OLD AGE - A CHALLENGE

When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age.

Victor Hugo

A long, healthy life is definitely a blessing. It becomes doubly a blessing when the person becomes useful to others. Not only in imparting wisdom to whoever cares to listen to him/her but also in caring for one’s hygienic necessities.  He/she not only becomes a burden on others but also consumes medicine and consults doctors sparingly. Especially from the age 70 onwards as the energy level starts declining gradually but also our necessities get multiplied, likes and dislikes increase, level of toleration plummets and mood swings very frequently.  The younger generation impatiently wait for the demise of the old, haggard and burdensome person. He/She is no more wanted either in the family or anywhere else except in nursing homes where they could profit from the money the old person possesses.

So journey towards the end of one’s life is all strewn with thorns and pebbles?  Yes and no.  It all depends on how much you make yourself useful to others. The best solution is to be selfless, more selfish you are, more troublesome your life becomes.  Everyone will avoid a selfish, talkative and miserly person. Ask yourself whether you are being useful to others.

Broadly speaking, there could be five situations in life:

Firstly, you have earned enough money to cover your expenses and hire people to look after you. Or you give enough to your family to look after you regularly.  But in both cases, people will be more interested in your money than you.  They will serve you reluctantly and without ‘Shraddha’. But in any case, you can live through till the end, which may not be an ideal and happy way.  The majority of old people live that kind of a dissatisfied life.

The second option is to be a teacher and get around several sincere students who would serve you as their Guru.  They will serve you happily and faithfully in exchange for the spiritual and mundane knowledge you will share with them. If you are rude by nature, you must soften its edges so that it hits them to the point but does not injure them. Love them as they are your children, and in everyone, ‘Narayan’ resides.

It is believed that every sound of ‘Sabda Bhraman’ represents the power of Existence. So, using the right words with love will help you accomplish even the most difficult work. What stops us from becoming considerate, loving, and respectful to others? You have the whole world to gain and nothing to lose.

The third option is to join an old age home or a social service organization where infrastructure and services to meet your needs are in place.  You too will have the company of old people around.  It will be a new family for you.  There too, your behavior matters.  You need to be friendly, accommodating, and loving. 

The fourth option is to live a life of a recluse, detach yourself from your family and friends, and live a secluded life in some spiritual organization, having only aim to progress inwardly and devote your time to meditation, service, and self-study.

The fifth option is be light unto yourself. Do not demand but give, do not be jealous but love, share your happiness with others.  Such a person is always wanted, and there will be no dearth of people to be with you and serve you.  This is the most ideal condition one can think of in his/her old age.  In this situation, life becomes a blessing for you and for all who come to you.

Be like a flower, spread fragrance, beauty and grace life becomes beautiful.