In a world that often measures success by victories broadcasted and celebrated, these elders define victory differently. A long life has taught them that the most valuable freedoms are those often taken for granted: cooking a meal, climbing stairs, and packing a bag for another journey. When a knee gave out or a hip cracked, they did not see it as the end. Instead, they opted for surgery and got back up. Surgeons emphasize that age is no longer the barrier it once was, though each case is carefully considered.
94 and Climbing Stairs
Take Anasuya Jhaveri, for example. At 94, the former principal of GLS kindergarten has had both knees replaced—one at 70, the other at 86—and now a hip as well. 'I like to stay occupied. I want every day to have a purpose: to be of use to myself and to others,' she says. She remained principal until 86, then interviewed for another school and was selected, but her children advised her to rest instead. After a recent fall revealed a hip crack, surgery was necessary. Living on the third floor of a building without a lift, mobility was non-negotiable. 'We took many opinions because of her age, but she had faith she would pull through,' says her daughter Vaidehi. Anasuya still cooks for herself and her daughter, reads three newspapers, completes Sudoku and crosswords, and watches OTT shows.
Dr. Vikram Shah, joint replacement surgeon and founder of Shalby Hospitals, is not surprised. He now replaces joints in three patients over 90 each month. 'You only live once, and to live, you must stay mobile,' he says. Life expectancy has increased; before Independence it was under 50, now it is past 70, with 10% reaching 90 or more. These older patients are often a hardy lot—light eaters who neither overeat nor overthink, largely free of serious illness. 'They make good patients. They are motivated to recover and ready to listen,' he adds.
Made of Sterner Stuff
Uttamchand Raigandhi, 85, from Shyamal, had his left knee replaced a week ago and is already active. 'Until I am alive, I will not depend on anyone, not even for a glass of water,' he says. He had an angioplasty in his 40s and his right knee replaced eight years ago. This time, his hemoglobin was barely above 8, requiring iron injections and clearances from a cardiologist and physician. A chemical engineer, he worked in textile mills across India before starting a garment business with his son. Last year, he spent three months in the US, and now plans a pilgrimage with his wife. The surgery almost didn't happen because his sons opposed it, but his wife stood firm. 'My mother said the responsibility would be hers alone, and there was nothing to fear,' says daughter Alka.
Surgeons acknowledge the risks. 'Joint replacement may be successful, but advanced age brings complications involving heart, lungs, or kidneys. We counsel the family on dos and don'ts,' says Dr. Satish Patel, orthopedic surgeon at Zydus Hospital. Many of his patients over 90 seek surgery to get outdoors, relieve constant pain, and live better.
The Secret She Wasn't Told
Tija Mali, 107, a mother of five children aged 64 to 79, lives in Meghaninagar with her son Gordhan. She was 102 when she underwent hip replacement surgery. Always fit, she had never taken a pill until a fall led her to a hospital for the first time. Doctors found a broken hip. Given her age, many considered surgery too risky, but she was otherwise healthy. The family realized that without surgery, she would be bedridden and in pain. They told her she was going for a bandage and proceeded with the operation. 'She was on her feet within 15 days,' Gordhan says. She has a new hip but does not know it. 'Her recovery was faster than expected. Sometimes ignorance is bliss,' he adds.
Dr. Ateet Sharma, senior joint replacement surgeon at KD Hospital, explains, 'The question is how fit you are. Surgery and aftercare have improved, but we proceed only when the patient is genuinely fit.' Dr. Daria Singh of Apollo Hospitals recalls a 92-year-old practicing lawyer who had knee replacement. 'Staying mobile was both a professional need and an expression of joie de vivre. We see a steady rise in such patients. The risk is on par with other cases, and with proper care, patients regain movement.'
She Will Soon Be Flying
Rekha Shah, 90, from Valsad, had her knee replaced three weeks ago and already walks without support. Until recently, pain limited her movement. Now she plans to fly to New Jersey to visit her son. 'Once I recover, I will visit my son,' she says. She still runs her own day, including cooking. Her confidence in saying yes to surgery, her family says, is why she is recovering so fast. Her son, Dr. Pankaj Shah, medical superintendent at Kasturba Hospital, adds, 'Her first knee was replaced 12 years ago. The other gave trouble this time, and neither exercise nor medication helped.' Dr. Sanket Diwanji, joint replacement surgeon, sees more such cases. 'After 90, knee replacement is worth it if it improves quality of life. More fit patients in this age group are choosing it.'
Round Two Next Month
Kaila Padhariya, 90, from Rajkot, had one knee replaced last month and is ready for the second next month. Apart from mild hypertension, she is in good health, but knee pain limited her movement. 'She was finding it hard to walk and climb stairs. Some doctors advised against surgery due to her age, but she refused to be bedridden. She wants to keep doing her own work until her last breath,' says her son Ruda. Surgeon Dr. Hiren Kothari says, 'If a patient is mobile, wants to stay active, and reports are normal, age should not stop them.' Increasingly, senior citizens are deciding that age is just a number, not a finish line.
About the Author: Parth Shastri is a senior assistant editor covering Gujarat-related issues for nearly two decades, focusing on health, higher education, premier institutes, public health, science, technology, startups, space, and archaeology.
