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- There is no consensus as to when
one becomes old.
- Chronologically old age begins with retirement from active work
life i.e.age 58-65 in western countries. Functional old age begins when one is incapable
of independence in the activities of daily living, commonly at 80-95 years of age.
In the history of Buddhism we are told
that the Old Person expressed his anguish to Prince Siddhartha, later to be known as Lord
Buddha, for needing to depend on others for the basic activities of daily living. This
still defines ‘Old age’. In Hinduism, as mentioned in Gita, old age is
highlighted by reduced eye sight, deafness and an inability to speak clearly.
The Features of Old age
(observed from my present study)
| Infirmity |
|
Cannot dress or even stand without support. |
| Indecision
|
|
Unable to perform basic activities of
dailylivings without supervision or help. |
| Insecurity
|
|
Frightened when left alone especially at
night. |
| Isolation |
|
Visits of those who are not caring are
considered to be an interference. |
| |
|
|
| Terminology |
In a poll of approximately 300 patients aged 60 - 90 years who had recovered
satisfactorily, regaining their dignity and quality of life, a large majority disliked
being called ‘GERIATRIC’, but were happy to be called ‘
ELDERLY’. The word ‘geriatric’ tends to imply ‘useless old man’. |
ONE IS NOT OLD AS LONG AS ONE CAN PERFORM THE ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING.
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