There are people who boast that age is nothing but a number. Indeed, blessed are those people who lead a healthy life even at their terminal age. But not all people are fortunate enough to enjoy a life free of ailments and some or other form of physical complications. Some inherit genetic problems, some neglect the basic health rules and others abuse their health by following lifestyles contrary to health experts, dieticians, nutritionists and doctors prescribe.
So far as genetic legacy is concerned, the sufferers have little choice to avoid the complications. But those who deliberately opt for unfavourable and injurious lifestyles have none but themselves to blame. Professional predilection of sedentary nature is at times responsible for inviting some diseases like obesity and diabetes and other heart-related diseases unless such individuals counteract the problems with regular exercise, morning walks, yoga etc.
Human body is like a machine requiring regular and systematic maintenance. However, even the best of health practices at times fail to keep the body well and sound. Children with congenital diseases present the most tragic scene before parents and families. If a sound mind in a sound body of a senior citizen breaks down without any notice, the impact can be psychologically devastating. It must be admitted that each human body is different and dissimilar despite the apparent coherence and symmetry in many physical features.
Mature minds are far advanced of the dilapidated or worn-out body. It is a critical period for people when they need extra care. But the world is becoming either ego-centric or overwhelmingly selfish where the members of many families simply have no time to give time to the elders or could not care less if the latter suffered in silence. In some cases, the extra pressure the older generation takes because of their sense of responsibility can upset their well-maintained discipline and regularities. The world suddenly crumbles around them when they discover that they are no longer physically as active as they were but still have to accomplish the tasks they have done so long by default of those who were supposed to take over by now.
They cannot shirk their responsibilities and the overwork tells on their body and mind. Thus a sexagenarian or a septuagenarian who had spent a disease-free life all his/her life suddenly discovers s/he has been waylaid by some unexpected physical complications. Physically it is degenerative and psychologically it is demoralising. The beneficiaries of their contribution and daily chores suddenly turn against them rather mindlessly. A lack of understanding between the generations assails their relations.
People who prided themselves with the 'age is just a number' become the worst sufferers in the process of discovering themselves on the wrong side of the logic. The robotic generation develops its own inhibition and preferences and even addiction caring little for the well-being of the best of wellwishers in this world. Duty towards family, particularly the senior citizens, is often foreign to most members of the new generation. They would exploit the soft corners of the older generation but would not feel they have something to return back.
However, if this were the rule of the game of the time, the world would surely not sustain. In not so affluent families the mutual tie is quite strong where passion, emotion and empathy run deep. They may not get the best of foods or commodities and yet maintain healthy relations. They limit their desires to a modest level and be happy with all they have. Maybe, at times, they wish they could get easily some of their desirable things but they know how to be contend with whatever they have. Once they get the objects of their desire, they are the happiest people on this planet. These are the people who lead a modest and honest life without overstressing their expectations.
At 4.0 feet 11 inches, Monohar Aich from Calcutta earned the Mr. Universe title in 1952 and along with it the nickname "Pocket Hercules". Sure enough, the small man had earned the laurel by dint of his perseverance and singlemindedness. Not all people will be like him but every senior citizens should receive special care in order to lead a healthy and peaceful life.
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