Don't be scared, you'll get old too

Author: Tsisi Moistsrapeshvili for UNFPA 

Ageing is often seen as a time for longing for youth, regretting unfulfilled dreams, and being labeled as being in the “autumn of life.” Many people even fear getting older. However, there are others around us who, through their life experiences, their calm attitude toward ageing, and the choices they make, demonstrate that ageing can be beautiful, interesting, and fulfilling. At any age, we can live in the present and continue to grow:

“I don’t miss being young. I’ve lived that chapter. Now, I have stepped into a new phase of life. The key is to stay engaged — read, learn, and never lose curiosity and interest,” says Nadiko Egadze, 80.

Affectionately called “Nadiko” by her grandchildren, this nickname has become familiar to everyone. She has two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. After graduating from choreography school, she first worked at the Opera and Ballet Theatre, then at the Rustaveli Theatre. Nadiko believes that writing and crafting enhance mood and mental well-being. She embraces everything new — reading contemporary authors, attending modern ballet productions, visiting museums, enjoying theatre and music, and staying active. She makes a conscious effort to keep up with the times and stay informed about developments in the world.

Recently, she enrolled in "Story Design" course of Koka Kamushadze at the Design Institute and she indeed started writing. She also attended design classes, learning to create beautiful items from seemingly useless materials. Now, she's preparing to study photography as she loves taking pictures and wants to refine her skill:

“Developing photos is expensive. When I heard the cost, I got frustrated and decided to learn how to do it myself. I told them: When you need it, you can come to me instead,” says Nadiko.

For Nadiko, physical activity is essential for maintaining energy and vitality. She walks every day, intentionally covering long distances. Her body has adapted to this routine, and she rarely feels tired:

“I wake up early every day. I can’t do anything slowly, so I manage to accomplish a lot.”

Alienation between generations happens when we resist change — both within ourselves and in the world around us. Past experiences - what we've already lived through and learned - can feel like unchangeable truths, leading us to believe there’s no room left for new discoveries. But Nadiko embraces change. She enjoys engaging with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, listening to them helps her not feel alone and keep up with modern life: 

“I rarely give advice to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They know what they want and express their thoughts beautifully. I listen in admiration and learn a lot from them.”

Active ageing isn’t just about having a zest for life or enjoying new experiences, nor is it about living without worry. According to Nadiko, it is primarily a personal choice that demands mental and emotional resilience, the ability to find solutions in tough times, and the strength to overcome personal challenges. As she puts it, everything can be overcome if you approach difficulties with a clear mind and physical readiness:

“You should try not to let anything bring you down. I’ve had health issues too, but I realized that if you give up, people will check in on you once a year, ask how you’re doing, and that’s it.”

According to Nadiko, financial struggles, including low pensions, are among the biggest obstacles to enjoying ageing and active elderhood in Georgia. “In Europe, people start traveling and exploring the world after retirement. Here, even taking a break feels like a luxury,” she says. Social concerns and the constant worry about family often leave little room for self-reflection or personal growth. 

To make life more interesting for people over 60, to help them leave their homes and feel like full members of society, gain new skills, make friends, and find like-minded people, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) supports healthy and active ageing policies in Georgia.

Life after 60 - UNFPA Initiative for Healthy and Active Ageing in Georgia

This is the purpose of the municipal “60+ Club for Healthy and Active Living” in Tbilisi, Rustavi, and Kutaisi, which is open to people who want to maintain physical and mental health and remain active members of society.

The “60+ Club” offers retirees opportunities to view their lives in a new light, think about what they want to learn and can do, what they didn't have time and opportunity for before, to rediscover themselves and set an example for their peers not to give up but continue their journey.

What does UNFPA do for elder people?

We can’t avoid ageing, but as Nadiko’s story shows, the true challenge lies in maintaining a passion for life. If we keep thinking, walking, talking, listening, learning, and connecting across generations—if we focus on creating new memories instead of dwelling on the past—old age can be beautiful, enriching, and full of variety.