feel unwanted and isolated. Loneliness is a state of mind, not just physical solitude, and often results from unhappiness and disengagement. While life presents both positive and negative experiences, we cannot control events—only our reactions. By managing responses wisely, we minimize emotional distress. The stimulus-response theory highlights that while external events are uncontrollable, our mindset determines their impact. Developing strategies to handle challenges ensures emotional well-being.

Maintaining physical fitness is a personal choice but essential for overall well-being. Regular activity—whether walking, running, or playing sports—supports both physical and mental health. Research suggests that exercising for 1 to 1.5 hours five days a week, along with at least two hours of mental exercises daily, helps sustain well-being. Aging is best understood through a balance of three key aspects: physical agility, mental agility, and social connectivity.

Social engagement is extremely important. Many people today don’t talk much, and that can indicate underlying issues. Talking—whether with family, neighbours, security guards, or even strangers—helps keep the mind active. Just as we say “walk, walk, walk,” we should also say “talk, talk, talk.” Engaging in conversations, joining social clubs, or simply making an effort to communicate can significantly contribute to a happier and healthier life as we age.

Talking is incredibly important, especially as we age. It’s not just about spending energy—it actually has proven benefits. Research shows that people who talk more tend to live longer. In fact, the more you talk, the more engaged you stay, and it even contributes to a longer life. Some of us may even “talk ourselves to death,” meaning we stay active, social, and connected until the very end.

Social connectivity isn’t just about talking to family. If you can, that’s great, but with the decline of joint families, it’s important to talk to anyone—old friends, neighbours, or even a security guard. Just pick up the phone and call someone! I personally talk a lot—at home, at work, everywhere. I had a meeting yesterday where I spoke for almost two hours, and honestly, I felt five years younger afterward. Talking keeps you mentally sharp and socially engaged.

So, talk, talk, and talk! Whether it’s in a formal setting or just chatting with friends, it keeps you connected and, ultimately, happier and healthier.

One interesting reason why women tend to live longer than men is that they talk more. Globally, in most countries, women have a higher life expectancy than men. In India, for example, women live an average of 71.5 years, while men live around 69 years. This trend is seen almost everywhere, with only a few exceptions among the 195 countries in the world.

Why does this happen? Women not only work hard and engage in more physical activity—taking care of children, managing the household—but they also engage in more mental exercises. Most importantly, they talk more. Social connectivity plays a big role in longevity. My wife, for instance, can talk to the children for an hour, while I can barely manage two minutes! Even on college campuses, young girls tend to talk more than boys, which might be another reason for their longer lifespan.

Another key factor in living a fulfilling life is having a purpose. Without a purpose, life can feel meaningless. Many people experience “retirement anxiety,” where they struggle to find direction after leaving their jobs. About 10 years ago, someone asked me about this issue, and it made me realize just how important it is to have a purpose in life, especially as we age.

Retirement anxiety is a real issue worldwide, but in India, it is particularly prevalent. Interestingly, it’s not always financial anxiety—it’s the anxiety of not knowing what to do after retirement. That’s why having a purpose beyond your job is crucial. A purpose can be anything—reading, painting, singing, community service, or simply giving back in any way possible.

Many people struggle to find a purpose even after listening to talks, reading books, and learning about concepts like “Ikigai”—the Japanese idea of having a reason for being. But the real tragedy is when someone reaches retirement and still doesn’t know what to do with their time. If anyone in this room is nearing retirement and hasn’t yet found their purpose, I strongly encourage you to start looking for one.

Purpose isn’t just about having a big goal; it’s about finding something that gives meaning to your life, something you are passionate about and capable of doing. Music, for example, is a beautiful way to stay engaged—many scientists are also musicians! Nothing is unachievable if you put your mind to it. Your purpose is yours to discover, so find what excites you and gives your life meaning. Personally, I do a lot of social work, and it gives me a deep sense of fulfillment. Whatever it is for you, find it, embrace it, and live with purpose!

They emphasize that helping others, especially through education, does not take much effort but can bring immense joy. The smile of a single person helped is more valuable than personal achievements. They also stress the importance of gratitude—being thankful for everything, from the opportunities life provides to the simple things like shelter and good health. Gratitude, they believe, is essential for a fulfilling life.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of gratitude for both big and small things in life, believing that a grateful world is a kinder and happier one. They share personal experiences, including choosing to live in an old age home and drawing inspiration from it.

Key messages include:

• Age is just a feeling—one is as old as they feel.
• Celebrate old age instead of fearing it.
• Choose happiness—it’s a personal decision.

They acknowledge the contributions of a senior citizen mentor who has positively impacted 380 seniors, helping them lead happier lives. The speech concludes with the powerful message: Live in the present and cherish every moment.