There is a delightful movie called ‘The Intern’, starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. In this flick, a 70 plus retired widower, Ben Whittaker, applies for a ‘senior intern’ job with a fashion start-up company run by Jules Ostin. While being interviewed for the senior intern post, the young interviewer who was given a standard set of questions to be asked puts across this question. Where do you see yourself in the next ten years! There is a delightful pause when the implication of his question hits the interviewer, and Ben smiles.
This is just one telling scene of this comedy-drama that will steal your heart as it meanders its way through the ups and downs of the start-up and its CEO, Jules. While initially wary, Jules quickly takes to a proactive Ben, who earns to blend with the young crowd and keeps his calm in tough situations. It shows how the immense experience gained by people in this age group can help many youngsters to tackle business and life situations. It also shows why if you are healthy and mobile, you should start a second innings that is beneficial to you and society.
No regrets
Often, when people in this age group reminisce about their life, there is a likelihood of regrets coming out. If only I hadn’t done that or if only I had done this seems to be a common lament. Hence, the best thing to do is to ensure that you try to avoid such things by making up as much as you can. A healthy mind can promote a healthy body. Some old practices and some new ones can help keep one agile and healthy. So, live life to the full, with an almost no holds barred policy is good. Of course, it doesn’t mean you go bungee jumping or trekking up the Himalayas! The key is to make the best out of what is possible. If there are any unfulfilled wishes like going somewhere, eating something, sporting a new hairstyle, etc., you should fulfil those.
Better your relationships
They say we live on through our kids and grandkids and their fond memories. Hence, we should focus on creating wonderful memories with our near and dear ones. This means that we should better our relationships with them if they are not already good. Often, as we age, our egos and changing needs and priorities can clash with the outlook of our younger generation.
We need to learn to be patient, let go, forgive more, and understand better to build better relationships. Often, the next-gen just need someone to talk it out. You could be their agony aunt or sounding board so they can let it all out. That is when it works both ways, and they understand your anxieties too. Finding common interests with the people like watching movies, listening to music, or cooking can help create a lovely atmosphere.
Look ahead
These years should be truly made into your golden years, the best so far. There never should be a thought that you have already seen it all and done it all. There is always something that you haven’t seen, done, or experienced. Enlist the help of younger people around to see what you can do. Enjoy every family gathering to the fullest. These should be occasions to make memories and catch up with people. Eat your heart’s content as much as your age and medical conditions allow. If there are no restrictions, you should happily eat what you want. Try our new cuisines, new foods, new recipes and learn to relish them. Please make sure there is something to look forward to every day and keep adding to the memories.
Plan for beyond
There is no fun in making our family suffer when we are no longer there. Hence, despite our reservations, we should make sure that a legal will is made. This will help our assets to be easily passed on to our intended loved ones, and also avoid squabbles about it. Keep your family informed about all your information and transactions to enable this. If you are interested in philanthropy, you could choose to do that when you are alive. That way, you won’t depend on someone else to abide by your wishes.
The best way to live in the 80s is to believe that there are no set rules and compulsions to keep you going. You have a right to live happily and in contentment to ensure that you do not have any bitter memories or regrets. Therefore, all you need to do is live life as it comes, enjoy each day, and count your blessings.
