How Singing and Learning Keep Sunita Active and Purposeful

geing doesn’t mean you need to slow down—as we get older, the knowledge and experiences we’ve gathered over the years open up opportunities to explore new passions. Such is the story of GetSetUp community member Sunita, who inspires us all by seeing this phase of her life as a time of transformation and new beginnings. After having spent over 32 years in the corporate world, starting with HCL and then moving to her nearly three decades role with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), her time was filled with growth and learning, "As you know, in those days, there weren't as many opportunities or jobs available as there are today. I was with TCS for over 28 years, growing horizontally and vertically as the company expanded. I never looked back or considered changing to another company. TCS was one of the most wonderful places to work, and everyone knows the Tata group is among the best employers. I enjoyed all those years at both HCL and TCS and truly loved working."

As Sunita approached retirement, she contemplated how to keep her mind and time occupied. Reflecting on this period, she shares, "Before I had more than ten years to go for my retirement, I was a little worried about how to keep myself occupied. I was keen on learning occult sciences, so I studied astrology, numerology, Vastu, tarot card reading, and palmistry. Over the course of two years, I gained certifications in these fields. Now, I am a practicing astrologer, numerologist, Vastu expert, and tarot card reader. I’m also a people person—I love socializing and interacting. I believe you can learn from everyone you meet, and I always try to focus on the good in people rather than the negatives." Her curiosity and desire to learn new things continuously led her to GetSetUp in early 2021 when she saw a Guide teaching singing on Facebook. "I was very keen on singing. I sang in school, college, and even at office parties. So when I learned about the singing classes, I joined immediately. I liked it.”

Eventually, when GetSetUp started the premium singing classes, I was excited to join because I would get to learn along with a group of people who are passionate about singing, just like me. In these smaller, focused sessions, the Guides give us many tips, and we get to do more than sing. For instance, after singing, we practice Alankars or play memory games where the teacher gives us a word, and we have to sing three to five songs that include that word instantly. This sharpens our memory and keeps our minds active, which is important as we age.” Many believe that the brain becomes hardwired as we age, but Sunita’s experience tells a different story. She finds that when you keep using your mind, it stays flexible and sharp. Singing, for her, is not just a creative outlet; it’s also a fantastic exercise for both the lungs and the brain, bringing joy and mental stimulation. The singing class at GetSetUp has become a happy space she looks forward to, whether she’s hosting a session or simply participating. "I look forward to joining and singing. If I miss a class, something from my day feels missing. I love being a part of this community.” 

Singing has evolved for her from simply listening to songs on the radio to truly understanding the intricacies of music."We used to sing without knowing the details—the scale, the emotion behind the lyrics. Now, I immediately know where I’ve gone wrong," Sunita reflects. Learning from the Guides has given her a deeper appreciation of modulating her voice, conveying emotions, and connecting with the lyrics. "If it’s a happy song, you must smile and sing. If it’s a sad song, you must put those feelings into it. Only then can you truly impact others." This learning has significantly boosted her confidence. Recently, Sunita sang live with music at a group event, "It gave me so much confidence that I can sing live in front of so many people. That confidence boosts you and makes you want to learn more."

Beyond her passion for singing, she actively participates in sessions on finance, healthcare, and legal topics like writing a will. "I enjoy the finance sessions and the doctor's talks. These are crucial topics at this age, and the information shared is incredibly helpful," she shares.  However, it wasn’t just the classes that appealed to her; it was the community. Sunita found herself among like-minded individuals eager to learn and grow like her. Beyond her personal achievements, she is deeply committed to helping others, "I like to share whatever I have, whether it's knowledge or happiness," she shares. Many people reach out to her because she's a good listener and finds joy in being there for others. "This is the age when you need somebody to talk to, especially when your children are busy with their own lives. I love listening to them because it helps them feel connected." Her commitment to supporting others is driven by her understanding of the challenges that come with ageing, such as the physical distance from family and the demands of modern life. "There's so much distance these days, and work has become more consuming, especially with work-from-home setups.” 

For Sunita, learning is a celebration of life at every age, and being a part of the GetSetUp community has become an integral part of her daily life, offering both connection learning opportunities and fulfillment. “I feel deeply attached to GetSetUp, maybe because this platform has given us so much. I like to do whatever I can to help it grow, whether publicizing it or encouraging others to join. I’ve shared the link with many people who’ve joined too. Online learning has its own charm—you save on travel and other costs, and from the comfort of your home, you can enjoy classes and connect with others. While we do have offline meet-ups now and GetSetUp trip offerings, which we can take together, meeting people offline builds connections differently; for people our age, it’s not always easy to travel every day. This platform provides a wonderful opportunity to keep learning without the hassle of going out."

Sunita's story is an inspiring reminder that age is no barrier to learning and that every day can be an opportunity to grow and explore new passions with the right mindset.