Her morning newspaper keeps her going

By Anitha Kumar

In the tranquil landscapes of Kerala, a state known for its high literacy rate, the elderly find solace and joy in a simple yet profound daily ritual – reading newspapers.

The printed paper is more than a source of news. For many, like the remarkable Ammini Amma from Thrissur district, it is a cherished activity, something to look forward to in an otherwise lacklustre day.

Ammini Amma, who is now in her 90s, has been an avid reader of Malayala Manorama, one of Kerala’s leading Malayalam newspapers, for as long as she can remember. What sets her apart is not just her age but the fact that she reads the newspaper from the front page to the last without the aid of spectacles.

“I enjoy reading every bit of the newspaper,” she says. And why not. As she explains, “There is little else for me to do. I look forward to reading the newspaper as it helps me pass a large part of the day.”

Often, she nods off while reading. “It is also a sleeping aid now,” she says with a twinkle in her eye.

Ammini Amma has seen life change over the decades. She understands that the young have little time for her. But she does not mind.  Her formula for a peaceful life is simple.  “In your old age, you should not meddle with the lives of others.  Keep to yourself.  The conflicts and daily strife will be much less.”

It was her husband who had introduced Ammini Amma to the joys of reading. Her husband used to buy two newspapers, one in English and one in Malayalam. When he used to work he spent over an hour poring over them. Later, after retirement, he would spend even more time.

Ammini Amma lost her husband five years ago and now resides with her son.  But her love for the newspapers has not dimmed. “It keeps her going,” says her son.

She is not the only one. Newspapers form an important part of people’s lives in Kerala. They carry this habit into their old age. For many, newspapers become their only companion after their spouses pass away.

Read: What do you tell your parents as they start ageing and their dependency grows