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Chapter-31 What Makes a Person Grow Old?

BOOK TITLE: Comprehensive Community Health Nursing

Author
1. Correia Cecy
ISBN
9789350251621
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11346_31
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2011
Pages
11
Author Affiliations
1. Cardinal Gracias Memorial Hospital, Sandor, Bangli, Vasai (W), Thane, Maharashtra, India, Uday General School of Nursing, Cardinal Gracias Memorial Hospital, Sandor, Bangli, Vasai (W), Thane, Maharashtra, India, Uday General School of Nursing Cardinal Gracias Memorial Hospital, Sandor, Bangli, Vasai (W), Thane, Maharashtra, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

Weather we like it or not, we are all growing older every day. No one knows when old age begins. Years wrinkle the skin, but worry, doubt, fear, anxiety and self distrust wrinkle the soul. The older population continues to grow. We wish to stay young and full of energy, but this we cannot do. Aging is both medical and sociological problem. Life span of man is increasing due to advances in medical sciences and improved conditions. The elders should be made to feel useful, wanted and productive in every endeavour. In time of sickness they need good care and assistance. Due to aging, there are losses that are personal as well as social and economic. Among the most devastating experience for them when they lose known people, parents, friends, spouse, children. Also, lose ones home, possessions, pets, employment, social position or financial security. Unfortunately there is no way of turning back the clock of time and preventing these changes from coming on. Aging is not a disease and disease is not aging. Aging is a biological process, which no one can avoid. A little care and caution will avoid many disabilities. Old life begins at 40, 50, and 60. It is not the year in life that count, it’s the life in your years. Growing old is a happier experience than many of us imagine. Look forward for happy and fruitful old age. You have right to live for as long as you wish, and enjoy all the amenities and all that life offers. Find a new meaning in life. It can be beginning of an active new lifestyle where you can display your skills to serve society. To find fulfillment in life despite of age and feel worthwhile again, making an active contribution to society where they will be instill a sense of self worth and pride in their dignity. Search for meaning and purpose of life, peace of mind to handle your feelings, change your mental imagery with wholesome and positive image. Old age is universal problem. Due to fast changing world there is such a generation gap felt. Today most of the younger generation is more knowledgeable than their parents. They can access information and travel the world easier and faster than their parent could. It is difficult to bridge the gap between children, parents and grandparents in the modern world. Technology has widened the gap. Tolerance and empathy towards elders will never become outdated; the younger generation too is facing different challenges and struggles related to modern society and if we can understand their anxieties and problems. What can be done are positive affirmative actions in building on the positive resources where the gap can be bridge. They have in abundance and yet a resource we rarely remember to tap, wisdom that our elders gift us. Older people should be able to live in dignity and security and be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse. Be treated fairly regardless or age, gender, racial or ethnic background, disability or other status, and be valued independently of their economic contribution. Aged is an inevitable process in every ones life, Remember today where you are tomorrow it will be me. Old age and death may be considered as a sign of fulfillment of our Dharma/duty in this world and passing to the eternal life, where the reality is seen face to face. There is an eternal life waits with God. No more pain, no more suffering only heavenly bliss one with Gods spirit.

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