And at present frenetic research is going on in the west to extend life span at the expense of billions of dollars. They claim immortality is in sight: not only prolonging the life by a few years or decades – it’ll do away with death itself. System will be developed to put an end to the entire degenerative process.  Every moment all the dying cells, tissues, of the body will be automatically replaced by the new ones. It’ll be the ultimate miracle of regenerative biochemistry. Degeneration of the body will be nullified by continuous regenerative process. They predict new life can be infused in to the dead bodies again. With this expectation many rich people are preserving the corpses in cryonic suspension – in frozen nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius (-320 degree Fahrenheit). At that temperature molecular physical decay completely ends. The body will remain as freshly dead, waiting for the technology to develop in future to bring them back to life again. Current cost of preserving the body is around 12,000 dollars per annum. Cost of making man immortal is not known yet. Surely, it’ll not be within reach of vast majority of the population. However, the craze is in full swing currently.

It is presumed a good number of people will become immortal – or at least further extension of life is possible. Present world population is about 8 billion. We are already infested with innumerable problems. Even otherwise, average life span is about to cross 80 now and it is increasing with passing time. The vast geriatric mass is a burden on the younger generation. Besides, the big question is how happy are these aged citizens.

In the west it seems they have better facilities than us. Still, old age is not without problems. I read many elderly citizens dying in the bathroom due to fall. Living alone and having a fall without any assistance to get up and take other remedial steps meet tragic death. Imagine how pitiful the death could be. There is a classic case of Mrs. Page lying dead for over six months in England and none knew before the pension authority took initiative to find out  why she didn’t turn up for pension for a such long period.

Probably it was not that bad in India a few decades ago – golden-agers commanded respect and received love and care in the family. Now, it’s taking a bitter turn. HelpAge India finds disrespect is the most common form of abuse – others being verbal abuse, neglect, economic and emotional abuse. Recent development reveals son and daughter-in-law emerging as major abusers – HelpAge says. Another disturbing trend is the physical abuse. Look at the real case scenario: a cup fallen off the trembling hand of frail elderly mother and the dot-in-low beat her to bleed, in front of the son standing a mute witness. How traumatic it could be for parents, who raised the son with such love and affection turning tormentor overnight, at a time when they need his love and care the most. What is horrifying, the trend is on the rise.  Under such grim circumstances should longevity be a goal to cherish.

 Of course, there are very considerate, compassionate and caring children, even in this age. That doesn’t diminish the poignancy of the question. One should be able to live comfortably with dignity in old age. That possibility seems not very promising for majority today. Lord Rama and Lord Mahavira chose voluntary death. About two decades back veteran Gandhian Vinobha Bhave ended life by refusing food and medicine before death. Why can’t we after completing the life fully satisfied -- still able-bodied and bubbling?