October 7, 2024

Little deliberation has happened around the services and care required for India’s rapidly ageing population even under the NaMo rule in spite of much development claimed in many spheres of life. October 1, 2024 International Senior Citizens Day, the 34th International Day of Older Persons has gone by with some singing, dancing and a few inactive speeches. This subject needs far more active attention with the government’s establishing dedicated ministries and departments for "Senior Citizens". In our own surroundings we experience the day marked in one way or another to consider in a comprehensive manner. Many people of 'Good Will’ come forward to entertain and gift, institutions especially had their own agenda to celebrate and reflect.

As a confirmed senior citizen writing to introspect on this difficult occasion; it is very normal and inescapable even for the most fortunate to 'Amort' feel negative in different ways and degrees. The cause is well known to those who experience age or encounter it closely, practically folks above 70 years face the music.

There are infinite reasons and complaints and causes to feel bad and get negative - most are true to reality, as the body ages and gives way to weakness, illness, inexplicable handicaps and challenges that can be experienced only at 'that age' and not before. A few self-imagined and make believe feelings exist as it is human and natural. Until and unless a person reaches the 60s, 70s, 80s or rare 90s it is impossible for those yet to catch up to simulate or imagine the vagaries of age and illness.

Next is resolving the ignominy of age and illness - this is next to impossible and only perhaps 'God who knows all' can tackle this may be. The best is to make a firm resolve and effort in advance to accept and adjust like a superhuman, yet impossible it seems. Old age is definitely a blind walk where nothing is defined, clear, expected or predicted. Alternating between positive and negative outlook/mindset wide fluctuations are certain. Presently the aged are being rapidly transported from wellness to illness as it provides all around profit commercially.

Related views on the Subject:

The big battle is to accept and tolerate the shabby life allotted to elders after they have slogged and contributed a lot to their families and the nation. Religious books lay bare this age scenario in a multitude of passages and examples. One I recall from the bible, “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." ....John 21:18...The UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s key message this year was “Strengthening care systems that honour the dignity of older persons and their caregivers”. With India’s rapidly shifting demographics, this message is especially critical.

Human life for the aged and sick is filled with many ’prisons’, like destitute homes, orphanages, half way home, addiction centers, hospitals, Homes for aged, rehabilitation centers and many such care institutions and homes which are unnecessarily sad places. Loneliness is an epidemic disease faced by many and rapidly increasing uncontrollably affecting many. There is insufficient care to address this vital matter and not seriously acted on. On the subject of old age and old-age homes much can be seen, but little gauged....It explained that today society is obsessed with the 'throw away culture' and aged sick people are the first casualty. There are many old age homes of different caliber and types being opened these days, indicating the very profitable and good returns that it affords the groups who own and run the homes in general maintain a tight grip and little is clear. A few homes that project to take care of the aged seem to take in only very sick cases that should be in hospitals and the aged well people are only pushed to becoming sick which brings profit to many. It is not uncommon to see that their own folks want these out of the way and put away in homes where no care or concern is really there. Folks pay for their upkeep and call them when possible and are ever ready to supply gifts and baksheesh to the caregivers and managements of such homes but never want to ask relevant questions. There is little or no interest about the aged and old and the little visible is just a drama.

The Realities Visible:

Preserving the wellbeing, independence and capabilities of older persons as they advance in age and enhance their outlook and continuing wellness is solely dependent on participating in everyday normal activities and being aware that they are contributing to life. The surrounding environments, in which they live play a vital role to maintain their activeness and independence. The top question to ask those involved and responsible for the welfare of older people is "Are you willing to ensure the human rights and civil liberties of the older persons?" In critical stages the choice of treatment and all aspects is taken away from the aged person and all decisions are made by kith and kin, even in the most vital matters. Older people (those aged 65 years and above) tripled in numbers from 260 million in 1980 to 760 plus million in 2021. Between 2021 - 2050 globally, the number of aged persons is set to increase from less than 10% to at least 17% which in India is a big matter. But, there is little awareness and not even contingency plans from authorities.

