The car stood in the driveway gathering dust. My son had moved to Canada and left it at my house with no directions as to what was to be done with it. It wasn’t of any use to me because I’ve never driven a car and don’t know how to drive one. I turned 81…
This series is being started to capture moments that men and women cherish most or regret most as they start getting old. In the first part of this series, three Senior Citizens reflect on three moments that brought them happiness and three moments that they wish had never happened. Group Captain Anil Vohra (Retired), 62,…
As a nursing assistant, I am frequently assigned to work with dementia patients. Each assignment is a challenge but there is one that is burnt in my memory. The dementia patient was 83 years old and had been suffering from dementia for almost three years. Her cognitive powers were declining, and her family was finding it…
By Aavesh Anand My neighbour was around 75. He was well-built and full of life. I was therefore surprised to get a hysterical call from his wife one day. Her husband had collapsed in the living room. He was still breathing but clearly in trouble. She pleaded for medical help. Sensing the urgency in her…
By Ranjana Sunil Whether you’re taking care of your ageing parents, grandparents, or other loved ones who need your help, showing empathy is the best way to make them feel happy and wanted. Here are 11 thoughtful ways to show that you care: # 1. Listen actively: When they want to talk to you about…
By Sunil Saxena There is little doubt that old age is a curse. But have you realised that it is a bigger curse for women than men. The first reason is widowhood. Women live longer than men, and this adds to their old age woes. According to the projections in The India Ageing Report, 2023…
By William D’Souza My mother was unfortunately bedridden for the last 12 years of her life – since end-2010 till her death in end-2022. During this time, my family was forced to learn a lot of new things to ensure the best possible care for her. Now, I and my wife, Zarine D’Souza, have been…
By Siddharth Pandey Naman Nath (name changed) spent the last decade of his life sitting on a couch in his room. His children would beg him, implore him to come out of his room. But Naman would only smile and go back to watching TV. It was not that Naman was always like this. He…
By Mitali Annigeri “What I miss dearly are my old friends who have all passed away,” says Dr. B V Joshi, his words echoing the bittersweet reality of aging, where cherished companions become cherished memories. Dr Joshi, who is 81 now, says he is no longer interested in making new friends. “I don’t mind talking…