World Senior Citizens Day 2025: What doctors want every senior to know about ageing gracefully after 60

By Admin

22 Aug, 2025

Growing old isn’t easy, but doctors say ageing after 60 doesn’t have to mean slowing down. On World Senior Citizens Day 2025, experts share that with mindful habits and proactive care, seniors can continue to live active, fulfilling, and independent lives.

Why Ageing Feels Challenging

As we grow older, daily tasks that once felt simple getting out of bed, walking, or even bending to pick up a newspaper can feel exhausting. Energy levels dip, movements become slower, and health concerns start adding up. Beyond physical changes, many seniors also face loneliness, especially after retirement or the loss of a partner.

But doctors emphasize that this stage of life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can instead become a time to focus on well-being, personal growth, and meaningful connections.

“Ageing does not have to be passive,” says Dr Sushila Kataria of Medanta. “When seniors take charge of their health and stay socially connected, they are able to bounce back from challenges and age actively.”

So, what does ageing actively really mean? Experts share the following steps.

1. Get a Protection Plan in Place

One of the biggest risks after 60 is a weaker immune system, making seniors more vulnerable to infections such as flu, pneumonia, and shingles. According to the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, immunity undergoes a sharp decline in the sixth decade of life, which can worsen chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.

“Timely vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent infectious diseases or reduce complications,” explains Dr Kataria. She suggests seniors consult their doctors for a personalised protection plan that includes vaccinations and screening tests for heart health, diabetes, and kidney problems.

2. Stay Physically Active

Not every senior can lift weights or run marathons but regular movement is vital to maintaining muscle strength and bone health.

“Simple activities like walking in the park, stretching at home, or practicing yoga can make a huge difference,” says Dr Kataria. She calls these “micro-movements,” small yet consistent efforts that maintain mobility without straining joints. Even light chores such as gardening can help prevent stiffness.

3. Stay Socially Connected

Loneliness is becoming a silent health crisis. A 2023 WHO report revealed that social isolation raises the risk of premature death in older adults by nearly 30%.

“Retirement is the time to reconnect,” says Dr Kataria. “A strong social circle helps overcome loneliness and keeps the mind active.”
Joining community groups, making new friends, or reviving old hobbies can help seniors stay engaged and emotionally strong.

4. Make Technology Your Ally

Though many seniors avoid digital tools, technology can empower healthy ageing. From fitness apps to video calling, technology helps seniors track health, stay connected, and remain independent.

“Apps that track vital signs, set medication reminders, or schedule doctor appointments can be life-changing,” Dr Kataria notes. Learning to use these tools can help seniors feel more in control while staying connected to doctors and loved ones.

Unique Challenges Seniors Face

Even with lifestyle changes, certain health concerns require extra care. Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, outlines the most common challenges:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Dental issues often make chewing difficult, leading to poor nutrition. Lack of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 weakens immunity and bones.
  
  

• Increased risk of falls: Stiff joints and weaker muscles raise the risk of fractures, often leading to hospital stays and reduced independence.
  
  

• Cognitive decline: Memory loss and dementia affect quality of life, making mental exercises and early detection crucial.
  
  

• Social isolation: Loss of a spouse, mobility issues, or distant family members can cause loneliness and worsen health.
  
  

• Chronic illnesses: Managing multiple medications increases risks of side effects and mistakes.
  
  

Overcoming These Challenges

Doctors recommend simple, consistent practices to ease these struggles:

• Visit the dentist regularly and eat softer yet nutritious foods.
  
  

• Walk or practice yoga to improve balance and prevent falls.
  
  

• Solve puzzles, read, or engage in brain games to support cognitive health.
  
  

• Stay connected with family, friends, and community groups.
  
  

• Simplify medication schedules and consult doctors regularly to reduce risks.
  
  

Ageing as a Golden Phase

Both doctors agree: ageing should not be seen as decline, but as a golden chapter.

“When we begin our journey of active and healthy ageing, the years after 50 can truly be golden,” says Dr Kataria.

Dr Gupta adds, “Ageing is natural, but with timely care and support, seniors can continue to lead independent, fulfilling lives.”

A Message on World Senior Citizens Day 2025

This Senior Citizens Day, doctors urge people above 60 and their families to embrace healthy ageing habits. With small but meaningful changes, the later years of life can be just as enriching and empowering as the earlier ones.