Old Age ... bane or a boon

Just recently there was an observation made by the Delhi High Court declaring that vaccinating the young was more imperative and urgent than the older generation of 60 plus and above. The blatant and obtrusive caption read 'Nation needs to save younger generation by vaccinating them '..The reason stated was that the younger lot were the future of our country and need to be safeguarded first rather than giving priority to 60 plus who have already lived their lives !! Saving the younger lot was more reasonable in this time of crisis if a choice had to be made , because an 80 year old will not take the country forward anymore ! Instead of honouring the senior citizens and giving them due credit and importance ..... for it is to the credit of every senior citizen for contributing in the development of the nation in whatever way they have ..... they are now being rendered unnecessary .The court is endorsing the unfortunate, ever-increasing unthoughtful , negligent behaviour of the younger generation towards the elderly proclaiming in other words that they are worthless. What did the court mean to signify ...that the ageing population should opt for Euthanasia ?? Or are they thinking of declaring it legal ! This unthinking statement has given the young generation food for their underlying thoughts . And this is in a country where we boast about Sanskaars !! It is understandable that the younger generation have their own dreams/ aspirations to fulfil , their own responsibilities to cater to which is strengthening what was insinuated by the court ...But it is definitely worrying to see the deteriorating sense of duty and the apathy towards the so - called aged ! Is old age a bane then ? With due regards to the Hon.Court , I can't help but finding this callous , insensitive and seemingly unreasonable statement as a harsh jibe at the unwanted status of the ageing section of society . Is it untrue that majority of our own politicians from the top brass to the ordinary who weild political clout with lesser portfolios esp in our own country are generally above 60 plus? . It is the septugenarians who are at the helm of affairs in leading the nation! Be it due to their experience or political prowess ! However , that is another issue . True the nation's future is in the hands of the youth and by all means they need to be protected . Nevertheless the ageing population cannot be sidelined . The naked truth is that the aged or ageing have this lurking fear and dread of physical dependence if God forbid they are struck with a terminal disease or illness which leaves them solely dependant on their offsprings and others causing grave problems for them and their attendants . That is why vaccinating initially began with this most vulnerable section . This brings into focus the helplessness of the dependants whether it is physical , financial and undoubtedly the emotional . When energy levels , responsiveness, physical capabilities, productivity starts waning it definitely affects the individual .To add to this if they are made aware that they now no longer need any fineries / luxuries and should forgo all latent or still existing desires, say of travelling for instance or other pursuits of pleasure it worsens their mental and emotional state .At least this is expected in our own country . ..where being only religiously and spiritually inclined with no other aspirations or the need for achievements or wishes is the accepted notion for senior citizens . The scenario is different in other developed nations where the oldies live life to the fullest , where they are encouraged by society, their offsprings , their friends to enjoy life till they can. An incident comes to my mind which just goes to show the compassion of wards for their parents .During our US trip we were in a cruise when we happened to see an elderly couple accompanied obviously by their adult children in the cruise ...the elderly gentleman was wearing dark glasses and had a walking stick with him and what was noticeable was that their son/ daughter and his wife / daughter-in-law wjatever their relation, were animatedly talking to him pointing out at the lovely scenic views along the way . .Once the ship anchored and we had to go offboard to an island we noticed that the elderly gentleman was being assisted by his wards as he was evidently fully BLIND!! We could not help exclaiming , marvelling and blessing the caring offsprings together with their spouses .... To take a blind man for a cruise and patiently share with him the visual experience was indeed no mean feat! Also in the same trip every evening of our four - day cruise we saw an old couple who could be in their late seventies , suitably and stylishly attired invariably dance through the evening....their spirit , their dignity and grace was worth a watch . Several things in this country are tabu as one attains a certain age ...and there is a curb , a restrain on elders to have a good time ! This has such a psychological impact that as they age they reluctantly mould their mindset and reconcile to live as per societal norms . Old age is a boon ,when one is free of pressing commitments and has almost fulfilled one's responsibilities. It is the time to relax and enjoy if health and well-being permits . And coupled with that if it comes with the pampering and caring of one's doting children and grandchildren that makes them feel needed and loved, .... it then is truly a blessing! Every single individual has the right to live well, enjoy life and indulge in whatever one desires in life whatever the world may think!! To live in the Present and enjoy it ..is the most spirited way of living life king-size!! It is important to realise that there is just a hairline difference between youth and old age as nothing is static and advancing years is inevitable....so the other side of the fence is not far off!! Let's hope it's really the greener side !!