Aged aches

My short time in US has made me think about my ownself and a gripping and undescribable future came before me.
What will be my oldage like?When will that start?Is there any indication like the weather.

I felt ,apart from health conditions another major important factor to know you are aged is by the behavoiur of people around us. If we are strong it doesnt affect us but usually we have too much reliability on our near and dear ones. Once our expectations are not met we crumble and this has profound effect on health and energy drains.

We in India have aspirations and surrender ourselfs to children and beg them. .Thats the problem
Other aspect is being outside country our people learn escapist tendencies by throwing the blame on the new society,but dont learn from the faciltities this country is providing to the elderly - mobile vehicle to sit and move, parking lots for aged, facilities in public transportations, shopping malls,hospitals,Insurance,Banks and latest electronic gadgets to aid them to move, listen etc.

I observed that most people have good family bonding and old people are given good respect at any place they go. Help is available and grandparents are seen very nicely and one more thing is they take care of themselves. They have a strong willpower and do their own jobs. I was surprised to see 90 years old man learning tennis and 55 years old woman learning computer basics. They engage.

They bring LIFE TO LIVING AND NOT JUST LIVING A LIFE.

Thats the difference and essence of life.

Ultimately whether in India or America, we need to have affection on our people and concern ,sense of belongingness, than all these problems will be reduced. If we become selfish ,god will show the same path what we have shown to our parents. LOVE ,AFFECTION and COMPASSION will rule and money is secondary. Somehow this is losing track in our society and we are happy to the short term goals and monthly salary we get-enjoy in shopping, pubs .

Its not that everything is bad, but the ratio of such non considerate class is rising. We need to watch out for this class and its time we as a society should do more for the elderly. So far its been the job of voluntary organizations and NGOs to set up oldage homes. But now we need to tap this resource fully for nation building.

In developed countries, there is a new trend to recruit old people as they are experienced, more attached to the job (which leads to less attrition rates),no training costs for the company, demand for salaries is not much and commitment to job is more. From the side of elders, its spending valuable time, getting paid(a sense of security)and more so not thinking in the oblivion.

It’s a win-win situation for both. Some companies are providing them perks like-transportations, emergency calls, food, Doctor consultations, dental checkups for its aged employees.

In India, we need a special government cell for Gerontology (it may not be surprising if a demand for a separate ministry comes up in future as most of our ministers are in the elderly category).More services and priorities for elderly in public transportation, hospitals and at many other places would be a welcome sign.

The need of the hour is STRONG ELDERS with COMPASSIONATE YOUNG GENERATION.
The feeling that our children are our moral support and vice versa will fill the gap of insecurity and distances doesnt bother.

Duties of elders:

1 Be healthy
2 Engage in an activity they like
3 Financial security
4 Independendent living
5 Always thinking that they are young
6 Creating there own time schedule for daily duties
7 Associating with other elders
8 Contributing (ideas,time ) to the well being of the society
9 Learning new things
10 Adaptability to the new environs of modern world
11 Above all feeling wanted


Duties of children:
1 Be affectionate and loving
2 Provide all support unconditionally
3 Involving them in major decisions
4 Develop patience and sense of being human
5 Respect elders at public places
6 Spread the message of being responsible
7 Try to learn more things and pass on to the next generation
8 Use new technology to provide more comfort to the elders
9 Provide more centres like activity centres
10 Not to make them your kids caretakers but give them a place of dignity
11 Above all talk to them more often

All these doesnt cost much but the time we spend is worhwhile and it increases our energy levels and we tend to be more worthful,important and this goodness spreads to people around us and on the whole, the atmosphere would be pleasant .This sets an example to kids who will be more considerate towards the elderly.


Matru devobhava,pithru devobhava,acharya devabhava,athithi devobhava,
mari eppudu

vruddha sikhamani devobhava-----

Making others happy will give you more inner peace and makes you a better person .


* These are exclusively my owm personal thoughts and not intended towards anyone.