August 8, 2016 is
celebrated as ‘World Senior Citizen Day’. Most of us pray for a long life that
is healthy and free of disability or disease. But with the aging, our body
becomes weak and loses the taut muscles. We see seniors every day whose health
is being impacted by such issues as multiple medications and illnesses.
However, it is not necessary to spend the retirement days in bed or hospital.
The World Health Organization which is the UN’s directing and coordinating
authority for health related issues deserves kudos for being actively involved
in promoting public awareness and attention on the International Day of Older
Persons. Senior citizens are the jewels and pearls of the nation. It is
essential for them to take care of themselves. The population of the elderly
persons has been increasing over the years. Growing older is not a crime nor is
it an excuse to avoid modern life. Ageing is a natural process, which
inevitably occurs in human life cycle. It brings with a host of challenges in
the life of the elderly, which are mostly engineered by the changes in their
body, mind, thought process and the living patterns. For living a healthy
senior lifestyle it is essential to take care of one’s diet, physical and
mental fitness. We know that the tag senior citizen is generally given to a
person who is between 58 and 65 years of age and has superannuated from active
service. This age band fixed for retirement was based on the old system
followed decades ago when longevity was lower than 60 years. With the advance
in medical sciences and health supporting systems, longevity now goes up to 75.
We all owe senior citizens our respect and gratitude as individuals. Senior
citizens don’t have anything to prove to younger neighbours but they do have
plenty of opportunities to teach or interact with them. Rather than demoting
senior citizens to the side lines of life, let us celebrate their day and work
to enable them to more fully become integrated in society
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