In the spirit of a recent flick where one of the protagonists learns to ride a motorbike at 65, we meet three daredevils between 58 and 70 who show us just how unstoppable they are as ‘senior citizens’
Captain Thakore scuba dives in The Maldives
In the recently released movie, Dhak Dhak, the inspiring Ratna Pathak Shah plays one of four women who breaks free from societal norms forced onto them as they embark on an adventurous trip. The journey in question is a bike ride to Khardung La, a mountain pass in Ladakh. Shah’s character Manpreet Kaur Sethi AKA Mahi transforms into biker nani as she learns to ride a bike at 65. And this isn’t just a fictional tale; three city-based individuals across professions bring out an adventurous streak in their senior years. What drives them to take bold steps in their silver years, challenge stereotypes as well as themselves, and how do they keep up their bucket lists? They tell us in candid conversations.
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Actor Ratna Pathak Shah as Mahi in the film Dhak Dhak. Pic courtesy/Instagram
Trekking up to a milestone
We started the journey to Sandakphu, a mountain peak of the Singalila Ridge between India and Nepal on September 24 and completed the trip on October 1. This is at a height of over 3,600m above sea level. The journey included tough terrains as well as a walk through Singalila National Park. Every day, we walked nearly six to seven kilometres. But while walking downhill, we covered 13 km in one go because there wasn’t any space to halt within the thick bamboo forest of the national park. This was tough, but was also a beautiful experience.
Moments from Dr Nathani’s trek to Sandakphu, Singalila Ridge
I trekked with a group of younger doctors where I was the most senior, in that sense I knew I had security in case I were to face any issues or decided to not continue. I am quite active and fit; I do yoga, and go for walks, but I wanted to challenge my body while still being in a protected and safe environment. I have been trekking in the Sahyadris; walking in my trekking boots to break them in, and using the staircase; all this helped me train myself for this tougher trip. I had fears about whether I could manage, if in case an injury took place would my bones be able to heal well at this age. But my family and patients supported my decision. My husband, who was preparing to join us, couldn’t come but he encouraged me to continue. My peer who was overseas, Dr Manjul Patwardhan, was my inspiration because she’s always active.
At younger ages, we are studying and setting up our careers, but now at this juncture in my life, I have realised that I need to do what my heart tells me to. I will take some time to plan my next adventure because at my age, it takes time to evaluate my physique, my mental state and other factors.
Dr Neeta Nathani, 58, practising paediatrician and child specialist, Chembur
Life Mantra: Don’t mimic what others are doing; analyse what is best for you and the support you need to do it
Checked off my bucket list
He bravely sky dives in Sydney, Australia at the age of 67
In 2021, I tried scuba diving and jet blading in The Maldives, and this year in March, I skydived in Sydney, Australia. These were the things on my bucket list, and I’ve crossed them all off. When I went skydiving, we took off in a one-engine plane up to 15,000 ft. I was second in line to jump out with the instructor and had butterflies in my tummy but once you’re in the plane, it’s too late to back out anyway. Once you jump, you freefall for about a minute against the wind before opening your chute at about 8,000 ft and begin gliding down. You get a great view of the city and adjoining areas before you land five minutes later.
I was more worried about scuba diving because you’re underwater and if something goes wrong, there’s nothing you can do. But I’ve spent 20 years on the ship, as a captain and through various ranks, so that helped me overcome a few fears. There’s no real preparation other than the instructions you are given. But you should have a strong mind; once you decide to do it, you don’t need anything else. I am fairly fit;
I gym, walk and play golf regularly.
The bucket list came into being because I thought I should try these things before I get too old. I’ve completed my list; these are quite risky activities, and I was lucky to have experienced them without any issue. Upcoming plans include travelling, hiking and more golf.
Captain Umesh Thakore, 67, ex-Merchant Navy, owner of a ship and crew management business, Andheri
Life Mantra: Do what you can while you can
Golden girls can groove
Jennifer Correa, Noreen Vincent and Noreen D’Souza in dance costumes, ready to attend a line dance class
Nearly 10 years ago, my two friends, Noreen Vincent [85] and Jennifer Correa [69], and I [70] began learning line dance from Reina Azavedo from Mahim. She was 81 years then and had been teaching until last year till another teacher took over. We still attend class every week, taking the bus to reach Mahim from Chembur. A year after we joined, many of our friends also wanted to join but couldn’t travel, so we began a class in Chembur for ages 55 upwards. The class is called the Line Dance OLPS Chembur, and it is priced at R100 a month. This money goes towards the hall we practise in and our yearly team picnics. The three of us have also taught in other church parishes across Vashi, Ambernath, Vikhroli, and Kurla, where they later began their own classes for this dance form.
We have about 40 to 45 women who are mostly in their 70s; they come from Belapur, Nerul, Mankhurd and across Chembur. We all look forward to the class because we have had the opportunity to build a community of women. We celebrate our bond while ensuring we exercise for our physical and mental well-being. It is an adventure through dance. Did you know that line dance delays the onset of Alzheimer’s because one exercises their mind and body to learn and remember the steps?
Noreen D’Souza, 70, teacher, Chembur
Life Mantra: Chase away loneliness, line dance to happiness
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