Those golden years

"I PREFER hands to sticks'', reads one poster. ``See the world through our eyes,'' says another. Yet another speaks about bridging the generation gap... Put up by students of the Psychology Association of Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women, the posters reflect the youngsters' thoughtfulness.

Students, lecturers, doctors, physiotherapist (Mr.Subramanian), social activists and senior citizens assembled at the college auditorium recently for a seminar on `Celebrating the golden years'. It focussed on various issues - psychological, legal, financial, health, diet planning, occupational therapy etc.

In fact, the joint director of Helpage India, Indrani Rajadurai, was all praise for the expression `golden years'.

``It generates a positive feeling about the grey years''. She made the youngsters understand the psychological perspective of ageing, the need to talk and spend time with elders.

From the Greek origin of the word `geriatrics' to the causes of loneliness, depression and ill health during old age, Dr. V.S.Natarajan, gerontologist and former head of Department of Geriatrics, Government General Hospital, explained it all in a simple style.

In the near future, there will be more old and less young, he says. ``The increase in human lifespan and birth control measures will reverse the population pyramid soon. So, it is important to know more about this stage of life''.

Suffering in silence is a universal attitude among the old, he says. ``Most tend to relate old age with disease and avoid going in for medical diagnosis. This makes treatment difficult later''.

A healthy and comfortable life at this stage needs mental and physical preparation.

``Start going in for periodical check-ups when you enter 50s, follow a good diet and exercise routine, develop hobbies, learn to interact with people at home and outside, get associated with some cultural or social organisations, plan your finance and don't have too many expectations from your children''.

Savitri Vaidhi, chairperson of the Vishranti Charitable Trust, which runs old age homes, feels most aged people live in the past and are not ready to accept modern realties. This causes friction in families.

While R. Kannan, chartered accountant sees financial independence as a major factor. ``When it comes to money never let your heart rule,'' he tells the elders.

And as Indrani rightly put it, "Feel relaxed, not retired, to enjoy your sweet sixties''.

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