Old age blues? It needs a new look. Gone are the days of the good old past: joint families, closer family bonds, love and respect for the old, and most importantly the need for proper care in the golden years of one’s life, when bodily strength is lost and disability for self-care becomes the norm.

The old rules of the game are dead now. And we should not lament for the loss. It is time to gear up for the new future engulfing us all in its fold. The exceptions may be few and far between in small sporadic pockets spread all over the country. Those who are still bound by tradition they are lucky and we wish them well. But the definitive direction of change is already in the air: the empty nest syndrome; the old couple or the lonely surviving single fending for survival during last days of life – with no financial support and care giving medical facility except a few lucky lots.

We can blame compulsive rogue factors: spread of education and pursuit of career separating children from the family; improved and swift mode of transportation system making mobility easy and affordable; erosion of old social values, breakdown of age old practice of joint family fostering mutual love and respect between elderly and young and among all the members of the society; growth of individualism and selfishness, cult of instant gratification, sexual revolution, intolerance for accommodation of other’s point of view. Directly and indirectly globalization fuels the trend inexorably. The explosion of media proliferation aided by advancing technology plays the villain. The trend cannot be reversed – even the presently unaffected category will not be spared; we have to only look forward and adjust to the new reality. That is simple and straight.

And now be ready to face the future. Two main worrying factors are financial support for sustenance and medical care. Retired government employees will bank on the pension with zero financial worry. Be aware for the rules of pension scheme changing from time to time. Others must make due provision for food and medicine for the old age. Preparation should begin during the youth. Committing mistake on this count will be suicidal.

Only finance is not enough to look after you. Some help is necessary. Again, money can buy this in various ways; by hiring helping hands. This also has many pitfalls. Recent incidents of murder among the elderly couple or lonely individual poses danger signals.One way is to go to some old age homes and health insurance schemes.

Still, you cannot ward off all the factors of danger. You have to be mentally ready to face any eventuality at any time of your life. Learn to live dangerously. And equip yourself with some new tricks. Remain active both physically and mentally, socially connected with friends or other social organizations. My personal view is to be ready for any eventuality. Take remedial measure if possible or else accept it as it happens. At no point of time one should lament. That will be self-degrading.

Under the revised rules remember to make hay while the sun shines. Don’t depend on the children for financial support. Make it certain that you have enough funds to look after you in old age. By indulging in time honoured lazy and sedentary habits will be invalidating in the long run costing money and bringing illness. Take corrective steps right now and lead a trouble free life later. Proper exercise is a must. Good nutrition will ward off debility.