In her latest book, Shobhaa at Sixty - Secrets of Getting It Right at Any Age, the popular author lets younger women in on a few secrets to ageing gracefully that start with kicking off their heels and grabbing life by the horns

In her latest book, Shobhaa at Sixtyu00a0- Secrets of Getting It Right at Any Age, the popular author lets younger women in on a few secrets to ageing gracefully that start with kicking off their heels and grabbing life by the horns

She might be 62, but Shobhaa De shows no signs of slowing down. And why should she! Sixty is the new forty, as Shobhaa decrees in her latest book Shobhaa at Sixtyu00a0-- Secrets of Getting It Right at Any Age.

In the book, the popular columnist and writer tackles the subject of age, and specifically ageing, with trademark candour and a surprising vulnerability. Shobhaa though disagrees that writing the book made her vulnerable. "Vulnerable? Not in the least! It is an upbeat book... the whole idea is to send out a positive signal, not just to women, but society at large. It is to break through the stereotype and celebrate age," says Shobhaa in an email interview.

Writing the book was an "intense, intimate and personal experience" for the author, who says that the book's message is a simple one. "Embrace age... make your peace with all that goes with it."
Sex, stereotypes, solitude are some of the "all that goes with it", all of which Shobhaa tackles in the book that she jokes, she took "60 years" to write. "More seriously, about a year."

Sex at sixty? Why not!
Sex is one of the things that get better with age, according to Shobhaa, as women are freed from the fear of an unwanted pregnancy and are therefore more willing to experiment. Her advice? "Think of sex as your best meditation..."

The author, who was written over 15 books in two decades, says that living in an ageist society is particularly tough on women. "The world worships youth. A woman's 'sell by' date expires at 30 these days. This makes women hit the panic button and lapse into depression by the time they are 40! Isn't that ridiculous?" says Shobhaa, who prefers the use of the word 'vintage' in place of 'age' in the book. "Vintage has a better ring to it! Great wines are identified by their 'vintage'... as are classic cars, watches, jewels," she explains.

In the book, Shobhaa admits to suffering from "a tiny panic attack" on turning 60, but was soon happy to discover that her zest for life was enhanced, not diminished. "I was enjoying certain freedoms that were not available to me when I was 30 and bogged down by responsibilities and anxieties," she shares.
The book has lots of feel-good tips for anyone who has ever dreaded the thought of turning 60 (and according to the author, who hasn't!). There's also practical advice on the lines of sorting out finances and going for regular health check-ups.

While the advice is not revolutionary, the message is certainly kind, forgiving, and upbeat. "Don't look at 60 as the end of the road.... think of it as the beginning of a new phase, a very productive one. Don't let society define a role for youu00a0-- write your own script!" says the woman who would like for her tombstone to read:u00a0 Born a babe. Died a babe.

Shobhaa at Sixtyu00a0-- Secrets of Getting It Right at Any Age; Rs 350; Hay House; distributed by Penguin Books India