8 August- World Senior Citizen Day

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