United Nations International Day for Older Persons (UNIDOP): Dr Kandiah Umapathysivam

United Nations International Day for Older Persons (UNIDOP): Dr Kandiah Umapathysivam. Celebrating the great contributions of older people to research.

October 1st 2018 is United Nations International Day for Older Persons (UNIDOP) so to celebrate we interviewed Dr Kandiah Umapathysivam, a researcher of the CRE in Frailty and Healthy Ageing and lecturer with the Adelaide Medical School at the University of Adelaide.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Malaysia, the youngest in a family of 5 (two older brother and two older sisters). I migrated to Australia alone in 1965 to pursue my education. The Adelaide that I came to was very different from home and very different to how it is now.  Several challenges that faced me when I arrived – I am vegetarian (there were no Asian vegetables available at that time), I am Hindu (there was no temple here), my English was average (my family spoke Tamil) and there were very few Asians living or studying in Adelaide. My early memories however, were of tremendous kindness.  Adelaide became my new home and I have lived here for over 50 years.

I hold degree from all three Universities in Adelaide.  I have always had a passion for learning and science. I am married with three wonderful children.

What is your current research on?

My current research interests are sarcopenia and healthy ageing of older people and people with late effects of polio. I continue to lecture, under take research and mentor several higher degree students; helping them to achieve their research goals.

What have been some of the best things for you about getting older?

Meeting and interacting with a range of diverse people. 
Learning new things, listening to different perspectives
Having a happy family environment that gives me the freedom and support that enables me to achieve my goals and to continue to contribute to medical research and other intellectual pursuits
Being part of Global change
Being excited about the opportunities the future holds.
Being part of the growth and development of my own children and watching them grow into successful adults.
Opportunities to work and interact with young bright students in my role as a teacher and researcher.

What motivates you to continue to work in research whilst many of your peers have retired?

My desire to continue to contribute to medical research, to learn new things and to help others learn and develop.
Positive aspects of intellectual activities
Opportunities to mentor collaborate and supervise up and coming young students/colleagues
My involvement with younger scientists and students maintains a younger outlook to life

What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you in getting older?

Society’s attitude to older people
Keeping up with advances in technology
Awareness of my own ability to undertake a range of physical activities

What do you think is the secret of healthy ageing?

Positive attitude to life
Being blessed with good health and good genes
Do not stress over trivial things in life
Take life as it comes
Regular relaxation and exercise as part of a daily routine
Listening to music, particularly to the ABC (Aunty)
Maintaining a daily routine.

What things inspires you to get out of bed each day?

An interest and curiosity in my research and other work
Opportunity to meet with and listen to the view of other people
A sense of contribution
The opportunity to meet with interesting people who share my interests but think differently about the problems and solutions I am seeking. 
Interesting discussions over coffee.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t sweat over the small stuff, look at the bigger picture.  Expect success and it will find you.  Don’t dwell on set-backs or failures, keep your eye on the prize. Have balance in your life. Listen to the things that your body tells you. Be true to the things that you think are important. Don’t waste energy on things beyond your control but focus on the things you can influence. Family is everything, make time to enjoy and maintain these important relationships. Find ways to meet inspiring people and read widely.

What advice would you give to other older people?

Don’t focus on getting older, focus on squeezing every opportunity out of life.  Listen to your younger colleagues, share experiences and wisdom, be generous with your time.  At all costs engage with the community around you. Exercise regularly and find ways to enjoy and contribute to the changes that surround you.  Finally, feel valuable.

What are your plans for the future?

To continue to contribute and benefit from an active intellectual and family life and continue to be a part of the community, to actively manage my good health and to take time to reflect on the achievements of a life well led.
To support my children as they make their journey through life – professionally and personally.
To set a good example of living life to its fullest.
Disregarding age as just a number. Not being defined by other people’s view of what is an age appropriate activity for me, but instead doing the things that I enjoy for as long as my health permits.

The CRE in Frailty and Healthy Ageing would like to thank Dr Umapathysivam for sharing his story with us and for inspiring the younger generation researcher leaders to strive to age well and continue to contribute passionately to research.