‘Senior Citizens’ is a term used to refer to the members of an age group who represent the passing, as well as the present, generation.

In the past, they were venerated for their wisdom. Having lived for long years, most of society’s elders have a lot to offer, in terms of knowledge through their experiences.

But, in today’s mad rush for more, younger folks do not have the time to listen to, or care for, the aged. Sidelining seniors is unfortunate, because society, as a whole, stands to lose.

The Golden Era

The scenario in the past was totally different. In India, all homes were ‘senior-centric’. The advice of the elders was always sought. Uncles, aunts and cousins lived under the same roof and everybody had to obey the orders of the elders.

Earnings were pooled and handed over to the most senior person. All the problems were solved by consultation, no doubt, but words of the seniors were never questioned.

Medical problems or event-related house- hold expenses were all shared equally. All the festivities or marriages were celebrated under the auspices of the eldest.

The advantage of this system was that the youngsters learnt to be accommodative, a trend that is missing in the new generation. Virtues such as unity, love and humility were instilled, automatically, in the young.

In contrast, the seniors’ presence, in present-day homes, is barely tolerated. In some cases, the elders are even cheated. They are coaxed to sign papers and forced to give up their property rights.

Senior citizens and the government

Indian constitution reveres the aged by allotting a special status to the learned and the wise.. They are hand-picked by President of India for the Rajya Sabha. The President of the nation is invariably a grand old man.

The Indian government has woken up late to the practical issues surrounding the aged. It has announced a few concessions in railways and taxes but that is hardly enough.

Old Age Ailments

Most of the elders suffer from ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, dementia and debility due to age. A lot of measures need to be taken to safeguard the health of the elderly.

Currently, medical insurances can be obtained for the aged by paying high premium. Free or concessional health check-ups are the need of the hour.

The health of the senior citizens should be the collective responsibility of the whole nation.

Lurking Danger

Another area of concern is their safety and security. There are dangers of onslaught by the family and society.

It is a common sight to see old people stand during bus travel. Very few come forward to help an old lady cross the road. It is this public apathy that reflects a rot in the system. Something needs to be done, and that too quickly.

Yet another worrying fact is that there is a spurt in the number of senior citizens being murdered. This highlights another issue-that of old people living alone. Many of them abhor old age homes and chose to live alone.