Subhechcha Ganguly 
The world works in mysterious ways and humankind is different with each passing decade. Long-lasting freshness has been given precedence over relationships that have been tied by blood, plasma, and heart. Guardians of the young face a challenge that has been unseen or shunned by communities in the past. Is this a creation of neo-nuclear families or are we hardwired to only think about ourselves?
There’s a shocking realization of how elderly care and elderly homes are becoming a trend or, more so, an opportunity to give extra care without the wholesomeness of family values. I scream within and wonder why the heart doesn’t melt when these so-called new-age families let go of those who once cared for and caressed them in the times gone by.
What has happened, and what concerns us?
While a nation like ours moves at a rapid pace towards urbanization, there’s suddenly a talk about old-age homes and people touching the late 70s and 80s. What was once considered a boon (read: life longevity) becomes a burden for many families who bring practicality to everything they do or perform.
We have been conditioned to believe that ageing gracefully is a boon, but does it become a bane or a thorn for the younger lot? Are relationships thrown out of the window when it doesn’t serve purposes or are considered a burden?
Modern outlook, yet…
Do you remember the time when you took your first step, and wondered if you did it well? You were anxious about the world, but a few seasoned elders gave you hope and brought a streak of confidence within you. Are those memories crushed in the name of age catching up, that you let go of the hands that once taught you to stand straight and approach life with humility?
The future might hold many things, but the rise of elderly care can be viewed with different lenses. Some call it a product of our in-a-race times, while others can’t wrap their head around the very concept.
Whatever the outcome, we probably need to realize that the world is round and collecting karmic points or debts depends on the right choices we make!
Perhaps the elderly can be a boon for us if we look and smile at them in ways which unite us better. Elderly care is a boon as long as everyone is invested and spirited in smiling towards oblivion, some right now and many in the years ahead of us.
Care for the elders, care for the love they provided, and respect and admire the stage of life they have reached. We will all pass through it, hopefully with good health, grace and a humble demeanour.
