Avanti Sopory
India is a burgeoning nation of youngsters. According to a UN report, India has the largest youth population in the world, even ahead of China. In all this jamboree of celebrating India’s youthfulness, a very important section of the population has very easily got ignored. They are the senior citizens of our country, which are estimated to reach 173 million mark by 2026. Surprising other that the paltry social welfare deals and benefits that he government talks about, there is very little being done for them.
The forgotten demographics of India are the off springs of a time when India was under the rule of a mighty monarch. After we got our freedom in 1947, India pinned its hopes of growth and progress in the future of these children of independence. Education and skills were institutionalized and India produced and an erudite population. That’s when these children who were born in the 1940’s and 1950’s acquired the requsite skill sets and the know-how to work in factories and industries that shaped up the modern India. Their contribution was well taken ahead by the next generation of well-meaning Indians.
These achievers have long retired from full-time work and are now tucked away in roles and responsibilities that do not always give them the dues they deserve. By dues, it is not to be misinterpreted as monetary benefits but dignity of life!!
This stratum of population has always been a struggler. They started with struggling to establish the economy of a new India, then they struggled to perform within the stringent budgets of neophyte India and towards the end of their work-life they struggled to take-on and sustain the dynamics of liberalization. After a lifelong of slogging, they now deserve to take a back seat and reap the fruits of their hard-work.
Unfortunately, we as a society are insensitive towards them. Their needs seem like demand to us. Their request sound like an order to us. Their presence appear like a burden to us. They are the forgotten demographic, whom nobody wants to care for. Regrettably so, even their own family! These eons of darkness and oblivion have been inflicted upon them. Why isn’t anyone really caring for these senior citizens? Respect, honor and dignity are what we can give them. We should respect them for their contribution in making us what we are. We should honor them for all the good they taught us. We should give them a lot of pride and respect.
Senior citizens in India should come out of their dark alleys and take out time for themselves. They deserve to have a “me time” too. Any young couple should have an answer to all the below questions before imposing their opinions or decisions upon their parents –
* Are they happy doing what they are doing?
* Should they be asked rather than imposed with the decision?
* What are their unfulfilled wishes and desires?
* How can they make to feel important and respected?
* How much do I spend with them?
* Do they have a bucket list, which I can help them fulfill.
Elders need company, emotional strength and affection. They need their kids to listen to them not just hear them, even though they may be physically away. Elderly care and care giving is not restricted to the physically and medical needs of these elderly, but it far beyond that. Like all us, even they may have certain unfulfilled desires or wishes. Let them be free to fulfill those dreams.
Senior citizens should take out time for themselves. To start with, it could be even an hour in a day. They should engage in any activity that gives them a new fillip and lifts up their morale. The senior citizens of India are well read, well aware and well travelled. In current times there are many hobbies and activities which they can keep themselves hooked with any activities like –
* Gardening
* Cooking classes
* Reading clubs
* Laugher clubs
* Health clubs
* Travel groups
Positive ageing is the new age mantra. Charity begins at home and let the seniors in the house feel venerated and important. Let us cherish our times with them and gain wisdom from their vast repertoire.
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