Demographics are rapidly changing, with a growing number of very elderly individuals in society. The population of this age group is expected to increase by 50% by 2030. Traditionally referred to as older people, their needs and aspirations are just as diverse as those of any other group. For example, a socially isolated 65-year-old with multiple health issues will need more support than an active nonagenarian (90-year-olds) with strong family and social networks. This is precisely what 96-year-old Chilukuri Santhamma exemplifies. 96 year old Chilukuri Santhamma is a household name in Andhra Pradesh, a state in India even before her grand niece, Usha Chilukuri Vance is famous. Despite her advanced age, Santhamma continues to teach physics at a private university in Andhra Pradesh.
When asked about her dedication to teaching at the age of 96, Santhamma said it keeps her motivated. “As long as you are healthy, you should dedicate yourself to doing good for society. Otherwise, as the saying goes, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” she said. Santhamma joined Andhra University in Visakhapatnam as a lecturer in 1956 and retired in 1989, yet she continues to serve as an honorary faculty member. Her expertise in atomic and molecular spectroscopy has earned her widespread acclaim. Beyond physics, she also delves into the Puranas, Vedas, and Upanishads. Despite having undergone knee surgeries and relying on crutches, she continues to be a beacon of inspiration, traveling 60 km each way from Vizag to Vizianagaram to teach at Centurion University. A rare feat at her advanced age, making her a true role model.
Like Santhamma, seniors should overcome demographic challenges by leveraging their life experience, skills, and knowledge, rather than succumbing to the negative portrayals of aging often perpetuated by unhelpful rhetoric. Elders have accumulated extensive knowledge and expertise in their chosen fields, but how many can successfully pass this knowledge to the next generation? Ninety-six-year-old Santhamma defies stereotypes and is only old in chronological age. As social gerontologists from advantAGE seniors, we often wonder why so many seniors seem to ‘give up’ and limit themselves to eating, sleeping, watching TV, and other passive activities. Seniors can still live life to the fullest by moving at a slow and cautious pace.
