Celebrating World Senior Citizen’s Day

***It ought to be lovely to be old*** ***to be full of the peace that comes of experience*** ***and wrinkled ripe fulfilment.- D.H Lawrence***

Age doesn't define happiness. Image Source: Unsplash/Wonsung_Jang

Little Shreya always looked forward to visiting her grandparents’ place, for they told her stories about a time she had no clue about. Shreya’s parents always got annoyed by her over-the-top excitement to go to the suburbs where Nani and Nana lived but took her anyway. Driving past the toxic city’s smog to the fresh breath of air, today was another visit to their place. Shreya could never understand why over the years, these joyful trips became less frequent.

“Nani!” screamed Shreya upon seeing her grandmother standing on the front porch steps, waiting for her guests for today. She ran to her warm arms and hugged her waist tightly. “Oh my bachcha Shreya, look at you, you have grown so tall!” Shreya gleamed with pride, of course she had grown, after all, she drank milk every day. Running inside to embrace her Nana, Shreya unknowingly escaped an awkward meetup between her parents and Nani.

Lunch was soon served on the table, with only the sounds of clinking spoons and Shreya’s random questions filled the scene. You could have heard a hairpin drop at one point. Innocently, Shreya pointed at the photographs behind her Nana and said “Nana Nana, is that Mumma you are holding? You look so young! And look you are standing on a beach, where did you go?” Her mother looked uncomfortable and her Nana smiled sadly. “Ah that was a long time ago Bachcha, we had gone to Juhu beach, things were different then, your mother wouldn’t dare to leave my hand for she was too scared the waves would wash her away. But I protected her.”

His voice hid sorrow and his daughter caught his eye but instantly looked away without saying a word. Times had changed and various circumstances drifted them apart. Despite all they had been through, Shreya’s mother decided to move away and never return back. The distance between them had never closed since then.

This is a story known to all behind closed doors, yet shushed outdoors. After a certain age, many children tend to leave behind their old parents, either treating them terribly or neglecting them. Families have been torn apart due to this, and many simply choose to send away their parents to a place where it wouldn’t be their responsibility to look after them. Senior citizens are considered a burden and are cast out by society due to their inability to look after themselves properly.

Yet the elderly are living memories of history, having lived life to the fullest in their youth. There are lights of guidance and wisdom, but many become victims of elder abuse.

In 1988, after seeing the unfair treatment given to elders, former US president Ronald Reagan decided to commemorate August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day. Two years later, this day became World Senior Citizens Day after getting recognized by the United Nations.

The aim of this day is to make families spend time with their elderly. In fact, one can easily knock on their old neighbour’s house and drink a cup of tea with them! The possibilities are endless, with some talking to senior citizens about their life, drawing out family trees, taking out old photo albums, discussing their favourite corners of the city, cleaning their house, or simply sitting with them is enough, for even a small gesture will lighten up their day!

This is a day to remember senior citizens deserve all the love and care we can give, and remind us of our duties towards them. If you’re ever feeling down, just try embracing any elder person around you, their warmth is all that is needed to make your day better. Let’s be kinder, gentler and respectful to the generation that has given us a better life!

Spending some time with Nani. Image Source: Times of India