Sweet Seventies

For many it’s time to retire and go into their shell once they hit their 60s, but for some others life begins at 60. And that’s exactly what 73-year-old Veena Baruah believes in. She’s living her life to the fullest travelling across the world, acting in ad films and encouraging others to stay happy. Even scientists believe that maintaining social links in old age might be crucial for health than keeping fit. A trendsetter and positive thinker, Veena has a new found passion in travelling and acting that helps her not only to explore but also make new friends.

“After I lost my husband 25 years ago, I had no time for myself as I was occupied with my kids and helping them get through professional courses. Once they were settled, I wanted to travel and began my trips with WOW (Women on Wanderlust). I went to Kashmir, Bhutan and a few other places and that’s when my daughter Malika introduced me to Dipti of the Silver Surfers Club. Since it’s a club for retired members where you meet and travel with like-minded people, I knew I was in for the ride of a lifetime. It’s not just for women alone, but also for men. It’s been over a decade now that I’ve been travelling with them and we recently made a trip to Sri Lanka. We also meet once a month where we socialise, sing, dance, eat and exchange ideas. I’m also a member of the Inner Wheel Club and do some social work on the side, but my biggest motivator is my belief in Buddhism. I practice Mahayana Buddhism and that keeps me happy and focussed. A lot of youngsters suffer from adjustment issues in life and come to me for counselling that I give them based on Buddhist practices,” says the silver-haired travel freak.

Why do some people live to a ripe old age while others fail and become frail While most sexagenarians think it’s time to rest in the last stage of their life, Veena decided to use this time fruitfully, as she reveals, “I’ve decided to learn a new hobby every year. I’ve learnt candle making, chocolate making, crochet and now I’m involved with gardening and growing veggies on my terrace. I also practice yoga for physiotherapy and do Buddhist chanting as it helps me to regenerate. I was a school teacher for many years and after I retired as a teacher, became a school principal in Mumbai. I was looking for a change in profession and when I heard about an agency looking for a woman my age for an ad film, I sent them a photograph lying at home. It wasn’t even shot professionally. I soon realised that I had a great connection with the camera. I shot my first refrigerator ad and that opened a whole new world of modelling for me. It soon started paying me so much that I could sustain on my own. I was 60 when I did my first ad and now at 73, I’ve shot for quite a few (Kindle, apps, Zivame, Life Insurance and many more) in Mumbai and Bengaluru. It’s another great way of meeting new people. I also did small roles in films like Pa and Ghajini.”