Embracing Old Age: Wisdom, Resilience, and Purpose in Later Life
Original Writer – Gouro Chandra Tripathy
Translation- The Eastern Times
Photo: Gouro Chandra Tripathy
In a certain kingdom, near the queen’s palace, stood the royal kitchen, and right beside it, the royal stable that housed the state’s prized horses. A troop of monkeys often wandered into this area, causing chaos by sneaking into the kitchen, stealing fruits and vegetables, and disturbing the royal chefs.
Among the troop was an old, wise monkey who repeatedly warned the younger ones to stop their mischief. He pleaded with them to stay away from the palace grounds, but the young monkeys, full of energy and arrogance, ignored his advice. Frustrated and fearing the consequences, the old monkey eventually left the palace area and took refuge deep in the jungle.
Days passed, and the young monkeys continued their disruptive behavior. One day, angered beyond control, the head chef threw a burning log at the monkeys in a desperate attempt to drive them away. The log missed its target and instead landed in a pile of dry fodder meant for the royal horses. Within moments, the fodder caught fire, and the flames quickly spread to the stable. The horses, trapped inside, were severely burned.
Since these horses were vital to the kingdom’s army, the king ordered an immediate treatment. The royal physician, after careful consideration, concluded that the only effective remedy for the burns was medicine made from monkey fat. Acting on the king’s orders, soldiers were sent out, and many monkeys were captured and killed to prepare the treatment.
Tragically, had the reckless young monkeys heeded the wise old monkey’s warnings, this disaster could have been avoided.
Old age is a blessing- a confluence of wisdom, rich experience, and awareness. Around 500 million people worldwide are currently aged 65 or older. In developed nations, the elderly make up approximately 10-15% of the population. However, many are neither mentally nor spiritually prepared to embrace aging, often viewing it as a burden rather than a natural and valuable phase of life. In modern times, finding meaningful ways to spend time during old age has become a significant challenge for many seniors.
Old Age Through the Lens of Ancient Wisdom and Philosophers
In the Vedic period, old age was celebrated as a joyful phase of life; longevity was seen as a mark of vitality and divine blessing. The Atharva Veda expresses the desire for a full and enduring life with the verse, “Pashyete Sharad Shatam, Jiyete Sharad Shatam“—may we see a hundred autumns, may we live a hundred years. Even today, our culture bestows the blessing “Dirghayu Bhavah“—may you have a long life.
In the Mahabharata, old age is portrayed as a time of responsibility, representing the accumulated wisdom and life experience of the elderly. Similarly, in the Ramayana, Lord Rama sends his younger brother Lakshmana at the time of Ravan’s death to learn the profound lessons of life from wise Ravana, recognizing the depth of insight that age can bring.
Beyond Indian tradition, other philosophies also honor aging. In Taoism, old age is seen as a time for reflection, wisdom, and spiritual development. The path of Vairagya (Renunciation) encourages a life of purpose and inner clarity in later years. Even in Western thought, the Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero, in his essay “On Old Age,” highlights the dignity, productivity, and philosophical richness that can define this stage of life.
According to philosopher J. Krishnamurti, old age signifies the maturity of the mind. With this maturity often comes a resistance to change—a natural tendency rooted in the mind’s instinct for self-preservation. Many philosophers regard this stage of life as a period of mental peace and reflection. The wisdom, emotional stability, and sound judgment described by Cicero through the character of Cato are not just ideals, but realistic qualities often found in the elderly.
Two other virtues that frequently emerge in later life are the capacity for deep love and a profound sense of humility—qualities echoed in the writings of philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. Far from being a time of decline, old age offers expanded opportunities for active, meaningful living. It becomes a valuable phase to share intellectual insights and life experiences with the younger generation.
The life of the legendary artist Pablo Picasso, who remained creatively active until the age of ninety-nine, serves as a powerful example of this vitality. Psychologist Erik Erikson also emphasized the unique clarity that comes with age, highlighting questions like, “What do we hold on to? What do we let go of? And how do we find fulfillment?”—questions he believed could only be fully answered in old age.
German poet and philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, even while seriously ill, completed the second part of his masterpiece Faust—a testament to the strength that can arise from a positive struggle for meaning. Similarly, Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy, wrote “Optimal Aging: Get Over, Getting Older” at the age of eighty, encouraging older adults to embrace positive thinking as a source of happiness and resilience.
Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychiatrist, used his later years to advocate for a life of purpose. He warned against living “just to live” without meaning, describing such existence as an “empty void.” Instead, he encouraged finding a reason why—a purpose to guide and enrich life, especially in old age.
Let every morning of old age begin with the intention to rise above personal desires and move toward the “welfare of others.” Let each day be illuminated by the light of joy and generosity. The awakening of spiritual consciousness is the true path to living well.
As Nietzsche wisely observed, in the gap between who we are and who we hope to become lies the unavoidable pain of old age—anxiety, envy, and moments of despair. Yet he urges us to embrace life nonetheless, declaring, “Say yes to life in spite of everything.”
Eternal Spirit: Igniting the Flame of Life Beyond Age
Many elderly individuals often feel that their lives are over, and they see themselves as having nothing left to achieve. The stark contrast between their past dreams and present reality can make life seem like a struggle. This underscores the importance of preparing for a future in old age that is independent—physically, mentally, and financially—especially after navigating the turbulence of youth.
A person who has overcome life’s challenges, who has dared to find meaning and purpose, and who nurtures a positive attitude of embracing life, can continue to thrive even in old age. Like the mythological figure Sisyphus, who endlessly pushed a boulder uphill yet never gave up, one can find joy and fulfillment despite life’s trials. Even in the face of sorrow and hardship, the elderly can say, “I will never give up.”
Though I may be old, by harmonizing my body, mind, and spirit, I will transcend the limitations of age. Through my actions and karma, I will attain immortality. I will keep the spark of life alive within me, living with the affirmation: “Aham Brahmasmi”—I am the divine essence.
Author Bio: The writer is a senior columnist.
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Rhett Dawson
Mighty good article… but seems like this new generation ain’t much interested in learnin’ from the folks who’ve been there and done that. Much love from Dallas, Texas!