Celebrating Senior Citizen’s Day in a novel way

Minna Zutshi
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 22

Celebrating the Senior Citizen’s Day on August 21 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic was a novel experience for those in the twilight of their life. Following precautionary measures in the wake of the pandemic, senior citizens kept their mobility restricted and took to digital medium to connect with their friends and acquaintances.

“Though it is not easy to brave the stress and apprehension associated with the pandemic, I try to maintain my inner calm by reaching out (through digital medium) to my acquaintances. In such a situation, it is important for all of us to keep our spirits high and not let the fear psychosis overwhelm us,” says septuagenarian Yashpal Bangia.

An incorrigible optimist, Bangia, who is also the president of the Senior Citizen Care Foundation, has devised his own ‘happiness and emotional resilience checklist’. “Eschew negativity. Stay optimistic even if it looks a little tough to negotiate through the daily life in the times of the pandemic. Reach out to others,” he says.

For retired food technologist, Dr Faqir Chand Shukla, the regularity of his daily activities gives him a sense of stability and is also reassuring in the uncertain times when there is a bombardment of scary statistics related to the pandemic. “Do your work. ‘Karam karo’. If worth it, recognition will follow,” he says.

His mornings start early. Breathing exercises, tea that is self-prepared, some newspaper scanning and reading books – the routine is fixed. This fixedness has a calming influence.

The World Senior Citizen’s Day saw him stick to his routine and also reflect on the significance of the day. Eighty-year-old Rajjo’s ‘happiness mantra’ is clear – she loves cooking and sharing with others the food she cooks. But, due to the pandemic, she is now restricting herself to sharing only her recipes!