Aging Is Not An Illness

As if spoken from the heart of the hospital director addressing the elderly and their families directly:

In a Beijing Hospital.

As the director of a hospital in Beijing, I often see elderly patients and their families deeply anxious over normal signs of ageing, mistaking them for illness. So I always share these five thoughts—simple, heartfelt truths—to offer clarity and comfort:

I am aging, of course!

1. I am not sick, I am old.

Many so-called “diseases” I experience are not actual illnesses. They are the body’s natural way of telling me I am ageing. That doesn’t mean I am broken. It simply means I am moving into a new phase of life. This awareness helps me find peace instead of panic.

2. My forgetfulness is not dementia.

When I misplace my keys or forget a name, I don’t immediately assume I have Alzheimer’s. This kind of forgetfulness is my brain’s way of protecting itself as I age—it’s not a disease. As long as I still remember what I forgot and can retrace my steps, I know it’s normal. My brain is just getting older, not failing.

3. When I walk slowly or feel unsteady, it’s not paralysis.

It’s muscle degeneration—a common part of getting older. I don’t rush for medication. I know what I need is movement. A simple walk, some light stretches, and gentle activity keep my muscles from weakening further. Motion is my medicine.

4. My sleeplessness is not insomnia.

If I find myself sleeping lightly or waking up early, it’s because my sleep pattern has changed. That doesn’t mean I need sleeping pills. My brain is simply adjusting its rhythm. I choose sunshine during the day, a consistent schedule, and peaceful habits before bed—these are my best sleeping pills.

5. When my body aches, it’s not always rheumatism.

Aches and pains are often not from disease, but from how my nerves age. As nerves become less efficient, they can exaggerate pain. I don’t need painkillers as much as I need warmth, movement, and care. A warm foot bath, a hot compress, or a light massage at night comforts me far more than a tablet.

6. When my test reports show “abnormal” values, I don’t panic.

Those numbers don’t always apply to me. Medical standards are often made for younger people, and as I age, my “normal” shifts. Slightly higher cholesterol or blood pressure is not dangerous—in fact, some studies show it may be protective. I trust my doctor, yes, but I also trust my common sense and my lived experience.

To my fellow elders, I remind you gently:

Not every discomfort is a disease.

Don’t be afraid of your body’s changes.

Don’t be frightened by numbers on a report or drug commercials that prey on our fear.

To our children and families, I say this with love:

The best thing you can do for us is not to rush us to the hospital every time something feels different. The best medicine is your company—take us on walks, let us soak up the sun, share meals, talk, laugh. That is what truly nourishes us.

Growing old is not a failure of the body—it’s a natural journey.

Let us honour that, not fear it.

— With care and experience, from someone who walks beside the ageing every day

My Promise to Keep Earth Healthy - 7 years old Jania

I love our Earth and I want to keep it clean, safe, and healthy. That’s why I promise to always throw garbage in the trash can and put things that can be reused or recycled in the recycle bin. I don’t want to see trash on the ground because it hurts animals and makes our planet sad.

I will try to stop pollution in any way I can. I won’t waste water, and I will turn off lights when I don’t need them. I will walk or ride my bike when I can, instead of going in the car all the time.

I also want to learn more about global warming. I hope people work together to check it and fix it. It’s important because I want Earth to stay cool and green for all living things.

These are my ideas to help. I believe that if we all do small things every day, our Earth will become the healthiest and best planet in the whole wide world!

First Blog by Geet on Pottery Learning

Geet in Greece Apr 2025

My First Blog – Pottery Learning

By Geet Kapoor

This is my first blog, written by me in my own words. I want to share my experience of learning pottery—something I really enjoyed doing.

I started by wetting the clay and molding it into the shape of the pot I wanted. It was messy but fun! After shaping it, I wrote my name on the bottom and gave it to my teacher, who fired it in a kiln to make it hard.

