‘I’d rot in bed watching endless Reels’: Zeenat Aman, 74, on why she still wants to work

At 74, veteran actress Zeenat Aman remains an active presence in the entertainment industry. In an Instagram post, she expressed gratitude for her continued professional engagement and addressed the common worry among the elderly: what they might do if their work ceased. Zeenat wrote, "May I just reiterate how grateful I am to be finding gainful employment at this age?"

She enjoyed her quieter years but now values goals such as a visit to a city, a new script, an advertisement shoot, and exercise. Zeenat also admitted to fearing a life of inactivity, stating, "I’d rot in bed watching endless reels of babies and baby animals." She explained that starting a career early left little time to explore hobbies, and in her seventies, she feels "not quite motivated enough to pick up the piano or learn to bake."

Zeenat ends on a curious note, asking her followers if they know someone who took up a new hobby in their later years. Psychologists interpret Zeenat's reflections as highlighting the importance of purpose and engagement in ageing. Dr Druhin Grover, Consultant Psychiatrist at Yashoda Medicity, notes that growing older presents challenges like energy decline, shrinking social circles, and fading familiar roles, often leading to a 'role vacuum.'

Short, achievable goals each week can provide structure, boost mood, and maintain cognitive engagement. Work, she adds, preserves identity, keeps the mind active, fosters social interaction, and contributes to a sense of dignity. Even small weekly objectives like calling a friend or finishing a book chapter add life's structure and meaning, reducing the risk of depression.

While some may hesitate to start new hobbies in their later years due to perceived limitations, experts reassure that this is often just perception. The brain retains plasticity even in later years, and starting small, low-pressure activities can boost mood, memory, and self-esteem. Zeenat's open and humorous post resonates with the universal truth that purpose and engagement matter at any age, underscoring the benefits of continued engagement, relevance, and joy.