Dear Editor,
We do not fully endorse the bitter expression of views of a few people with regard to old age which they described as “curse”, an abuse to the old age. The fact has many aspects. If the elderly person has a regular source of income, he is not dependent on his offspring and is a plus point. They then enjoy life as per their sweet will. They also command respect from their children, even if it may be due to some undisclosed/hidden benefits. Also, some elders enjoy good health and pass their time in good stead. The problem arises in times of medical problem. Treatment is very costly, more so where the senior citizen has no source of income. Nonetheless, old age must not be considered as “curse” because this age is “bonus” and only God knows when this bonus will exhaust. Sadly, while in service, all employees pay income tax honestly, but in return, the government does nothing (no social security) for them when they are retired, unlike countries like the USA and UK. Finally, old age is a truth and no one can escape it, so it should be taken with grace.
Ujagar Singh, Manjit Kaur,
Via-e-mail
