Read an excerpt from the diary of a man of 72 years :
As I sit here alone and waiting
I gaze at people passing me by.
I try to smile and reach out to them But no one notices; no one waits.
They look to me like I am nothing-
Are they afraid to be seen saying “Hi” to an old man like me?
Once my life, it’s like a flower,
I had bloomed into a child.
Now, like the dying flower
Waiting for my one day to come-
It will be then that I am gone,
And yet, I still would not have heard that simple word, “Hi”
That for so long my heart had desired.
(a) What do you think is he feeling?
(b) What situation do you think leads to people feeling so?
(c) Can such people be helped? How?
(a) He is feeling lonely and sad.
(b) Uncaring attitude of family and friends lead to this gloomy feeling.
(c) Yes, we can certainly help a lonely and elderly feel wanted again. Curative, Presentative and rehabilitative measures should be the major concern while implementing any programme for the elderly. Clubs for the elderly should be set up where they can engage themselves in various activities that would be helpful in keeping them energetic and boost their stamina.