Cultural expectations surrounding the elderly are being challenged today, and with good reason!
While it was the norm to slow down and retreat into a quieter life post-retirement, more men and women are finding purpose and joy in doing the opposite.
WisdomCircle honours such men and women by shining light on their journey through an inspiring series called “Wisdom Stories”. These people have successfully smashed stereotypes, and their stories remind us that life should be lived to the fullest, no matter what age or stage.
I started my career with the State Bank of India in Mumbai, a city where I was born and raised. Over a period, I was exposed to various aspects of banking and realized that I enjoyed learning new things. I got the opportunity to work at the Head Office, where I was pulled into implementation of Core Banking, where banking operations were shifted into the digital realm. I also took interest in the welfare initiatives, as that was an area close to my heart. I was blessed with a supportive leadership team that encouraged me to be part of various activities often unrelated to my core expertise!
I retired in 2010 and joined a few senior citizen clubs but felt that there was something important missing. I came across a course at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences on counselling but missed the deadline. This led me to Dance and Movement Therapy, an area that would go on to define my post-retirement journey.
I had always wanted to make a positive change in people’s lives and the course on Dance and Movement Therapy gave me the confidence to start a new career. It was exhaustive and detailed, done in collaboration with TISS and Dr Sohini Chakraborty, Founder of Sanved, a pioneer in this field. It is based on the belief that mind, and body are inseparable. Healing techniques are based on this philosophy which help manage physical and emotional traumas.
I work with senior citizens, school children and special children, and have been fortunate enough to experience some success. A particular example comes to mind, where I tried engaging with a depressed senior citizen. She started the conversation by saying that she did not like me. I persevered. After a few months, she came out of her shell and grew to be fond of me. These incidents keep me motivated. I also write for a publication – Date with Health every month. I am a core committee member of My Retired Life Foundation, which helps retired people reinvent themselves.
I credit my parents for instilling values around integrity and empathy. My school and College (SIES) taught me dignity of labor, through initiatives under National Social Service program. These life lessons have stayed with me and helped me live my best life.
It is never too late to reinvent yourself, and to make a positive impact. My message to the wisdom generation is to embrace the new and take good care of yourself. Without self-care, you cannot contribute to others meaningfully.
– Veena Iyer
