The News of the election of Mahathir Mohd as the Prime Minister of Malaysia when he is 92 conveys a message of great significance to not only the citizens of that country but to all senior citizens all over the world. Majority segment of the population of that country which comprises of three different ethnic groups almost like Singapore would not have voted him to power unless they were convinced that he is physically mobile and mentally alert needed for holding the high office. Hence no discriminative approach on grounds of age.
In contrast what is happening in our country? A person is considered as good for nothing the moment he crosses 75 which is perceived to be an advanced age.
Seniors with Chronic conditions like diabetes confine themselves to their homes without even attempting to do any physical activity or indulge in some mental exercise to the extent they can because they develop a complex of their own. .This is simply 'self condemnation'. Another feature apart from self condemnation is that even within the organisations of senior citizens like that of LIC pensioners we see the funny situation of members talking of "Young & Old" at leadership levels. Where do the 'young' come into the picture when all are identified as "retired''people? This indeed pitches one section of senior citizens against another section of (super) seniors!!
The noted but controversial nonagenarian jurist shri Ram Jethmalani once said that those who are past 80 are like "those who are are waiting in the departure lounge for their flight to take off'''.Very true as anything can happen to them suddenly to end their lives. But does it mean that senior citizens willing to work should be discouraged?
According to published reports 9.6 % of our country's present population comprises of senior citizens ie those above 60.With the advancement of of medical technology atleast 40% of them will be super seniors of 75 +.
Our successive Govts .have legislated and formed welfare commissions for many sections of the society like women,children, handicapped, backward classes , SC/ST etc etc.
Why not something like that for senior citizens? Of course any such special state support for senior citizens should envisage termination of litigation concerning the pensioners within a year or two. I am sure every one will agree that it is the immediate point of concern for LIC pensioners !!
As I intend working on a paper on senior citizens any inputs from the readers of this write up would be most welcome. May the tribe of senior citizens and their utility to the society increase.! - With greetings to all
GN Sridharan.
*******************************************************
obiter dicta;
immediately on posting this, I had a call from a distant place in North India.
Arey Sury bhai ! Sridharan says, the elephant is white.
Sury said, in reply: If Sridharan says, it must be right.
In contrast what is happening in our country? A person is considered as good for nothing the moment he crosses 75 which is perceived to be an advanced age.
Seniors with Chronic conditions like diabetes confine themselves to their homes without even attempting to do any physical activity or indulge in some mental exercise to the extent they can because they develop a complex of their own. .This is simply 'self condemnation'. Another feature apart from self condemnation is that even within the organisations of senior citizens like that of LIC pensioners we see the funny situation of members talking of "Young & Old" at leadership levels. Where do the 'young' come into the picture when all are identified as "retired''people? This indeed pitches one section of senior citizens against another section of (super) seniors!!
The noted but controversial nonagenarian jurist shri Ram Jethmalani once said that those who are past 80 are like "those who are are waiting in the departure lounge for their flight to take off'''.Very true as anything can happen to them suddenly to end their lives. But does it mean that senior citizens willing to work should be discouraged?
According to published reports 9.6 % of our country's present population comprises of senior citizens ie those above 60.With the advancement of of medical technology atleast 40% of them will be super seniors of 75 +.
Our successive Govts .have legislated and formed welfare commissions for many sections of the society like women,children, handicapped, backward classes , SC/ST etc etc.
Why not something like that for senior citizens? Of course any such special state support for senior citizens should envisage termination of litigation concerning the pensioners within a year or two. I am sure every one will agree that it is the immediate point of concern for LIC pensioners !!
As I intend working on a paper on senior citizens any inputs from the readers of this write up would be most welcome. May the tribe of senior citizens and their utility to the society increase.! - With greetings to all
GN Sridharan.
*******************************************************
obiter dicta;
immediately on posting this, I had a call from a distant place in North India.
Arey Sury bhai ! Sridharan says, the elephant is white.
Sury said, in reply: If Sridharan says, it must be right.
Comments
Post a Comment
Your opinions are of interest to us.
We shall be only too receptive when you respond. BTW, comments are subject to moderation.