Are the sunset years the golden years of life? Is old age a blessing or a curse? We have made drastic changes in our lifestyle to prolong and enhance the quality of life. Whilst animals reside in their natural habitat, man has used his innovative skills to create a world of his own. In our endeavor to make life on earth more comfortable, we have damaged the natural environment and brought woes to mother earth. What we are witnessing today is nature’s revolt against this.
Despite all efforts, we have not been able to counter the crippling effects of old age, sickness and disease. Stress and the tensions of daily life have resulted in mental illness. Can we say old age is a blessing for us?
However, old age does not mean the end of a productive and meaningful life. Though in the course of life’s journey we gain knowledge and experience, we should refrain from giving sermons. We should be like an encyclopedia placed on a bookshelf, ready to respond, but only when referred to. The lessons of life we best learn are through our own experience.
The sunset years of life give us opportunities to develop hidden talents and indulge in hobbies. We can now soak our souls in the divine nectar of devotional music and songs, wade through the wide ocean of literature and do what we love, but were unable to pursue earlier.
When our siblings, companions and lifelong friends depart one after another, we feel lonely and lost. We lose interest in life and indulge in self-pity. Loneliness brings dark clouds of despair, gloom and misery, but solitude can build inner strength as well. We connect with the Almighty through prayers and meditation to experience peace and tranquility.
Being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest misfortune threatening the old. Pitying them makes them feel worthless and a burden to others. Being loved and appreciated boosts their morale and gives them a purpose to life. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and feeling miserable, one should use self-healing and self-belief to make life meaningful.
Be thankful for all the little blessings in your life. Develop the virtue of gratitude. It brings rich dividends. Be grateful to all those who shower their love without expectation of return. It is not that children do not care enough for their aged parents. They make every effort to make life comfortable for them, but they have jobs, have to attend to the needs of other family members as well as fulfill social obligations. Children brought up in homes where elders are respected learn by example. Often we find a very special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Without any company at home, the elders feel lonely, bored and depressed. The children also feel guilty leaving the aged parents alone at home. Also, old people require medical care, safety and security, and in some cases constant attention. Homes for the aged provide facilities for a meaningful life and the company of like-minded people. PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com