CHENNAI: 80-year-old G Velammbal finds it really hard to reconcile with the fact that she is not living with her children. Eight years ago, Velammbal was informed by her daughter that she would be moved into an old age home. “While others (fellow residents at the home) visit their children’s house for festivals, I am not invited by my daughter even though she lives in the same city,” she said, tears rolling down her face.
According to a United Nations Population Fund report, ageing in the 21st century is both a gift and a curse. Although life expectancy has increased on account of advancements in medical science, leading to longer lives than ever before, the elderly (above 60 years) are vulnerable. Abetted by financial insecurity and weakening of social support systems, the process of ageing is generally looked upon as one associated with dependence on others. But experts say these negative connotations come in the way of feeling good about oneself as they cross 60 years. To avoid this, it hes been suggested that one must look upon ‘positive ageing’, a term used to describe the process of maintaining a positive attitude, which enables senior citizens to be fully engaged with their retired life.
A classic example is octogenarian S M Chellaswamy, a former state government employee, leading a productive life despite the superannuation, which psychologists say often contributes to building up of negative energy in retired persons. Stating that elders must not depend on others, Chellaswamy, a resident of Gopalapuram, has embraced the free time engaging himself in social activities and resident welfare association activities in his locality.
Speaking to Express, Professor S Siva Raju, Deputy Director, Tata Institute of Social Science (Hyderabad), said senior citizens are constrained by the lack of platforms where they can contribute. Raju suggested that “authorities initiate schemes that can generate income for the elders, thereby reducing the burden on families”, who are often the primary caregivers. He also felt that the government can encourage the formation of self-help groups for senior citizens.
Experts feel senior citizens are increasingly feeling lonely, marked by absence of regular contact with their children.
K R Gangadharan, former president of International Federation on Ageing, asserts positive ageing can be accomplished by promoting inter-generational communication, through means such as education and sensitisation.