Durga Puja and senior citizens of Kolkata

In the fast-paced world of today, most of the senior citizens belong to a neglected lot. Their families do not want to recognize their presence and they might even discover themselves in old age homes. It could have been forced upon them due to circumstances beyond their control. Or - they might have opted for such an existence in order to survive. During a major festival like the Durga Puja, old timers in this category deserve a better deal. It is not possible for them to negotiate crowded streets, serpentine queues at pandals and bumper-to-bumper traffic. Ultimately, many of them have no other alternative but to stay at home. This has led to the creation of groups who arrange to take them around and bring some cheer into their lives. Hand in hand with senior citizens for pandal-hopping. Many of these organizations arrange special packages for the elderly on special days. They offer visit to prestigious venues of the Pujas and these are not cheap.

Those who plan such outings have to keep in mind the safety and comfort of the senior citizens. Usually, they travel in air-conditioned buses with packed breakfast along with bottled water and beverages. The organizers keep ready nursing assistants, wheelchairs, medical kits etcetera and adhere to all COVID precautions. The itinerary avoids crowded and congested roads. There are also charity organizations that take around senior citizens and especially abled persons. Enthusiastic professionals from various occupations usually conduct activities of this nature. They arrange to distribute new clothes to the needy and try to bring some cheer in their dull lives.

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Old age home for senior citizens

India is a unique country. Here, the sons hold their parents in high esteem and have a responsibility towards them. As the child grows into an adult, he begins to worry about the wellbeing of his parents. It does not pose much problem if he lives with them because he can share his feelings straightaway. However, in the world of today, he might get a job in another city. In such a scenario, he has to worry about his aged parents. They might suddenly face issues related to health. That has created a new lifestyle – it is the old age home.

Old age brings with it innumerable problems. One of these is dementia or loss of memory. The person might not only forget the names of close friends and relatives but even the schedule of taking medicines. Moreover, he might meet with an accident like slipping in the bathroom or on the stairs or in the bedroom. If the senior citizen does not have anyone to give him company, he might miss getting prompt medical attention. The old age home provides a solution. It has its team of in-house staff to attend to emergencies. Members of these homes bond quite easily because they have one thing in common. They do not have their near and dear ones with them in case of emergencies.


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Is old-age home the solution for the elderly?

The concept of old age homes in India is a relatively new one and, while it is a fact that the old and elderly people are not welcome in any modern family, a certain section of society does not want to accept this situation.
They are the producers of TV serials and TV reality shows and they want to prove to the world at large that we Indians are firm believers in the joint family system.
They cannot be blamed because entertainment is all about living in a world of make-believe, a non-existent Utopia. It is nice to see grandparents interacting with the school and college going children, sitting around a huge table to have their breakfast, or lunch or dinner or assembling in the prayer room to perform regular rituals. The family participates in all festivals and there are tiffs between the ma-in-law and daughter-in-law which get resolved within no time till another tiff is generated.

Unfortunately, these do not really happen in the world around us – here everyone wants his or her own space and hates others to encroach in their personal lives. It is true for both sides and, hence, in real life, the dining tables are small – with only four chairs. Meals are taken as per convenience.
Obviously, in keeping with the revised social norms, old-age homes have come into the picture to take care of those unwanted members of the family. These homes are the ultimate refuge of the old ones who have served their useful purpose. These are places where they are enrolled by their sons or daughters or where they opt to go on their own.
These are safe locations where they remain – in exchange of monthly charges. They will be assured of the company of others, they will get prompt medical services apart from some sort of entertainment through TV and, occasional celebration of birthdays of the residents or musical evenings.
But, the loneliness associated with the absence of near and dear ones can never be replaced. Moreover, it may be difficult for some of them to adjust to a new way of life where there is bound to be conflict of interests with those who have a superiority complex – and, there is no shortage of such characters.
In the movie Lage Raho Munnabhai we did get a glimpse into a house called 'Second Innings House' for Senior Citizens. All old-age houses may not be like that.
Incidentally, for those interested, the brief details of old age homes, state wise, are available in official information published in ‘Old Age Homes’ by the Government of India. (to be continued …)

(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)
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