There is unlimited hollow hype about the aged and sick, those with general age related handicaps and conditions, dementia and the medical aspects of geriatrics treatment and care schemes and so on and on. Now, the science of Gerontology and research coupled with applied management subjects to care and support the aged is rapidly seen, plenty of modern terminology and rhetoric is displayed, but what is needed is a serious practical delivery protocol, regulated, stream lined function and basic benefits to all concerned without discrimination and/or harassment. There is every reason and cause for the Central and State government to have dedicated full-fledged departments for "Affairs of the Aged" or better a 'Ministry' as the potential to regulate and develop can only then be better met.

However, the many voluntary and authorised organisations formed/set up, to care for all aspects of the spectrum of services to the aged and sick, can adopt a basic systematic plan to eliminate roadblocks and make the care of the aged and sick in institutions - efficient, accepted, safe, respected and value based. The many Community/Government organisations and departments, elders’ helplines, geriatric medical facilities, trusts and so on and so forth must be motivated to work closely with a very high motivation and regulation. Modern Mobile phones in unrestricted use in hospitals and such care institutions (specially old age institutions) need strict regulation to accord proper care and attention to sick and aged as often rampant use seriously interferes with care and concern. A do & not do guides, Proper time allocation, Suitable regular interaction/feedback system, Balanced Food quality and variety (suited to aged folks) and monitoring, Medical attention arrangements, Care and attention assurance, Adequate communication and information, Needed equipment and gear for comfort, Physical activity, Safety and security, Infrastructure, Mental & Spiritual Support.

The dietary requirements of senior citizens are different from others. Hence, a diet plan that aligns with their health needs must be in place. Here, they must note that body and metabolism slows down with advancing age, bringing changes in the digestive system, food preferences, and appetite. The main critical needs of the aged and sick are mainly health, food, clothing, housing, and mobility. Oral / mouth care. To make the person comfortable Nutrition. ...Hygiene. ...Pain relief. ...Bowel and bladder care. Positioning for comfort and to allow the person to be active. Basically, “breathe normally”, “eat and drink”, “eliminate body wastes” “movement”, “sleep and rest”, “dress and undress”, “temperature”, "hygiene/skin”, “safety” “communicate and learn” must be given due consideration at all times.

There is seen and felt a well-defined process of aging that is practically experienced and is visible - Be aware and be prepared:

(1) Age 60 to 70 years: The workplace moves away from you. No matter how successful or powerful you become during your career, you will be called an ordinary person. So, don't stick to the mindset and superiority complex of your previous job or business.

(2) 70 to 75 years: At this age, society slowly moves away from you. Your frequent friends and colleagues will reduce and hardly anyone will recognize you at your previous workplace. Don't say "I was..." or "I was once..." because the younger generation will not recognize you, and you shouldn't feel bad about it!

(3) 75 to 80 years: At this stage, the family will slowly move away from you. Even though you may have many children and grandchildren, most of the time you will be living with your partner or alone. When your children visit occasionally, it is an expression of affection, so don't blame them for visiting less, because they are busy with their lives!

(4) Finally after 80: The earth wants to destroy you. At this time, don't be sad or grieve, because this is the last stage of life, and everyone will eventually follow this path! After 6-plus, form a group of friends and keep meeting occasionally at a fixed place, at a fixed time. Keep in telephonic contact. Recall and share old life experiences with each other.

Some years ago Dr Abdul Kalam at a meeting with young people very clearly said, "Let us treat the elderly as you would wish to be treated in your old age. They are the memory of the family, the memory of humanity, the memory of the country. A community where young people do not dialogue with aged folk is a community without a future. It is a sterile community. Regular conversation with the elderly is not a waste of time, but will give a larger and clearer vision of real and practical life. Do not avoid reality for you will face it sooner than you can calculate.