Old age is that period of life when you can finally do what you had wanted
to do for a long time but couldn't because of various commitments. Yet, old age
is a challenge; to many it's not welcome. And no matter how you look at it,
it's all too real.
Loneliness looms large in old age. Partners, friends, and relatives
literally die on you. Your social circle keeps getting smaller with years. And
the clammy fingers of death play a fearsome tune on your spine.
Failing health, along with a decreased level of activity or social life can
make old age frightening.
Loneliness can be of two types: physical and mental. Physical ageing cannot
be stopped. But it is possible to be mentally alert and mentally energetic to a
great extent. Loneliness can be relieved if the aged are part of a family. With
family members around, especially children, loneliness takes a backseat; stress
too is reduced as there is no time to concentrate on one's plight.
The fear of dying alone does not exist. With the patter of tiny feet around,
there is simply no time to feel alone. In fact grandparents are, at times, even
busier than the parents, when it comes to taking care of little children. And
with the love they receive from their grandchildren, the elderly feel wanted
and needed in return.
A study conducted by a group of charities warns that lonely
older people are at increased risk of depression, lack of exercise and bad
diet. It says that almost one in 10 elderly people
suffers from "intense" loneliness.
The campaign group wants loneliness to be recognized as a
public health issue - and has published a survey claiming that fewer than one
in five people is aware of the link between poor health and loneliness.
- A tenth of elderly people see their friends or families less than once a month, says the charity.
- A lack of social interaction can make old people more vulnerable to depression and to problems such as excessive drinking, poor diet and a reduction in exercise.
- The campaigners say that "loneliness adversely affects the immune and cardio-vascular systems" and a lack of social interaction is linked to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
- More than half of people over the age of 75 are living alone - and about one in 10 says he or she suffers from "intense" loneliness.
The onus lies on the youngsters to make their elderly feel
very much at home and wanted all the time. After all, what every young one
needs to keep in mind is the fact that he or she will have to go through the
aging process too. Senior citizens who have been deserted by their family
should fight for their rights, ensure their financial security, and then lead a
life of dignity with their heads held high. They can always look out for foster
families or even pets who can make excellent companions, providing
unconditional love forever.
Source: BBC & Healthyzen