Once it came out of the kiln, we got to paint our pots in any color we liked. But we had to be careful—not to paint the bottom—because the paint could stick to the kiln during the second firing. After painting, we gave it back to our teacher, and they fired it again.

Finished Product

When we got our pots back the second time, they were shiny, colorful, and finished. It felt great to see something I made with my own hands!

Thank you for reading.

– Geet Kapoor

Gobind Makes us proud with University Award

Proud Gobind with the Award

Professor Bruno Nachtergaele who introduced the Award Ceremony, is a Fellow of American Mathematics Society and specializes in Mathematical Physics

Award ceremony Broacher.



Gobind featured along with fellow Awardees

Rest of the Awardees.

It is a matter of immense pride and joy for me to share that my beloved Gobind has been honored with an award by the Mathematics Department at the University of California, Davis. Not only that, he has achieved an outstanding GPA of 3.99. He is graduating on June 13, 2025 with double major in Math and Computer Science.

Her comes the Venue, Mathematics Department, University of Davis.

Proceeding towards the Mathematis Department, University of California Davis.



Shivpreet, Shilpy, Geet waiting for the big moment.

When we first received the news of his selection for this award, I was pleasantly shocked. It felt as though Gobind had fulfilled a promise he made years ago.

A proud moment for Mom and Grand Mom

I still clearly remember — about three years back, he looked me in the eyes and said, “Dadaji, I’ll make you proud of me.” And today, he has done exactly that. The pride and happiness I feel right now are beyond words. For this moment, I bow my head in gratitude to Waheguru ji, whose blessings have always guided our family, and now shine through Gobind’s hard work and achievements.

In a coffee shop in Davis to treat grandpa and grandma.

Gobind is a truly hardworking young man. Although he studies just about an hour away from our home in San Ramon, he would often not come back for two months at a stretch. We used to wonder, Jarvinder in particular — why doesn’t he feel homesick? How is it that even on weekends or holidays, he stays so occupied?

Gobind a serous contender right from beginning.

We’d call to check in, and without fail, he would say, “I’m busy with my project.” I used to think — what sort of project is this that leaves no time even for a Sunday break?

Gobind goes Golf to freshen up in Pleasanton city Golf course last summer.

Last summer, when he came home, I reminded him, “This is your time to enjoy, Gobind. These are the golden days — you’ll never get this much free time again.” He smiled, and by his final year, he did start balancing things a little differently. He began attending some parties, got involved in volunteer work through his clubs, and yes — got even busier, but in a more joyful way.

Gobind gets his well earned prestigious Award


Gobind enjoying the moment.

Gobind lined up along with fellow Awardees


With his proud Professor Bruno Nachtergaele who anchored the program superbly. 

Receiving this award was itself a great honour, and the citation from his professor was deeply moving. The professor spoke highly of Gobind’s dedication and talent. But what surprised us even more was his decision to go straight into industry, taking up a job rather than pursuing higher studies — even though most of his fellow awardees are heading toward places like Stanford, Harvard and Berkeley.

Dressed up grandparents for the occasion.

Family waiting for the Award ceremony to start.

This decision was strongly encouraged by his mom, Shilpy, and dad, Shivpreet. While Gobind initially agreed to it rather reluctantly — perhaps unsure if it was the right path — he is now more than satisfied with the choice. 

Full lot of Awardees

He has found confidence in the direction he’s taken and is excited to apply mathematics in real-world settings, where he can truly make a difference.

Shilpy goes ga ga on the moment.


Proud sister to catch the killing instinct of big bro Gobind Veer ji.

Harvinder looks relaxed for life.

Enjoying to the moon.

Gobind, thank you for making us all so proud. You’ve already achieved so much, and I know this is only the beginning. May Waheguru continue to guide your path and fill your life with more success, happiness, and purpose. 

Baggi Kapoor, Rajesh Prasanna, Jagrati Prasanna, graced the occasion along with two awardees Ravi Kini and Cooper Owyang join in.

