This refers to the Open page articles (May 16) by Rameeza A. Rasheed, D.B.N. Murthy and R. Devarajan, which have tellingly analysed the sensitive issue of senior citizens. Material lifestyle and erosion of values have isolated the elders.
Although an active senior citizens' forum or old-age home can be a good outlet, elders should not be shunted out of their homes on flimsy and selfish grounds.
R. Ramanathan,
Coimbatore
***
Today’s youngsters are tomorrow’s aged people and they will yearn for reverence in their old age. But they will be treated the same way they treat their elders now.
K.S. Thampi,
Chennai
***
I am 81 and have no children. I have never felt lonely. I have health problems. My wife renders voluntary service at a government hospital, enjoys music and reading. I keep myself busy listening to music, watching films, browsing the Internet and reading. Relatives visit us occasionally. They are welcome but I do not lose my cool if they do not come. Every situation has its pluses and minuses. Be happy with the pluses and do not worry about the minuses.
R. Ramamurthy,
Bangalore
***
Family is an institution. Its success hinges on the mutual love and care shown by the members constituting it. When a person is ill, he or she wants someone in the family to sit beside him or her. As the saying goes ‘misery loves company.' Old age is a sort of sickness, and the young must talk to the older people and make them feel important.
S. Ramakrishnasayee,
Ranipet
***
This refers to Rashmi S. Pillai's letter (May 17). My mother is over 92 but her focus is something to be envied. She reads the newspapers daily and watches television. She can engage you in conversation for hours and never gets tired. May God give her all the energy to carry on for years.
A. Venugopal,
Bangalore
***
Joint family emerges a clear winner: it gives a new lease of life — both emotionally and physically — to the old, as they get to spend more time with their grandchildren. Plus, the active younger generation can peacefully concentrate on its career without worrying much about the upbringing of children. Can a nuclear family provide this advantage? The need for a joint family system is felt more in the present scenario than before.
K.A. Mohamed Anis,
Chennai
