August 15 Special: What Does Independence Mean to Older Adults?

What does independence mean to older adults? This Independence Day we asked a diverse set of older adults to look within and share what being independent meant to them. 

“Independence As Detachment”

“Independence is the ability to make your own decisions. This only happens when you have enough money. Suppose I am rich, but am dependent on others for my health and well-being, I cannot possibly call myself independent. The converse also holds- I can’t achieve independence without sufficient economic reserves. Financial independence is of optimum importance because it can buy you all other forms of independence. These include, chiefly, health and emotional independence. Emotional independence essentially entails asking the question- do I still seek my family’s support at all times? We should brace ourselves for situations that are likely to arise- when kids have moved out, parents are no more, when you may or may not have a spouse. In other words, you should not require other people to validate your existence in this world. It is only under such circumstances that independence can truly manifest itself. I quit full-time working about 6-7 years ago because I had planned to retire at the age of 50. I wanted to quit working before I got too old so that I could travel, play golf and also invest more time in my books. My 15-18 hour work day left me with little time to work on my literary ambitions. That’s why I took a conscious decision of retiring at the age of 50." 

“Independence Is Service To Humanity”

“When I think about independence, I have to think of my place in this country. I am a proud citizen of this free, sovereign nation. To that extent, I view my independence in terms of the way I can help people around me using my knowledge and skills. I have been recognized the world over for my expertise in gastroenterology and invited to some of the foremost institutes for making presentations. I got a head-start over others because of my training, and that owes a great deal to the education system left behind by the British that nurtured me.

"My passion for work never ebbed even as I aged. I was one of the first to be trained in my field on foreign shores, in a prestigious university like Boston. My expertise was sought even after I officially retired and settled in Chennai. This continued until the outbreak of Covid. Even now, I continue to help people whenever they are in need. Though I am a pathologist, people often require instant medical advice, which I am able to provide because of my experience. I work a lot for the church and its programmes for empowering women and children. I just cannot emphasise the kind of satisfaction this work gives me. To be able to provide accurate diagnoses to so many people because of my training fills me with tremendous satisfaction. I believe that God sends us all to fulfil some purpose, and we must do so to the best of our abilities. I am indeed blessed that I have been useful to humanity, and this realization warms the cockles of my heart.”  

Dr Minnie Mathan is a retired Professor of Pathology from the Christian Medical College, Vellore. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate training at the same college, spending nearly 40 years as a faculty member. Her specialization is Gastrointestinal tract and Electron Microscopy. She has been a consultant in electron microscopy to the Indian Council of Medical Research and an INSA Senior Scientist. She lives in Chennai with her husband, another accomplished doctor. 

“Independence Is A Way Out of Bondage”

“When you realise that the power to make you happy or unhappy lies with you and you should not hand that power over to anyone else, that’s true independence. Most of us, and not just women, spend our lives trying to make others happy. That in itself is a kind of bondage. How liberating it is to come out of that bondage. And the realisation that your own happiness does not come in the way of another’s. I have worked closely with cancer patients for over 35 years and I have constantly learnt from their experiences. They have never seen cancer as an adversary. They tell me how cancer has made them view life differently and how the experience has made them a better person. Despite the emotional trauma, the physical pain and the financial toxicity that comes with cancer there is only love that shines through it all. My own experience with glaucoma has left me with a deep understanding of what one feels like when faced with a life-altering condition when one becomes a patient.” 

“Independence of the self as independence of society”

“Independence does not merely benefit an individual, it also lightens the burden on the family, and in turn, the society. Jobs are meant to fulfill both our passion and ensure monetary independence. I have always believed that as you grow older, it is important to become independent and manage things by yourself. I am glad that I too don’t depend on anyone, and am able to pursue my interests without any issues. I read books, listen to good Hindi or Kannada music, eat food that I enjoy and largely engage in activities that give me happiness. Whenever I face health issues, I hardly lean on anyone for support and am able to manage quite effectively by myself. Such self-reliance gives me the freedom to do what I want without bothering anybody else. When you fall ill frequently and create problems for others, it does lower your self-esteem to an extent. So, to avoid such situations, it is best to be independent even at an older age.” 

NS Pradeep works as an auditor in the firm NAG Associates. His interests include indulging in hobbies like singing and acting. He recently appeared as a CBI officer from the Home Department in a Kannada serial. During his leisure time, he enjoys reading everything from thrillers to autobiographies. He has always idolized the famous Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan, whose movies he found immensely relatable at a personal level. He lives in Bangalore.

“Independence is Education”

“What is the need for me to worry about independence? When we were blessed with three daughters, many people believed that they would be a burden for us in the future, and they have been proven totally wrong. I can’t stress how liberating it feels to have such capable and supportive daughters. All are doing extremely well in life, and still manage time to cater to our needs. My interpretation of independence is in the form of service. It is associated with the educational empowerment of those around me. My house has always teemed with students from underprivileged backgrounds, who have sought guidance. 

My washerman’s son Ashish was performing abysmally at school. I hand-held and tutored him for several years- giving him the love of a mother and the attention of a teacher. He passed high school with flying colours, completed Economics honours from Shivaji College, Delhi University and was a member of the NCC. A few days back, my daughter returned from work and informed me that Ashish was among the only two people recruited in her company out of 57 candidates! My joy knew no bounds. To me, education is the key to unlocking freedom in its truest sense and I wish to contribute towards manifesting this change. I consider my independence as a privilege and an opportunity to help those around me surpass lack of resources and unlock their potential.”

“Independence is self-discovery”

“Independence is what we feel from within. Each individual has independence lurking somewhere deep within them, it just needs to be discovered. I have a busy schedule. In the morning I cook, chant Lalitha Sahasranamam along with a few friends and conduct Bhagavad Gita classes. My afternoons and evenings are spent knitting and embroidering clothes for myself and my family members. I am presently embroidering a saree for my granddaughter who is in Singapore and is a Kathak dancer. This will be her first cotton saree.

In the evenings, I attend classes on the Ramayana and read the Adhyatmika Ramayana along with my friends. People often ask me how I find time to do so much in a day, especially given my age. My answer always is that I never find time, I just do things because I sincerely wish to be active. When you deeply desire to do some activity, you are bound to find time for it. Everyone has 24 hours with them – regardless of age or profession- and each one needs to find ways to spend them meaningfully. I have enjoyed this journey of discovering my independence, and everyone should likewise follow their calling. It was my son who encouraged me to pursue fashion design at the age of 50, and I went on to teach the subject in a college for five years. It was a mesmerising experience, and I still enjoy interacting with children of all kinds. My life experiences have informed me that everyone should get to do what they truly wish to do- any form of imposition like what happened under the colonial regime should be eschewed.” 

Padma Rajan has studied and taught fashion design and presently teaches Bhagavad Gita and the Narayaniyam to some students including her own family members. Her intense devotion has led her to compose several songs, some of which are now sung daily in Marundeeshwarar Temple, Chennai. She is also a voracious reader and is presently reading the Ram Chandra series of Amish Tripathi. 

What does independence mean to you? Share your thoughts with us in the comment box below.