This refers to Aamir Khan’s column “Rewire, don’t just retire” (July 15). It should be insightful for both elders and youngsters. While the aged must learn to live without expecting anything from their family, the young can learn from their elders. Today we live in a society where the elders are pushed to the margins unless they are helpful to the family.
When we do not have enough resources to survive, we vent our anger at our elders saying they did not earn enough. We can, instead, treat them well in the winter of their lives.
R. Lenin,
Tiruchi
I am a senior citizen in my sixties and the column had a great impact on me. Aamir has analysed threadbare the different dimensions of ageing and its implications. I know a family where sons and daughters who live with their mother pour their love, affection and care on her. But this is a rare instance.
In many cases, the aged, after giving away their property to their children and grandchildren, find themselves driven away from their homes.
Rev. Dr. R. Daniel Jayakumar,
Cuddalore
India is indeed one among the few countries where elders are treated with respect. But due to globalisation and urbanisation, the joint family system has broken up. Children have flown out, leaving their parents uncared for in ancestral homes. In some cases, children have even deserted their parents.
All religions talk about the importance of parents. Islam says he who wishes to enter Paradise at the best door must please his parents. We need to keep in mind that one day we too will grow old.
S. Jawad Ahmed,
Kadiri
True, traditionally and culturally Indians have respected their elders in the family and society. But joint families are a rarity today. Nuclear family, by default, has become the choice of the breadwinner but deserting the elders is a sin and a curse on our society.
Old age homes, paying guest accommodation for the aged, and societies for the elders with independent houses are most sought after today.
C.R. Ananthanarayanan,
Bangalore