Life beyond 60

*Viewpoint expressed in The Hindu newspaper*****

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Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60****

years of age, owing to the diminishing importance given to them and****

their opinions. But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic****

principles of life and follow them scrupulously. Here are ten mantras****

to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.****

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1. Never say 'I am aged' : There are three ages, chronological,****

biological, and psychological. ****

The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is
determined by the health conditions; the third is how old we feel we are.
While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health
with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and
optimistic****

thinking can reverse the third age.****

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2. Health is wealth: If you really love your kith and kin, taking care****

of your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden****

to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed****

medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.****

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3. Money is important: Money is essential for meeting the basic****

necessities of life, keeping good health and earning family respect****

and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children.****

You have lived for them all through and it is time you enjoyed a****

harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful and****

they take care of you, you are blessed. But, never take it for granted.****

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4. Relaxation and recreation: The most relaxing and recreating forces****

are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have****

faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny****

side of life.****

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5. Time is precious: It is almost like holding a horses' reins. When****

they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that everyday****

you are born again. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a****

promissory note. Today is ready cash - use it profitably. Live this****

moment; live it fully, now, in the present time.****

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6. Change is the only permanent thing: We should accept change - it is****

inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join in the****

dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be****

happy that our children are blessed.****

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7. Enlightened selfishness: All of us are basically selfish. Whatever****

we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful****

to those who stood by us. But, our focus should be on the internal****

satisfaction and the happiness we derive by doing good for others, without**
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expecting anything in return. Perform a random act of kindness daily.****

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8. Forget and forgive: Don't be bothered too much about others'****

mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we****

are slapped in one. But for the sake of our own health and happiness,****

let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing****

our blood pressure.****

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9. Everything has a purpose: Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as****

you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique****

and is right in his own way.****

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10. Overcome the fear of death: We all know that one day we have to****

leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our****

spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the****

truth is no one is going to die for you; they may be depressed for****

some time. Time heals everything and they will go on.****