Musings on Ageing

Age is just a number, consoled my friends at my retirement party. You may have retired as a lecturer because you have reached the age of superannuation, but you are still so active and so full of energy. Surely, you can continue to do something and keep yourself busy, they said.

Yes, I thought, and after a week’s rest I applied for a job for which (my resume will bear out) I was eminently suited. I might also state in all modesty that I do not look my age and have been complimented for my dignified bearing ‘even at this age’. I was called for an interview which, I thought went off to the satisfaction of both parties, and then came the dreaded question” Ma’am you have not mentioned your date of birth on your resume. (I had deliberately omitted it) “OK ma’am, we’ll get back to you....” End of story. I never heard back from them again.

My granddaughter says I am her buddy, though I am six times her age, because I can play basketball with her, ride a bike, and even defeat her in mind games.

Then why this penchant of people telling me “you are too old for...” Even the great cricketing icon Sachin was repeatedly told he should retire and make way for younger people. But I must say, I admire him for standing his ground till his own body whispered the hated phrase ‘you are too old...’ It’s another thing he was given such a memorable and emotional farewell, not to mention the Bharat Ratna.

Coming back to me, when I went to the tailor the other day and asked him to tighten my kameez at the waist, he gave me a withering look and some unsolicited advice----“Older people should wear a loose kameez” Why is everyone is making me feel it is time to sit at home and do some meditation or watch Bhakti channel all day?

One more instance that made me feel that my life was over, so to say, was when I decided to learn driving. I had dispensed with the services of my driver because he had become too expensive on the budget of a retired employee. Why not do it myself I thought since I had time on my hands and determination in my heart. So I went to the nearest driving school. The instructor looked at me and I waited for that phrase ”You are too old...” But he said nothing. Pure economics you see--- He didn’t want to lose a potential customer. So I initiated the conversation, hoping to get something that would be a morale booster after all the earlier deflating comments. “Do you think I’ll be able to learn driving at my age?” I asked hesitantly. “You should also co-operate, he said, as if he was determined to teach me but I was an unwilling customer.

Then, there are the neighbours. Why don’t you come and sit with us and chat, now that you have retired? Anyway, you need to rest at this age so take it easy.” Such free, uncalled for suggestions are copious. Why can’t they understand that I do not like wasting time on useless gossip?

Age is not just a number, at least not in my case and not in India, where I am constantly reminded of my age. It causes me emotional turmoil. Is my life finished? Am I over the hill? Fossilized? If it is age versus experience, and ability, how come no one questions the age of our venerable politicians who have the onerous task of running the nation? Younger than 75 rule which the new Modi government has now implemented for his cabinet makes me quite eligible for 15 whole years. Maybe I should tread the political path.