By Bimala Gaurangi As a health attendant, I encounter several situations. But nothing is more distressing than watching grown ups argue with their elderly parents. You wonder what is happening. Don’t the children realise that their mother or father are no longer normal? Does it make sense to argue with your elders or browbeat them?…
Music is more than a soothing pastime in old age. It is a subtle stimulus that can keep you happy and arrest your mental decline. It is like your mind’s defence against age-related brain damage. Playing music or even just listening to it seems to build up cognitive reserve. You may want to know what…
“Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter.” — Satchel Paige “Aging is just another word for living.” — Cindy Joseph “It matters not how long we live but how.” — Phillip James Bailey “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps…
By Paramjit Singh For my 76-year-old father, the process of alienation from the family was slow and painful. He had worked at a public sector undertaking reaching a mid-level position before taking premature retirement. All through his life, he had been cheerful and energetic. He was the one who would insist on socialising. He loved…
By Triveni Mehtab A caregiver is needed to perform the most thankless jobs. There is too much misery and heartbreak. At times, you have to steel yourself to get ready and go to the house of the elderly person whose family has hired you. The family thinks that its job is over once the caregiver…
By Shajan C Kumar Sibling rivalry is a persistent challenge for many elderly parents, often stemming from mishandled situations in their children’s early lives. This phenomenon can continue into adulthood, affecting sibling relationships and causing distress for aging parents. The complexities of sibling dynamics are influenced by various factors, including parenting styles, expectations, and individual…
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…
By Sunil Saxena The idea of leading a retired life rankled initially. I hated being reduced to the ranks of “their time is over” workforce. One day I was a productive member of the society. My colleagues and my team looked up to me to take decisions. Next day, I was living on pension. It…
By Abid Adil My mother had never liked hospitals, or doctors. In fact, she felt that they were there to simply scam the patients. She would avoid going to hospitals and even strongly discouraged us from a visit to the doctors. To most ailments, she would simply say that it would become alright over a…