Living
positively
Sir,
Traditionally
India has venerated age and looked up to
the elderly for guidance knowing that
they have wisdom and experience on their
side. Our scriptures, specially Bhagavad
Gita, call elders as example setters
since they taught virtues to the young
after they had mastered themselves
through their practice. Even WHO describe
elderly people as reservoir of experience
and asset to family and community.
Can
elderly people of India today be called
example setters? The answer is both yes
and no. Yes when elderly are convinced
that they can do something for the others
even in advanced age and no when they
feel that old age is the dead end of
life.
Old age is
inevitable and unavoidable even though
scientists the world over are working to
find ways to keep the body young to
retard the ageing process. Old age in the
present times can be looked upon both
positively,as well as negatively. When
you look at old age positively, you feel
you are in control of your personal like
relying on your experience of the past
and you can remain in tune with the
society. This gives optimism and you are
encouraged to be one with all and not
isolated. You have a regular daily
routine which includes the process of
learning. You are flexible and not rigid.
On the other hand if you look at the old
age negatively. You get badly affected by
old age syndrome since you feel you have
reached the dead end of the road. As age
advances, the fear of illness and death
grips the mind. When the body convinces
the mind of its sickness, the suffering
doubles and depression sets in. Hence the
choice lies in the hands of the person.
How he treats old age remembering that
positive is always better than negative.
Emphasis
on old age should be more on feeling
young rather than looking young. Feeling
young means rising above the physical
aspect of your personality so that the
mind does not become old and ideals. The
beauty of wisdom that comes in old age
with continuous use of intellect, makes
one feel young even in advanced age.
In India
the problem of senior citizens is more of
their financial insecurity as 50 percent
of them face economic problem. Most of
them out of this lot are not cared by
their children. Those belonging to rural
areas are worst affected due to lack of
income and care. It is in this group that
the Government and NGO, have to make
special effort giving them old homes and
old age pension. It is also important
that they are involved in some sort of
activity to keep them in a positive state
of mind. They have to get over the idea
that they cannot learn any thing in old
age.
Old can
become gold but not without self effort.
A sensible behaviour pattern on their
part will give them respect. Living
truthfully, moderately and optimistically
can help senior citizens to minimize
their discomforts.
Yours etc...
R K Langar
Jammu
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