“If a super senior citizen has any physical, emotional, psychological, or health-related genuine need, and their siblings are too busy to attend to them because of being abroad or are too much occupied in their day-to-day routine, they can dial my number and speak to me for any assistance,” says NK Dhir. It’s a great initiative taken by NK Dhir (9899539292), who is an active resident of Sector 41. He says that having taken enough from society, it’s time to give back. “We, the senior citizens of Sector 41, regularly meet in A block park. After about taking 10 rounds, we sit together to exchange our rich experiences and thoughts, followed by 108×3 clappings, light exercises, and laughter. Such get-togethers rejuvenate us for the whole day and keep our thoughts positive.
The needs of senior citizens are altogether different. Loneliness, difficulty in passing time, psychological counseling, health-related issues,” he continues. Get-togethers with friends, coupled with morning exercises, release a lot of pressure off the mind and recharge the batteries of the mind and body. Live life king-size. Age is just a number. Not many of us think on the same lines, or the world would be a much better place. In this hectic lifestyle that we lead, we sometimes sit down to take a breather and pick up a magazine or two to read. Many of them contain articles about taking time to watch our health, to spend time with our children and pets, to have hobbies, and to take much-needed vacations. Some even tell us about spending more time with our elderly parents. It’s good to be concerned about ourselves and our own family, but what about the elderly neighbors around us? We should spare some thought for these lonely souls that we see every day but do nothing more than nod perfunctorily at. Some of them are not just old; they are also forgetful and insecure. Very often, they are alone not because their families don’t care but because they have their difficulties. A job that takes them away for long hours, sometimes days. Responsibilities that they simply cannot ignore. Even an hour spent in their company can make them so happy. Many of them can be nervous to go back inside their empty and dark houses. Taking a few minutes to hold their hand and lead them inside, switch on some lights and TV, may reassure them. Some may be recovering from a serious illness and just need a familiar face to talk to, someone to share their fears and hopes with. Incidents like these made one think how nice it would be if all of us took a little time out to spend with these elderly people. The physically fit elders seem to be able to do well. It’s the ones who are frail and forgetful that need our time, love, and understanding. They don’t ask for much, just a few kind words, patience, maybe even a warm hug, and of course, a little bit of our time.
