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The last journey of life, where there are many challenges, it also has a different color and a different style. Every year the first day of the month of October is dedicated to the scholars of this journey. The United Nations celebrates this day to raise awareness among all countries about the misconceptions about older persons and aging and to make them aware of their capabilities and rights in facing the various challenges they face.
It is well known that on 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly through its resolution declared 1 October as the Elderly Day. This was the result of the Vienna International Plan of Action on Aging, which was adopted by the World Assembly on Aging in 1982 and later promulgated by the United Nations General Assembly. There has been a major change in the structure of the world population in the last decades. The average age has increased to 75 years. In the year 2021, the number of people above 65 years of age in the world was more than 76 million, which according to an estimate will increase to about one and a half billion (more than double) by 2050. The tragedy is that more than two-thirds of this (1.1 billion) will be in under-developed and underdeveloped countries. Thus a large part of the world's population demands our complete attention. We should celebrate this day for the elders because first of all they deserve our respect. Second, we want to educate our younger generation and third, we do not know everything while they have a lot of life experience.
The United Nations gives a theme (purpose) to celebrate this day every year and all the activities are focused on this theme. The theme for 2024 is: Aging with Dignity – The importance of care and support for older people around the world.
A postage stamp for this day will be issued by UNO on 7 October 2024 in honor of the elderly. 'Decade of Healthy Aging' 2021-30 to bring together governments, civil societies, international organisations, subject experts, academic institutions, media and the private sector on a common platform with analytical approaches to improve the lives of older people Will be known as a golden opportunity.
Now some thoughts about the elders of our own country. There are many major issues before him. The first and most important requirement is to be respected. Sometimes flowers were also offered to the elders in the house. Everything happened as per his wish. His opinion was taken on every issue. But now the young generation, which has come under the ambit of education, science and technology, has become machines by getting immersed in machines. Knowledge has expanded, computers and mobiles have made everything easy. Due to the spread of this knowledge, today's generation does not need to ask elders. Google Baba further removes their doubts. Experts are available in every subject. During this period, it is considered appropriate to talk to them, ask them or seek psychological guidance. There has been a huge change in our needs, interests, priorities and everything before. There has been a huge change in our food habits, clothing, lifestyle, our interactions with relatives, everything from small to big things.
Elderly people sometimes start considering themselves unnecessary because in mechanization they are not able to do much themselves and are not able to give much advice to the children. In such a situation, the youth should understand that respect is not achieved only by necessity. They deserve our heartfelt respect for the sacrifices they have made to help their children stand on their own feet. The second big problem is the passage of time. There is no custom of sitting on seats like in olden times. TV and other comforts have forced us to stay indoors. In such a situation, it is very important that the elderly have their own business. They can keep these activities as per their hobbies. Educated people can connect with books, libraries and music clubs.
They can also spend some time according to their religious beliefs. But it is important to remember that it is not comfortable to discuss other people now. This shouldn't take any time at all. It is very important for them to be health conscious. Only self-care can keep them in good condition.
While it is important to spend your savings on yourself in old age, it is also not wrong to ask your children to spend for their needs and interests. Often our elders do not save anything for their old age. They are happy to divide their wealth among their children. Therefore they expect service and respect from their sons and daughters-in-law. When they don't get it they become sad and disappointed. Taking medical insurance is neither necessary for the government nor the elderly themselves are aware of its importance. In such a situation, they are forced to waste their hard-earned money on expensive treatment. Remember, seniors are our most valuable assets. We all should work together for their health and happiness. Every child should take full care of his eating habits and health. Medical checkups should be done from time to time. Their clothes, their room etc. need to be given utmost attention.
They should not live in any corner of the house but in the main room and every guest should give them due respect. One should listen to elders. Their opinion should be taken. They should be given full respect and place in family and community affairs. They should spend it on whatever they like. One should not get angry immediately due to their attack. When they get full respect, they will also protect themselves like children and will not talk unnecessarily.
Although some elders are enjoying very good facilities and getting respect from children, the number of such fortunate people is less. Many times we see, hear and read elders being insulted due to property disputes. The number of old age homes increasing day by day is proof that the youth are not understanding their importance. While governments need to create and implement policies that lead to healthy and prosperous ageing, every member of society must take care of the elderly. Once this becomes a tradition, there will be no need to say anything to the next generations.