Why Ageing Has To Be Celebrated

To have reached an older age is a privilege that needs to be celebrated, says our expert Dr Prem Narasimhan. 

As we start another year in the pandemic, ageing has reached a new dimension. Preparing for the next possible wave in COVID-19 is in full flow, not for a moment have the older adults gone slow. 

The older adults above the age of 60 years, known as the senior citizens, the geriatric age group, never cease to amaze us. This pandemic threw everybody a challenge but the older adults took it on. Older adults  showed that there is a silver lining in every catastrophe. They picked up technology like fish to water. This elder community which constitutes the strongest human resource is yet to to be tapped to the  fullest. 

Ageing has to be celebrated. There are many of the unfortunate who do not cross the infant, child or even  middle age. 

The older adults are fortunate to reach their age and it is indeed an honour for those who do.They do all the right things to live long. 

For me as a geriatrician/elder care physician, taking care of older adults has been a  privilege. Listening to their experiences is an education in every sense. Learning from them are life lessons which can never be found in any literature. Celebrating ageing from my perspective should be to  provide holistic care to them not only in the hospital but also at home and the community. Health is  important for and key to successful ageing. 

Learning has no age limitations. As we age one must continue to learn new things. It could be a new skill, a language, a new hobby. An older adult finished his Diploma in Gerontology (science of ageing) in  his 70s, so age is no bar for any achievement.  

A sense of purpose always gives life a more important direction.  

Another way of celebrating ageing is intergenerational bonding. When older adults and younger people  bond it benefits both. 

Ageing is a boon and to have aged gracefully is an achievement.  

Let us all enable older adults to celebrate ageing by providing them the support they need to maintain  their quality of life. If we see the phases of life, childhood and adulthood leave us. Old age is the phase  that leaves us only when one leaves this earth. 

Age should be cherished. It is not about losing youth but a great new opportunity to live life in the best  way. 

Skys the limit for older adults and it indeed merits a celebration.