World Senior Citizens' Day 2025: Is 60 The New 30?

The term 'Senior Citizen' once suggested a slow, quiet life, but that stereotype is outdated. Today, life after 60 is energetic and fulfilling, with many seniors working, being part of vibrant communities, and living actively. Ahead of World Senior Citizens’ Day (August 21), we highlight how seniors are proving that life after 60 is just the start of new achievements and purpose.

The decision

Ravi Goel (71) is currently an HR and Admin Head and was a former PSU employee. His decision to keep working even after retirement was simple. “Before retirement too, I used to keep my pace like a young person, so I always used to think that it is not my actual retirement age. By working even after my official retirement, it gives a feeling that I am still young and capable of working as before.”

Vasanta Krishnaswamy (83) is a resident of Chennai Serene Pushkar – part of the pan-India Serene Communities, India’s first and largest continuing care retirement community. She always believes that an engaged mind and body is the best way to stay young. A former teacher, she began her own coaching centre for classes 9 to 12, and completed her MBA and Doctorate in Education.

“I wanted to continue contributing in a meaningful way, so I started my own coaching centre. Guiding students, interacting with teachers, and managing the centre gave me a sense of purpose and kept my energy levels high. It also reinforced my confidence that age is not a limitation—if anything, it’s a stage where experience becomes your greatest asset.”

For her, life after 60 always felt the same as before. She participates in physical and mental activities, which make her happy and energetic. “The activities and events have given a boost to my morale, that I am also capable.”

Taking control

Neha Sinha, Co-Founder and CEO of Epoch Elder Care, uses her expertise as a Clinical Psychologist and Dementia Specialist to observe more elders redefining life after 60, viewing retirement as a transition rather than an end. "Better health awareness and longer life expectancy play a part, but an equally strong driver is the desire to remain relevant and contribute. For some it’s about purpose; for others, joy. I recall one gentleman who began painting at 68 and later exhibited his work; he was invigorated by his art and the community he found through it."

Krishnaswamy wanted to be relieved of domestic responsibilities and be her own. “I take care of our health and finances, and knowing the limitations get involved with other similar seniors in physical and mental activities. The required assistance, if needed, is provided by co-residents and the medical team. Living in this serene community with like-minded people around has made it more enjoyable. This helps my children to pursue their lives, knowing we are safe and well looked after.”

Srijan Realty, with Primus Ganges, is creating a first-of-its-kind multigenerational living community in Eastern India. It keeps senior citizens in the heart to provide dignity, comfort, and a vibrant social life. Keshav Agarwal, Director, Srijan Realty, mentions, “Today’s seniors are redefining ageing, continuing to work beyond retirement, launching entrepreneurial ventures, engaging in social initiatives, and immersing in hobbies and cultural activities. This vibrant outlook stems from better health, greater financial security, and a progressive mindset that values contribution over age.”

Changing view

The view towards senior citizens has changed from when they were considered helpless. Agarwal states, “Today, they are seen as vibrant contributors to society, brimming with skills, wisdom, and enthusiasm. The modern senior aspires to a lifestyle that’s not about slowing down, but about engaging more, whether through travel or learning new skills.”

Sinha also notes this significant shift. "The current focus is on quality of life, staying active, preventive healthcare, and overall wellness – all contributing to longer, more active life expectancy. Technology and exposure to global ageing trends play a role as well. Many seniors now join WhatsApp groups, attend online classes, and learn new skills."

The bigger change, according to her, is in the mindset of the seniors and ours. Age is not the only lens that helps us see ability. Their need for physical assistance does not define their identity.

Goel sees that very few want to retire at 60, provided they have the passion towards work. “When you keep yourself working, you are not judged as an old person. You don’t need much help doing your stuff as you are equally active.”

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Some suggestions

Sinha believes the post-60 ideal life must blend physical health, mental stimulation, social connection, and purpose. “Work can be a part of it, but so can travel, volunteering, or pursuing a lifelong hobby. I’ve seen how physical activity, even a 20-minute walk, can uplift mood and energy. And social connections protect against loneliness, which we know can have the same impact on health as chronic illness.”

Goel feels that a senior citizen should work till unable to stay active and should keep their brain and physique lively. “There are so many reasons to quit but only one reason to work and that is your commitment.”

For Krishnaswamy, an ideal senior life includes balancing independence, health, and meaningful engagement. “For those who can and want to work, it’s important to choose something that aligns with their passion, skills, and physical capacity—whether it’s part-time, consultancy, or voluntary work. Combine that with community activities and a supportive living environment, and you have a life that is not only active but deeply fulfilling.”

Agarwal finds varying perspectives but thinks their ideal lifestyle should strike a balance between independence and access to quality care and between personal freedom and evocative community engagement. “It involves creating an environment where they can continue professional pursuits, explore hobbies, and participate in social activities, with the assurance that medical and support services are seamlessly available.”

Bridging the gap

There can be ways to fill the gaps between seniors and the younger generations and seniors and the more active work and social life. Goel suggests, “I take part in all activities a younger generation takes part in and I have never felt any generation gap be it a homogenous or heterogenous group, I always enjoy life to the fullest by participating in all activities.”

Sinha does call intergenerational connection powerful but wants it to be intentional. “For work and social life, flexibility is key; remote opportunities, part-time roles, and age-friendly workplaces can make it easier for elders to stay involved. But the most important part is respect. When younger people see elders as individuals with wisdom, skills, and still so much to give, the gap naturally closes. And when elders feel included and valued, they step into spaces with more confidence.”

Agarwal strikes a chord when he says real connection happens with generations coming together and seniors and younger residents sharing spaces, stories, and experiences. “Bridging this gap is about creating moments, mentoring over a cup of tea, celebrating festivals together, and enjoying music or wellness activities side by side. In these everyday interactions, stereotypes fade, friendships blossom and respect and empathy naturally grow, creating a truly connected community, something we are proud to nurture.”

Let us celebrate World Senior Citizens’ Day by providing more fulfilling moments for the experienced older generation.