Life experienced in old age home

 

As I spent time with people in old age home my heart ached with a deep sadness. Their eyes, that once bright with purpose, now dimly sparkled with memories of a bygone era. They were once respected and admired in their fields. Some of them are retirees from ISRO/DRDO and A class government officers. But now, they’re left alone & abandoned. 

Their children, settled in developed countries (US, Australia & some of them are settled in smart cities). Every one is too busy chasing their own dreams, unable to take care of their parents who gave them life. The pain of this realization is crushing. Parents toil, they strive, they sacrifice and yet, they are left to face their golden years in isolation.

Life is a cruel irony. We chase power, wealth, and status, only to realize that these fleeting pleasures can’t fill the void within. We neglect our health, our relationships, and our mental well-being, only to discover that these are the very things that truly matter.

As I watched an old man’s eyes light up to the tune of “Mai Nikla Gaddi Leke,” my heart cried with emotion. He must have loved and lost, lived and laughed, and now, all he’s left with are memories. Memories that haunt him, comfort him and remind him of the fragility of life.

My eyes filled with tears as I thought about my own parents, my own loved ones. Will I be there for them when they need me most? Or will I be too caught up in my own pursuits, my own ambitions? Or will people be there when I need them? The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

I looked around the room, at the faces of old age uncles/aunts. I had to promise that I would cherish every moment with my loved ones, that I would be there for them, no matter what. I had to promise that I would not let the pursuit of power, wealth, and status consume me, that I would not forget what truly matters in life. 

We must prioritize our health, especially our mental well-being, because when we lose it, we’re often left to face the darkness alone. The harsh reality is that society has little patience for those who are struggling mentally. We’re often forgotten, overlooked, and left to pick up the pieces of our shattered lives.