Imagine a son of 65 looking after his parents of 95..is it a pleasant scenario? When one advances in the age ,one looks for a life atleast free of responsibilities, because with ageing, looking after self is also not an easy job.It is enough if one is not dependent on one's children at that time, but taking responsibility for old parents is very difficult. Though it sounds bad, but service to parents also comes with an expiry date.
I have always felt that instead of adding years to life, we must add life to few years. I dont aspire for a long life..never, rather scared of living long.We must live a life of productivity and usefulness to others, the day we stop being that, we are no good..ofcourse thats my ideology.I dont have that desires like..god let me see my grand son grow, or his marriage, then children..and the circle never stops.....I am fully satisfied with my life, having done my duties,ready for any eventuality.the only thing I fear is that i dont want to live a life dependent on anybody..physically, mentally or financially...but since birth and death are not in our hands, we must do whatever we can to make ourselves useful or independent.
16 comments:
Yes, we must add life to years. Lovely!!
I agree. Quality always matters than quantity. :)
Very true - I love your sentence: instead of adding years to life, we must add life to years. But if we can have a longer life with better quality, that will be the best of both worlds as we can all enjoy the company of our loved ones for a little longer.
I agree with you ..definitely quality of life ...age is something as it grows big brings more health problems ...so ..a decent age and good health..is required.
most of the life span in US goes upto 85 or 88 ..which is ..like trip to nursing home ..
SAD!!
Yes, I too support quality than quantity.
You have written exactly my own thought in this matter. Even I feel the same way. I keep praying that death has come to me at the right age.Even if one is not dependent on ones' children, one would end up depending upon some one paid to that. Either way it is not comforting, but if situation is like that, the latter is anytime better than the former, for although children are not bad and we are also not bad it always good to keep a safe distance. Let them enjoy their life, do things their way, and learn things in their own pace.
Another option is to go and settle in some good retirement home like some of my very dear friends and relatives.
They all seem to like living there for they are free from everything even cooking, and they are enjoying their life doing new things making friends with new people.
At least it is not like the olden days,these modern concepts are definitely catching on, and you have people making arrangement after their retirement itself.
I believe that if we think strongly that a particular thing is right for us and if we keep intending it is sure to happen.
Bhagyashree: Thanks:)
Enigma: yes:)
Kamini: welcome here Kamini!...Do you think that our loved ones would still be loved ones:)(pun intended),if we lived too long?..most of the time families get fed up of old people if they live long...its a fact of life..we cherish everything if its for a short time.
Harman: exactly that,thats the reason i dont feel the need for a long life..yes one must be able to settle one's children..thats very necessary.
Tan: Thanks!
rama: I also feel the same, that parents.even if live together, it should nevr be a parasitic relationship..both set of couple may lead independent life and side by side enjoy each other's comnpany without any compulsions...
If you know any retirement community where people are living satisfactorily, please let me know.
very well put - the adding life to years. the quality is what ultimately matters
Oh these are strong sentiments about aging. Neither right nor wrong. Because each case can be different from the other. Each decision or choice is subjective. Everything or everyone has his or her own reason for the choice.
I support close family ties. Am a big fan of familial love. The bond that holds a family together has no expiry date to it.. nor conditions.. nor limitations. It's there through thick and thin... through the ups and downs of life... through the joys of youth and the inconvenience of old age. And even beyond death.
Wishing you tons of blessings... to you and your family.
Good gyan here. Add life to years instead of years to life.
Sujatha: .yes thats what needed, not long years of invalidity.
Ellen: Ellen I also value family and thats is all the more I feel that life should be restricted in nos..It brings guilt in the young if they cant manage the olds..and sometimes its nigh impossible..
I liked what somebody wrote somewhere..sending parents to o;ld age homes is like sending children to boarding school..its difficult but good for everybody..
Kirtivasan:No gyan:) .just what i felt..
Too good an idea.
Now a days which son wants to look after old parents? Imagine living at 95 and feeling lonely!
Vetrimagal:we cant5 blame the sons also totally, as I said everything has a time and age..people around 30-60 can look after parents, but beyond that it is too much too ask.
Nice thoughts! Hope I add life to my years and one day I can say that I have lived a fruitful life....
SRS: its not difficult..we only need to think on those lines:)
A very thoughtful post. I agree with you and even say that we need to live, rather than simply exist :)
Post a Comment