The whole family stands behind you, celebrating this beautiful milestone — with hearts full of love.

Surprisingly, I am visibly seen in the pic of Awardees issued by UC Davis later in the year. Gobind is half hidden.

Jania with a Baking Talent

Jania prays in the Baba Ji’s room.

Jania, my lovely granddaughter, has a true gift when it comes to baking. Ever since she returned home from college for her summer break, the house has been filled with the delightful aromas of her culinary creations. 

Fresh baked bread from the oven.

She has an exceptional talent for making pastries, donuts, and bread — all of which have become firm favorites in our family.

Stacking the donuts.

Finally happy to see them on her shelves.

Just last week, she took it upon herself to prepare around 80 tiny donuts as a surprise gift for her mother’s office colleagues. It was a joy to watch her in the kitchen — calm, focused, and precise. 

Golden and Soft Donuts.

The donuts came out beautifully golden and soft, and her mom’s coworkers were absolutely thrilled. Some even mistook them for tiny burgers — that’s how neat and perfect they looked!

Under the watchful eyes of grandmother.



Doing superbly well.

Wonderful!

Initial lessons on traditional cooking.

Beyond the delicious results, what stands out is Jania’s natural coordination and control in the kitchen. Her hand and finger movements are incredibly steady and skillful — a quality that not only makes her an exceptional baker but also suggests she could be a promising candidate for a future in medical surgery. Her focus, dexterity, and passion combine beautifully in every tray she pulls out of the oven.

Jania my skillful grand daughter

Jania with ‘Babloo’ she knitted, comes to our room for viewing.

In addition to her many talents, Jania is also a deeply artistic and thoughtful young woman. Over the past week, I watched with admiration as she dedicated herself to Crochet knitting a special gift for the soon-to-be-born baby of her former high school English teacher. With quiet determination, she worked day after day using soft, colorful wool, her fingers moving with gentle precision.

I have nicknamed it as ‘Babloo’

Today, she proudly brought the finished project to me — a tiny, beautifully crafted doll, lovingly stuffed and stitched. It was a heartwarming sight. I named it ‘Babloo’. Every detail reflected her patience and care, from the texture of the yarn to the neatness of the stitching. It wasn’t just a handmade toy — it was a token of love, thoughtfulness, and creativity.

My grand daughters Jania and Geet are being mentoring well under mom Shilpy and grand-mom Harvinder.

Jania’s hand coordination and fine motor control were clearly visible in her knitting process. She worked with such calm focus and grace, reinforcing the sense that she’s not only artistically talented but also remarkably dexterous. Whether it’s in the kitchen or with crafts, she brings a steady hand and a loving heart to everything she does.

Geet reaches us in Quarantine - June 2022

Geet on her birthday June 2022

Those were truly challenging and emotionally heavy days during the Covid pandemic. Harvinder and I were isolated from the rest of the family, confined to a designated room with a separate air circulation system to prevent any risk of spreading the virus. For nine long days, we remained quarantined—cut off not only physically, but emotionally as well, from the daily warmth of family life.

The painting Geet slipped into our room.

In that quiet, uncertain time, it was our granddaughter Geet who reached out in the most touching and unforgettable way. Though just a child, her love and concern for us shone through with rare depth. She created a single piece of artwork—just one painting—but it spoke louder than words ever could. With the innocence of a child and the instinctive wisdom of love, she gently slipped it under the door of our room.

That painting was more than just colors on paper. It was a message. A symbol. A little girl’s way of saying, “I’m thinking of you. I’m with you.” It carried within it all the affection, concern, and longing that she couldn’t express in person.

Geet keeps herself busy doing paiting

Her gesture, though simple, remains etched in our hearts. The love and bond she showed during those days is beyond measure. It reminded us that even in times of isolation, love finds its way—sometimes through a single painting, gently slipped under a closed door.