Anupam Kher questions why the elderly are called 'irrelevant', says 'experience never retires'
Mumbai, Aug 14
Actor Anupam Kher has spoken out against the tendency to dismiss elderly people as "irrelevant" or "redundant," stressing that age does not determine a person's value or abilities.
In a video shared on Instagram, the 'Special 26' actor questioned the very idea of labelling people as irrelevant simply because they have grown older. "Does a person's software get old as he grows older? Does God send notifications after 70?" he asked, highlighting how absurd he finds such age-based assumptions. Kher also questioned those who consider older people to be of little use, asking, "Don't you have parents? Don't you have grandparents? Are they irrelevant or redundant for you?"
The 71-year-old actor went on to highlight the importance of experience, pointing out that while youth brings energy, new ideas and speed, age brings wisdom and an understanding of life. For the caption, Anupam said, "Timeless Golden Energy!! Youth has enthusiasm, speed, and an incredible ability to make you feel relevant and important. But experience, in itself, is a powerhouse. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Nandan Nilekani, Anand Mahindra, Meryl Streep, James Cameron, and countless others have crossed the age of 70 and are still constantly creating something new and guiding the world in meaningful ways."
"So, considering older people "useless" or thinking, "What use are they now?" is not just disrespectful-it is foolish. A person's abilities do not come with an expiry date. Youth may find a new path more quickly, but experience knows where the next turn is coming. Long live the power of experience!"
In the video, the 'Tanvi the Great' actor said, "Friends, today we are hearing a new word, irrelevant, redundant. And the interesting thing is that this word is often used for the elderly. I think it's amazing. Does a person's software get old as he grows older? Does God send notifications after 70? Your services are no longer required. So those who call the elderly useless or redundant, I have a small question for them. Don't you have parents? Don't you have grandparents? Are they irrelevant or redundant for you? Look at the history of the world, sir."
"How many scientists, writers, artists, thinkers have done amazing things from the age of 70 to 80. Because youth gives you energy, but age gives you experience. And there is a great feature of experience. It is not available on Amazon. It has to live. Yes, the youth generation is very important. Their spirit, their impatience, their new ideas, everyone needs it."
Anupam Kher went on to state, "And the big people happily accept this. But is it necessary to declare the elderly irrelevant to make the youth relevant? The youth have speed. The elderly have the knowledge of the roads. The youth have dreams. The elderly have the experience of reaching those dreams. And sometimes the youth feel that they know everything. The elderly know that no one knows everything. This is what age teaches, friends. The elderly are not the burden of any society."
"They are its memory bank. A moving history. A living library. That is why do not call a person irrelevant because of his age. Because today you are dismissing him by saying he is old. If life is benevolent, then one day you will also reach there. And believe me, that day you will also not like to be called irrelevant. Age is not an expiry date. And experience never retires. Remember this," concluded Anupam.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"Experience never retires" - absolutely true! Look at our own Narayana Murthy and Ratan Tata, still guiding the youth. But we also need to remember that respecting elders doesn't mean blindly following outdated ideas. There's a balance - we should value wisdom while also embracing change. Just my two cents.
This resonates deeply. In the corporate world, we often overlook the invaluable mentorship that senior colleagues provide. The tech industry in Bangalore is finally learning this - they're now hiring retired professionals for advisory roles. Age brings perspective that textbooks simply cannot teach.
As a 45-year-old, I feel this pressure already. Our society focuses so much on youth that we forget the 60+ generation built the foundation we stand on. My father still manages our family business better than any consultant we've hired. Respect to Kher for speaking up 👏
"The youth have speed. The elderly have the knowledge of the roads." - brilliant analogy! But I wish we also addressed the real issue - many elderly people are forced to work because pensions aren't enough. It's not just about respect; it's about dignity. The government needs to do more too.
Interesting perspective from an Indian lens. Here in the US, we definitely have a similar problem with ageism in the workplace. It's refreshing to hear such a powerful voice challenge these stereotypes. "Age is not an expiry date" - that's going on my office wall! 😄
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.