AS old age creeps up, habits, movements and even speech articulation set in. At this juncture of age, people are generally not pronounced by their names. Rather, they are called or referred to by their mannerisms or physical appearances. Remarks such as “Oh yes, that fellow with thick curly hair” or “That man who wades like a duck”, etc., are frequently heard.
In the novel, Goodbye, Mr Chips written by James Hilton, the old schoolmaster, Mr Chipping (lovingly called Mr Chips), has the habit of uttering “Umph!” during the course of teaching and talking. Sometimes the students become impish when they do not hear him utter it and say the word themselves, after which laughter usually follows.
All the countries in the world have days that they observe religiously. In our case, March 23, August 14, September 6 and December 25, are the most important days to be remembered without fail. On these occasions, old timers are sought after to act as chief guests. These people, sometimes, become a rare commodity and it so happens that old stalwarts are seen presiding at two or more functions in a single day.
Odd times and occasions are a part of life and they come with their own trumpet. In The Day The Dam Broke, the author, Thurbur, narrates that when the whole city was on the run, fearing that the flood water might engulf them, an old soldier, considering running an act of cowardice, brandished his sword to stop the people from fleeing. However, when he came to know of the real situation, the old soldier himself was ahead of everyone else.
Old age is the yardstick of measuring feelings, emotions, acts, behaviour, treatment, etc, meted to each other. At this age, old people are very touchy, sensitive and get perturbed very quickly. They do not require explanation or justification. Generally, they react promptly and show their displeasure or anger according to the situation, power and prestige they enjoy.
King Lear, of over 80 years, was a victim of filial ingratitude. While drenched in power, he disregarded Cordelia’s sincere love and commanded “Cordelia let nothing be thy dower”, whereas the other two elder daughters, Goneril and Regan, were rewarded for their flattering tongues. Driven out of his home by these very pampered daughters made King Lear mad. He was, at last, nursed by the youngest daughter whose love was true and compact. Such sharp reaction to ill-treatment is shown specially in old age.
It is said that all the world is a stage where the actors play their roles and make their exit. The last stage is the old age, i.e., sans teeth, taste or sight. Old people can be seen breathing in the pure, fresh air during early morning walks. Brisk walk and light exercise becomes a routine for them. Daughters-in-law send the children with their grandpas and grandmas to enjoy the pollution and noise-free early morning hours.
In old age, one remains associated with the past by sharing experiences with others and, sometimes, even by watching the younger lot busy in sports. William Blake in his poem The Echoing Green says: “They laugh at our play/And soon they all say/Such were the boys.../In our youth time were seen/Thus old people reap harvest even by looking at the scene.
It is not always true to say that in old age one loses vigour and vitality. The spirit does not dwindle. It is often heard that old age lies in the mind and that thinking makes you feel old. High spirits and the will to fight can keep anyone fit and healthy.
Earnest Hemingway, The Nobel Prize winner for literature (1954) in his novel, The Old Man and the Sea, writes that the old fisherman, Santiago, though old, embarks on catching a big fish far away from shore in the vast, deep sea. Santiago cruises back to the shore with the catch, banking on the mercy of the sea.
On the way back, sharks attack the fish. Santiago fights to keep them away from his prize. He also confronts the sea odds. High spirits and the will to fight overcomes the frailty of old age and he brings the skeleton of the fish ashore. The other fishermen get amazed. The sign of relief, feelings of confidence and conquest, and sense of valour seen on the brow of Santiago are enviable, to say the least.
On approaching advance age, as in the famous elegy written by Thomas Gray, “The curfew tolls the knell of the parting day/The plough man homeward plods his weary way. Old age makes you ready for change. Remember that fifty is the youth of old age. At this stage, one notices most people getting religious, practically. A change is witnessed in dressing and eating habits as well.
The saying “Old is gold” is really very thought-provoking. The reservoir of experience old people have must be utilized. Many ills and problems stagnating our society can easily be eradicated to some extent by getting help from senior citizens. Bear in mind, this is an age when people are least corrupt and are full of the spirit of sacrifice, patriotism and abstain from forbidden things.
Such people require only recognition and respect. In fact, this is the age when everyone wants to serve selflessly and has ample time to render services in domains of mass education, peace and reconciliation committees at a mohallah/community level. We must not let their experiences go to waste like river water that flows into the sea without being utilized.
In developed and advanced countries, effective healthcare facilities have led to the longevity of their inhabitants. Their average age has risen to 70 years. In Asian and developing countries, significant rise in the average age of a person has also been witnessed. Senior citizens are laden with the treasure of experience that must be brought to use.
AS old age creeps up, habits, movements and even speech articulation set in. At this juncture of age, people are generally not pronounced by their names. Rather, they are called or referred to by their mannerisms or physical appearances. Remarks such as “Oh yes, that fellow with thick curly hair” or “That man who wades like a duck”, etc., are frequently heard.
