Social Connection Matters In Old Age, Sings Out Sunita

Ageing doesn’t mean slowing down. As we grow older, the knowledge and experiences we accumulate over the years often open doors to new passions. Sunita, a 65-year-old from Delhi, embodies this belief and sees life after retirement as an opportunity for transformation and growth. After spending over 32 years in the corporate world in some renowned IT companies, her career was marked by continuous learning and success.

“In those days, there weren’t as many opportunities or jobs as there are today,” she reflects. “I worked in one company for over 28 years, growing alongside the company as it expanded. I never thought of leaving because it was such a wonderful place to work. I truly loved every moment.”

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Exploring Interests Towards Retirement:

She shares her long-held interests in the occult sciences but never found time to learn about it. While approaching retirement, she felt drawn to it, a field that had long intrigued her. Fueled by curiosity and a love for learning, she immersed herself in studying astrology, numerology, Vastu, tarot card reading, and palmistry. She even gained certifications in these fields within two years, paving the way for a new chapter as a practising astrologer and consultant.

Channelling Time And Energy After Retirement:

As retirement came close, Sunita began contemplating how to channel her time and energy meaningfully.

While surfing the internet, she came across a Guide teaching singing online. She shares, "I was very keen on singing. I sang in school, college, and even at office parties. So when I learned about the singing classes, I joined immediately”.

“After singing, we practice alankars or play memory games where the teacher gives us a word, and we have to sing three to five songs that include that word instantly. This sharpens our memory and keeps our minds active, which is important as we age”, she adds.

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Learning Should Be Constant, Find New Interests:

While many believe the brain becomes hardwired with age, Sunita’s experience tells a different story. She finds that when you keep using your mind, it stays flexible and sharp. Singing, for her, is not just a creative outlet; it’s also a fantastic exercise for both the lungs and the brain, bringing joy and mental stimulation. 

For her, singing has evolved from simply listening to songs on the radio to truly understanding the intricacies of music". We used to sing without knowing the details, the scale, and the emotion behind the lyrics. Now, I immediately know where I have gone wrong", Sunita reflects and adds, “Singing isn’t just about hitting the right notes. If it’s a happy song, you need to smile and sing. If it’s a sad song, you have to feel the emotion”.

She says, “This has given me a deeper appreciation for music and boosted my confidence. Recently, I even performed live with music, something I’d never imagined myself doing".

Her curiosity and desire to learn new things not only keeps her busy but also positive. Trying out and learning new skills also helped her gain confidence. But, she doesn’t stop there.

Beyond singing, this retiree has an active interest in areas like finance, healthcare, and legal matters, which she pursues too.

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Social Connection Matters In Old Age:

She also finds fulfillment in helping others, often lending an ear to those who need someone to talk to. “This is the age when connections matter more than ever,” she says. “With families leading busy lives, it’s important to be there for each other. I love listening to people and sharing whatever I can: knowledge, happiness, or just a kind word.”

Her natural empathy and positive outlook make her a source of comfort and inspiration to those around her. Even as she continues to explore her interests, Sunita values the connections she has formed and the opportunities that have enriched her life.

For her, age is no barrier to growth and every stage of life holds the potential for discovery, connection, and purpose.

The article is contributed by the GetSetUp team.