Slowing down is not an option, says Jeyaraj Indra Raj, a member of the Advisory Board of St Luke’s Hospital. He was one of the individuals featured in St Luke’s “Joyfully Silver” campaign, themed to celebrate ageing with gusto. Singapore is approaching the superaged status, with 21 percent of its population hitting 65 and over. This 70-year-old models an active and disciplined lifestyle that seeks to serve and enrich the community.
93-year-old Clint Eastwood reportedly said, ageing is not for wimps. Please comment.
Ageing is inevitable, but it is not a straightforward journey. Hence, it does require one to have the mental fortitude to accept the challenges that come with advancing years. I am no Clint Eastwood. We cannot fight the ageing gene but we can delay the effects of physical ageing; which I have found is possible with regular exercise.
We cannot fight the ageing gene but we can delay the effects of physical ageing; which I have found is possible with regular exercise.
Making Meaningful Choices: I feel empowered by making choices that are authentic to me. Age is just a number and I always adopt an optimistic mindset and try to remain young at heart. I prioritise caring for those around me and my health by keeping active and adopting healthy habits. It is important to be engaged in a lifelong hobby that a person can continue with into retirement. This will ensure that there is no anxiety during retirement.
Living with Purpose: Although I stopped actively practising law at age 68, my passion remains strong. Having been involved in the establishment and management of St Luke's Hospital, I continue to serve as one of the Honorary Legal Advisors and member of board sub-committees. Volunteerism for me has also been a source of great fulfilment and joy. I have been a part of various grassroot organisations since the 1980s, and until recently, was the Legal Advisor of Peacehaven Nursing Home and a board member of the Agency for Integrated Care.
Connecting with All Generations: I have been a member of the wind ensemble at Wesley Methodist Church for the past 34 years, and participate in the performances fortnightly on Sundays. Being in the wind ensemble gives me the opportunity to perform alongside and interact with the younger members in church. It keeps me young and happy, and playing the trumpet always brings me joy. I have seen pre-believers come to Christ of their own accord through participating in the group. And I believe interest groups of all kinds have the potential to draw people to church.
Staying active: Working at law firms in the early stages of my career, the pace of work resulted in the development of asthma. I was just 39. My doctor advised me to take up swimming. Swimming and staying active have helped immensely in managing my asthma, proving to be essential components of my wellness routine. The rhythmic nature of swimming, combined with the humid environment of the pool, helps to keep my airways open and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. Each stroke and breath taken in the water strengthens my lungs, improves my cardiovascular health, and enhances my overall respiratory function. Staying active through various exercises has helped to keep my body fit and resilient and has also helped to drastically reduce my stress. I usually begin my day at 5am with a 30-lap swim with my wife, followed occasionally by a 9-km walk.
Research suggests that having a happy marriage is associated with a longer life1. Do you see your marriage as contributing to your satisfaction? If so, what is your secret to your happy marriage?
It was my wife who encouraged me to swim and got us an instructor. We both swim and walk together. And that is one of the greatest secrets to a happy marriage: the simple joy of spending time together, engaging in activities that both partners truly enjoy. It's not about grand gestures or extravagant outings, but rather the shared moments of laughter, adventure, and connection that weave the fabric of a strong relationship. Whether it's cooking a meal, going for a swim together, or just taking a walk hand in hand, these shared experiences create a deep bond and a reservoir of cherished memories. In them, we discover and rediscover each other and build a partnership rooted in understanding, joy, and mutual respect.
Have you ever felt like you should do less now that you have retired?
I would be the proverbial “fish out of water” the whole day if I did not have my daily swim. I have seen friends of my age who do not exercise feeling extremely stressed. Whenever we meet, they would ask, “How do you not have any wrinkles?” Many have been awed at how active I live. I always recommend swimming to them.
Beyond the physical benefits, staying active plays a crucial role in my mental health; it sharpens cognitive function, wards off cognitive decline, and elevates my mood.
Discipline in maintaining a routine ensures consistency, stability, and the establishment of healthy habits, which are essential for managing my existing conditions and preventing new ones. Besides swimming, I also practise the trumpet, read extensively and watch Netflix.
St Luke’s Hospital celebrated its annual ‘silver hair’ campaign, #GoSilverSG, in June 2024. Being part of the #GoSilverSG campaign allowed me to share my journey with the community to remind them that ageing is about the joys and opportunities ahead. Together, we can embrace active ageing and celebrate each new day with vigour, hope and gratitude.
By maintaining a disciplined lifestyle that prioritises physical activity and continuing to serve the community, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment, all of which contribute to prolonged independence and an enriched quality of life.
What part does faith play in your life? And what spiritual disciplines are more helpful for you?
Our faith is the most important thing in our life. All things are Church related. I only play the trumpet for Church and Christian related occasions. My wife and I find that it is critical to be always in prayer and be led by the Holy Spirit in all our decision making.
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