Every person who is born is bound to get old. Growing old is a natural process that begins at birth and cannot be prevented. Even though our bodies may age, our hearts and mind can remain youthful as long as we live with proper attitude and approach. We are as young as we feel. The long journey of life can be exciting, rewarding and fulfilling, if we can add rich texture and colour to our lives by delving into various interests and by keeping mind occupied to lead a very happy, healthy, productive life.
For this, Senior citizens should empower themselves to be independent in their day-to-day activities. They should take care of finance, taxation, security, health, behaviour with family members and others.
In this Article, I would share some tips in this matter in snapshot manner based on my readings, observations, personal experiences and close inter-actions with friends, relatives and clients with whom I had privilege to have special relationship.
Dealing with Children and their Families
. Let them lead their life independently. Don’t get unnecessarily involved.
. Do not be inquisitive about their affairs, friends, interest or lifestyles.
. Do not criticize their friends, interest or lifestyles.
. Remember their birthdays, anniversaries and make small gifts if possible.
. In case of need, help them financially before asking.
. Do not discriminate or compare between children, their spouses and grandchildren.
. Be scrupulously fair between children in distribution of your estate.
. Do not give advice until asked.
. Do not expect thanks for help given to them.
. Treat your daughter-in law like daughter.
. Provide help in household work, babysitting, taking care of children, whenever needed.
. Withdraw from the room to have free time for children with their visiting friends.
. Do not gift away your estate to children through emotions. Have adequate funds to support you and your spouse till the end.
. Retain ownership of dwelling house in your name jointly with the spouse.
. Write your Will. Pass your estate through Will after your death. Keep Will confidential.
. Do not stand surety for borrowings by any person including children.
Tips for Empowerment
. Do not sign any document you have not understood or have ambiguous wordings.
. Learn how to use gadgets: microwave oven, washing machine, electric kettle, cooking range, pressure cooker, how to open/close gas connection.
. Have ATM bank card to withdraw cash any time at any place.
. Have bank credit card for making payments in case of need.
. Learn basic computer operations for emails, surfing, writing letters, keeping contacts, chatting.
. Learn Internet banking to carry out bank operations from home.
. Learn internet for ordering goods, booking air/railway travel tickets.
. Learn basic food preparations like cooking rice; preparing dal, curries; soups; vegetable salads; frying of fish, soups heating read made foods; simple recipe books are available for all types of cooking.
. Learn to prepare food dishes which do require cooking.
. Have simple exercises for 30/45 minutes which will stretch your body from head-neck-shoulders-hands-fingures-chest-stomach-knees-ankles-legs-foot.
. Learn Yogasanas from knowledgeable person and practice regularly. This activates your muscles to keep your body and mind fit.
. Learn mediation and practice regularly for emotional health and peace of mind.
. Replace negative emotions with positive thoughts of forgiving, compassion, love, peace, courage, health and hope.
. Expect ingratitude.
. Have brisk walk in silence for minimum 30 and maximum 60 minutes. Walk is not substitute for Yogasanas. Walk increases your oxygen intake and helps you to maintain healthy weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.
. Have oil massage before bath. This will improve your blood circulation.
. Learn and practice hobby of your choice.
. Reduce your needs.
. Have vitamin supplements to your regular food viz multi-vitamin tablets like ’Becosule’; ’Supradin’.
. Eat in moderation whatever food prepared for family avoiding spicy, oily, fried preparations; milk products; saturated foods.
. Keep yourself calm, cool, composed and relaxed in any situation
. Surrender to the God.
. Avoid losing temper.
. Once your children have their own families, let them manage their problems.
. If you are lonely, have a pet provided you are able to maintain.
. Develop reading habit. This is wholesome entertainment. Join library in the neighbourhood.
. Co-operate with the inevitable.
. Pray.
SOME HINTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
. Have regular light exercise and have heathy diet.
. Do not be a meddler. Avoid unsolicited interference in the affairs of your own children, families.
. Do not demand preferences because of age.
. Do not seek sympathy.
. Do not be garrulous.
. Do not fuss about trifles.
. Do not harp on past good days.
. Do not be careless about grooming, dressing, personal living habits.
. Do not criticise, condemn or complain.
. Do not worry about the past.
. Do not worry about insomnia
. Develop some interest in paid or voluntary work.
. Create happiness for others.
. Keep cheerful smiling face. People avoid grumpy, complaining faces.
. Live life gracefully.
. Plan your finances.
. Make small gifts to your dear ones on festival days, birthdays, anniversaries.
. Maintain expenditure within income.
. Arrange for home preferably on ground floor.
. Make slip-proof bathing area with convenient supports.
. Always have telephone preferably with caller ID.
. Install windows, doors with proper latching arrangements, grills for safety.
. Never give advice to your children unless sought.
. Give your opinion on any family problems but don’t insist to follow.
. Cultivate friendship with other elders.
. Ensure that either joint-holder or nominee is invariably specified in your investments.
. Laughter quickens the pulse rate, stimulates blood circulation, activates muscles, increases oxygen intake and help to relax.
. Always keep a smiling face.
