Bindu Gopal Rao
In India, 30 years from now, the elderly population is expected to triple from 104 million in 2011 to 300 million in 2050, accounting for 18 per cent of the total population in 2050. This would be close to the current population of the United States (326m in 2018). The striking numbers were revealed in a report last year by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Ignox Consulting, titled CII — Senior Care Industry Report India 2018: Igniting Potential in Senior Care Services.
Second innings
The numbers may seem mindboggling but there has been a rather positive undercurrent as far as senior citizens are concerned, courtesy higher life expectancy and a better standard of living. Interestingly, there is a plethora of products and services that cater specifically to the needs of senior citizens. This has largely evolved from personal experiences and is helping the elderly lead better and more meaningful lives.
Likewise, the concept of retirement homes and homes designed for seniors citizens are becoming commonplace. Yogesh Mehra, who is involved in such projects in Maharashtra, says, “The biggest mistake we make is to call such facilities as ‘senior living’ or an ‘old age home’. It’s such a negative way of branding this facility; the users feel they are on their final journey of life.
“It is depressing and makes their children feel guilty. We must understand that society is evolving and the nuclear family system makes it very difficult for youngsters to be around their ageing parents. Hence, today, there is a great opportunity and need for such facilities.”
So, today we have co-living spaces, specially designed for seniors. They could meet like-minded folks, who are at the same stage of life, thereby creating a sense of togetherness and community.
Age no barrier
Take the case of Madhu Singh, a 62-year-old entrepreneur who started to train on CrossFit at an age when people contemplate retirement. “When I was nearing mid-fifties, like most people that age, I started getting niggling pains in the neck and joints. Our family doctor advised me to exercise and accept pain as part and parcel of growing old. I did follow his advice regarding exercise but did not accept the part about pain being my destiny,” said Madhu.
“Instead I started exercising for longer periods and this time with a purpose. I came across a person who was doing CrossFit and his fitness level was very good for his age. Fortunately, a CrossFit box was opening in my neighbourhood and, against the advice of my well-wishers, I joined it. The first three months were very challenging but, with time, my joints started feeling better and stronger, and soon I started competing with girls half my age. I started feeling very strong and confident and, in a year’s time, it reversed all the signs of ageing.”
It is important, she says, that senior citizens change the way they perceive their age and instead empower themselves with the right diet, outlook and exercise. “Set small fitness goals for yourself. It is not only you but the entire universe that is ageing, so embrace it. Do not concentrate only on aches and pains; rather concentrate on the joy you will receive after a gruelling session of exercise.”
For Brigadier Hari Pant, 78, and his wife Kumkum Pant, 72, life has literally been a stroll in the park, thanks to their zest for life. After having served in the Army for 33 years, Pant retired and settled down in Bhimtal in Uttarakhand. Since he always had an interest in homoeopathy, ayurveda and naturopathy, he did a couple of courses at Schumacher College in Dartington, UK, when he was 65.
“Seize the moment is what I believe in and my mantra in life is to work hard and good for others. I also went to the USA to do a course in agriculture. On returning, I started the Himalayan Farm Project. My wife and I do not take any medication and I advise people on how one can live without medication.”
Tech advantage
Changing times have also meant that technological advances, especially the Internet, are working well for senior citizens. Mahesh Kumar (73), who lives in New Delhi, says, “I have made a conscious effort to educate myself technologically to be able to do things like bank work on the Internet. I now have downloaded an Uber and a Walking app to book cabs and do not have to worry about driving and parking. “I have learnt net banking that helps me in the market trading and keeping track of my investment. I have also linked my utility bills with my bank account, this kind of service is very helpful for senior citizens.” From embracing technology to making choices that matter, senior citizens are certainly showing the right way to live and proving that George Bernard Shaw was right in saying, “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”