Mahadeep Singh Jamwal
When we speak of love, positivity, life, and happiness and try to sneak into older people’s thoughts, hardly we find any book that is a true mirror of those (Oldies) who are still assets in our homes and communities. Traversing through the books made for older adults is a sort of workshop on how we conceive the life in our stage considered to be old age. It is gracious to have old people full of vitality and endowed with wisdom in our society. But it is also true that all oldies are not sailing in the same boat and old age is a boon for all oldies but for many oldies it is also a curse. It’s important for older people to record their own thoughts and memories, not just for stories, but for guidance and practical advice for living.
A Recent collection of such older people’s view point focusing the much needed reflection of their thoughts on the subject “Old Age is a Boon and not a Curse” by I D Soni, Former State Commissioner, J&K ‘Bharat Scouts and Guides’ and presently President ‘Home for the Aged and Infirm’, Ambphalla, Jammu and compiling them into a Book, and released on 27th May 2022 at Jammu is not just a treasure trove for all the age group that may be young, growing old and oldie but blueprint for Government, social organizations and many NGOs in the field caring for oldie. The contents of each writer are guidelines for making policies about oldie.
While suggesting to the oldie, Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS, Former DGP, in his write up says ‘We must learn to shed the baggage of the past, both mental and physical, forgive those that may be in your view having hurt you in the past. Start a fresh innings with them.”
K B Jandial, IAs, says ‘When you come to old age, all the longings are over, a whole experience of life is beyond you and you are once again childlike, but you have the wisdom of experience of life. Old age can be a very fruitful and wonderful part of your life, but unfortunately most human beings suffer in their old age, simply because they don’t take care of their rejuvenation process properly.’
D K Vaid, KAS (Darshan Darshi) is of the view: ‘The cultural concepts of society or community, plays a great role in their value system which, in turn, gets reflected in its behavior towards its elders. — Ageism has two distinct targets – one is ‘Others’ directed ageism’ which means that others think the older people to be slow or less productive. It is the second one called ‘Self directed ageism’ which could be more harmful, but is completely. ‘He suggests “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving’.
Yoginder Koul, IPS in his write up suggested ‘We the aged should avoid negative approach and strive to always think positively and never give up hope. Much better days are ahead. Fruits of reducing the gap between the generations will surely be rewarding. Old generation only can be the vital bridge between generations and they have a very crucial role to play in the society’. A former IPS officer Johnny William is of the opinion that ‘The greatest blessing of aging is that, there is a perception, to savour life. Like the fresh fragrance, old age does not happen abruptly. It is wise to prepare for old age, which is very important? It means, being financially secure, to have medical contingency, money for small mercies. For travel, it is only possible, when in the journey of life, there has been wise planning. It does happen, a disaster, when you fail on this front and become a burden on children.”
Jagdish Chander Arora, Educationist & Social Activist writes ‘Which age or time of life is exactly the old age? This again is a ticklish solution and may come at different times for different people. You are not old as long as you are alert and active and enjoy taking part in everyday activities with vigor and zest, don’t feel tired or depressed and have a strong will to work hard.’
Every writer finding space in the book has valuable suggestions for older people as how to perceive and take the concluding stage of life. There is well deserving inspiration to the next generation about their responsibilities towards older people. So far my views on the subject “Old Age is a Boon and not a Curse” finding space in the book are concerned, I am of the view, old age is a pleasant time; children are grown, retirement from work, time to pursue interests. Many are also willing to get involved in community and activist organizations to promote their well-being and when there is also due care from family members and no health issue, the old age for such persons is ‘Boon’. But when health and the family structure are not supported, old age is a curse for such people. In Bhagavad-Gita it is stated that man may, by scientific advancement, improve the temporary living conditions, but that he cannot avoid the pangs of old age.
In conclusion, I cannot part away without mentioning the tips for older people by the compiler of the book “Old Age is a Boon and not a Curse” and that is the crux of making old age a boon: How to begin the day. Observe Silence. Adjust with people. Accept reality. Have tolerance. Avoid the useless. Have introspection at all levels. Dedicate to the sense of repentance. Have a full faith in God. Have a compassionate & kind heart.
