AT THE OLD AGE -AN ARTICLE FROM IESM

WHEN WE ARE OLD, WHOM DO WE DEPEND ON?

Ourselves, ourselves, only ourselves

(The truth, as disclosed by a group of old folks)

A GENERAL BIT OF ADVICE

• Have your own abode. No matter what, do not lose it, until your death!
• If you have an old companion, keep each other good company.
• Watch your health while it is still good.
• Maintain a positive outlook and you will be happy.
• Now, our health is still good, our mind still clear.
• But on whom can we depend in our old age?

We will have to analyse in various stages.

1st Stage:

• Just after retirement, between 60 to 70 yrs old, our health will still be comparatively good. So too our financial means.
• Eat moderately while we have the means. At times, wear what we fancy.
• Those who like it, have some fun.
• Do not be hard on yourself
• Our days are numbered, so, grasp the opportunity.
• Have some savings!
• Keep the house!
• Make arrangements for the days ahead or retreat.
• If the kids are well off, it is their business ...
• If the kids are filial, they have good traits ....
• We need neither decline financial help from our kids nor decline their respect.
• But we should remain independent and live our own life well.

2nd Stage:

• If no mishap and illness strike after we are 70, we will still be able to take care of ourselves. Not a major problem.
• However, we must realise we are really getting old gradually, our body and mind will give way.
• Our reflexes will slow down with time.
• We will have to eat slowly, to avoid choking.
• We will have to walk slowly, to avoid falls.
• We can no longer put on a front, we have to look after ourselves!
• Do not meddle anymore with this and that, or control the kids!
• Some even interfere with the third generation!!!
• We have intervened our entire life, It is time for us to be a little selfish!
• Take hold of ourselves. Life must come full circle.
• Help with the cleaning chores.
• Try to maintain our health for as long as possible.
• Give ourselves more opportunities to take control of our own life.
• We lead an easier life when we do not have to solicit help from others.

3rd Stage:

• Our health begins to fail. We have to request help from others. We have to be mentally prepared for it.
• The majority of us cannot escape this hurdle.
• We have to prepare ourselves, emotionally, to accept that in life, living and aging, sickness and death are milestones we have to encounter.
• This is the final stage in life.
• Nothing to fear!
• Be prepared for it in advance and we will not be too depressed.
• Either check into a private nursing home or an old folks home.
• Depending on affordability, of course.
• There must be a way out.
• The idea is not to add to the kids' burden, emotionally, increase their chores and their financial commitments.
• Try our best to overcome -
• What hardship has our generation not endured?
• What disasters have we not experienced?
• Trust us to take life's last lap in our stride.

4th Stage:

• Our mind is still clear, but we are terminally ill, when our quality of life has deteriorated drastically.
• We must be courageous enough to face death!
• Insist that the family not try to prolong our life: Do not incur unnecessary expenditure.

WHEN WE ARE OLD, WHOM DO WE DEPEND ON:-

Ourselves,

Ourselves,

Only OURSELVES .................