For most women, motherhood is a deeply personal journey, one that comes with choices, challenges, and emotional complexities.

But for Daljinder Kaur of India, motherhood came later in life than most could ever imagine—and with it came a firestorm of global attention, controversy, and heartbreak.

Now, nearly five years after making headlines as the world’s oldest mother to give birth at the age of 66, Kaur faces yet another heartbreaking twist in her already extraordinary story.

This is the deeply emotional update on the woman who defied biology—and faced judgment from her own flesh and blood—to become a mother in the twilight of her life.

Daljinder Kaur first captured international headlines in April 2015, when she gave birth to healthy twin boys, Arman and Ayaan, via cesarean section at a hospital in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. At the time, Kaur and her husband, Mohinder Singh, had been married for over four decades but had been unable to conceive a child due to infertility issues.

Determined not to leave this world without experiencing parenthood, the couple turned to IVF treatments and eventually found a surrogate willing to carry their child.

Against all odds—and with the help of modern medicine—they welcomed their sons into the world, joyfully cradling them in a moment that was broadcast around the globe.

But alongside the wave of congratulations and awe came a tidal wave of criticism. Many questioned the ethics of conceiving a child at such an advanced age, with detractors labeling Kaur selfish for bringing children into the world when she would likely not live to see them grow into adulthood.

Some medical professionals voiced concerns about the strain elderly parenting might place on public resources, while others speculated about the emotional and financial toll such a late-in-life parenthood might take on the family unit. Among all the noise, one voice cut especially deep—the disapproval of some of Kaur’s own relatives.

In the months and years following the twins’ birth, reports surfaced suggesting tension within the family. Some relatives accused Kaur of putting her desire for motherhood above the wellbeing of those aroundher, arguing that she had become obsessed with proving something to the world.

Others claimed she was no longer the same person, consumed by exhaustion and the pressures of raising two infants alone while her husband worked long hours as a laborer. Though Singh remained steadfast in his support for his wife, the strain on their relationship—and on their resources—was beginning to show.

Now, nearly five years later, those fears appear to have come to fruition in the most heartbreaking of ways. In a recent interview with local media, Mohinder Singh revealed that his wife’s health has declined significantly in recent months.

Once vibrant and full of energy despite her age, Kaur has been hospitalized multiple times over the past year due to complications related to her advanced age and the physical toll of caring for two young boys.

“She gave everything for them,” Singh said, visibly emotional as he spoke outside their modest home. “Her body couldn’t keep up. She never stopped, not even for a day. And now… now she needs care herself.”

Compounding the situation is the fact that the family is struggling financially. While the initial IVF treatment and surrogacy were funded through a combination of personal savings and donations from well-wishers, the ongoing cost of raising twins—especially at their advanced age—is proving to be overwhelming.

The boys are now nearly five years old, full of life and curiosity, but their care requires constant supervision, nutritious food, education, and medical attention. With limited income and mounting hospital bills, the Singh household is facing an uncertain future.

Adding to the strain is the growing sense of isolation. Following the backlash from certain members of her family, Kaur became increasingly withdrawn, choosing to focus all her energy on her children rather than defend herself against public criticism.

Over time, she distanced herself from social media and stopped giving interviews, preferring the quiet routine of motherhood over the glare of the spotlight. But without a strong support network, the burden of daily life became too much to bear. Friends and neighbors have stepped in to help where they can, but many are also struggling to make ends meet in their own right.

Healthcare workers who have treated Kaur expressed concern not only for her physical condition but for her mental wellbeing as well.

Dr. Anjali Sharma, a physician who has treated Kaur several times, noted, “She is remarkably strong, but she’s also exhausted—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She never complains, but you can see it in her eyes. She worries about what will happen to her boys if something happens to her.”

Those close to the family are now calling on local authorities and charitable organizations to step in and provide assistance. A crowdfunding campaign launched on behalf of the Singhs has raised tens of thousands of dollars, but it’s still not enough to cover their long-term needs.

Advocates argue that the case highlights the need for better social support systems for elderly parents, particularly those who choose—or are forced by circumstance—to become parents later in life.

Despite everything, Mohinder Singh remains devoted to his wife and children. “We knew this wouldn’t be easy,” he said quietly. “But we never imagined it would be this hard. Still, I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

They are my family. My everything.” His unwavering commitment has inspired many, even as it underscores the complex realities of their situation.

As for Daljinder Kaur, her spirit remains unbroken—at least for now. Though confined to bed much of the time, she still finds moments to smile at her sons, to sing lullabies in her soft voice, and to whisper words of encouragement in their tiny ears.

In those quiet moments, it’s clear that her love for them transcends age, circumstance, or criticism. She may not have chosen the path society expected her to walk, but she walked it anyway—bravely, fiercely, and with all the love her heart could hold.

The story of Daljinder Kaur is one of courage, controversy, and ultimately, sacrifice. It’s a reminder that the desire to become a parent does not follow a timeline, nor does it fit neatly into societal norms. But it also raises difficult questions about the limits of human endurance, the responsibilities of parenthood, and the kind of world we create for those who dare to defy the odds.

As Daljinder fights for her health and her family fights to hold things together, the world watches—and waits. And though her journey has been anything but ordinary, one thing remains clear: Her love story with her sons is one for the ages.