MOTIVATION FOR QOL

This period is extended by your motivation and emphasis on the quality of life. This is the most opportune period for self-development. By now you are wiser through life's experience. You have  plenty of  free time as the responsibilities of work have been relinquished. There is time therefore,  to devote to refining your inner qualities.

PREVENTION OF MAJOR ILLNESS

Avoiding harmful habits and being aware of your health during working life can protect you as far as is possible, from major illnesses.

Participation in outdoor exercise, hobbies, relaxation, family life and spiritual interests are additional benefits. Avoiding frequent rich food and late nights, moderating habits with tobacco, alcohol and mood stimulating drugs and reducing anxiety by having realistic ambitions will help you live longer.

EROSION OF MIDDLE AGE

Middle age may be shortened abruptly by major illness, for example by cancer, disabling strokes or heart attack. Middle age can be eroded by falls and broken limbs, or by the death of a family member or the loss of a helper. Confidence is lost making one house bound, or bed room bound. Once bed -bound, the descending spiral of develop contracture of limbs, in-continence, pressure sores and confusion may develop.

PLAN  RETIREMENT

Planning for retirement is most essential but ignored by many of us. About 10 years before retirement is due, plan to maintain the fitness of your body and mind and make provisions to correct possible financial short falls and psychological fears.

Your home should have easy access to a super market, post office, pharmacy, bank and public libraries. Give importance to family members and friends living near by. Consider living on the ground floor level to avoid accidents while using the stairs. Promote hobbies or in the absence of hobbies, extend work experiences perhaps as a charity volunteer, gradually devoting more time to these in the 5 years prior to retirement.

MANKIND'S OBJECTIVE

According to Lord Buddha, our objective is onward evolution. This is achieved through developing humanity- friendly qualities like honesty, humility, helpfulness and harmony with fellow beings, and hard work. Socrates, the celebrated Greek philosopher of 400 B.C.said, ‘life begins at 40’. The Bible mentions old age as three score years and 10 (70yrs). At present, due to increasing longevity, the meaningful middle age begins twenty years later at the age of 60yrs and one is old at four score years and 10(90yrs). Globally the number of people independent with the activities of daily living at the age of 90yrs is steadily increasing.

DEPRIVED OF MIDDLE AGE.

In developing countries over one third of people are deprived of rest and relaxation during middle age.They are the labourers, farm workers, rickshaw-pullers, small shopkeepers and shop assistants who have to work long hours to provide for the present and are unable to make financial provision for the future. They are insignificant to the materialistic middle and upper clsses and to governments, but need help in the form of subsidised food, shelter, and medical help. Day care centres at easily accessible sites can provide facilities for social interaction and offer free counselling for the elderly and their problems.