White as snow
Awhimsical thought came to me as the filtered light played laser tag with the constantly shifting size of my pupils. What does a perfect day mean in terms of science? Science has always surrounded my life like an ocean does an island. Scientific laws are propositions that explain or forecast a variety of natural events and are based on repeated experiments or observations. Perfectionism is a subjective concept hence it can never be evaluated scientifically. My mind is a very fascinating place.
As sunshine reigned, encircled by the blue sky, nature’s engine propelled a cool breeze embracing the skin. The sidewalk was shaded by Sequoia sempervirens trees as the other side was bordered by perfectly manicured lawn. The new day had bestowed a sense of peace and calm all around. Beautiful birdsong filled the air with harmonies reminiscent of the best Freddy Mercury and Queen had to offer. The traffic on El Camino Real glided effortlessly past. A matte black sports car embellished with subtle accents of turquoise and orange flowed past.
A quick glance at the badge revealed this to be the best British sports car ever produced: The Mclaren P1. The owner having written out a cheque of $ 1,150,000 for the privilege of cruising the boulevard in style. This was Palo Alto, California, the epitome of affluent America. In the understated elegance of its residents, perfect smiles and speech with impeccable rhythm and intonation were the order of the day. By all rights, science notwithstanding, a perfect day. Though in the midst of this earthly paradise, a lone figure strode on the sidewalk. Contrasting with the verdant surroundings, his hair was as white as snow.
As I paused my own journey, I watched this nameless gentleman’s ponderous progress. A glance around revealed no likely destination within the vicinity. As the lone man went on his enigmatic quest, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. Why was he travelling alone and why didn’t he have a friend or child with him? What if he lost his balance or became ill? Was this old man having a wonderful day? My mind was inundated with never-ending enquiries. I pondered whether he had ever danced under the starlit sky, braved the sea, or felt the strength and magic of real love as I watched his weakening legs drag him slowly onward. Those enchanted ideas might be a distant memory. Aging is an inevitable consequence of life.
Today, in the United States, over 35 million people are 65 years of age or older, accounting for about 13% of the population. In other countries between 16-18% of the population are 65 years and older.
The increase in life expectancy to well beyond 80 years of age is the result of better public health measures, improvements in living conditions and advances in medical care. What mental alterations occur as we age? An estimated 20% of those 55 and older report having a mental health issue of some kind. Anxiety, depression, severe cognitive impairment (dementia) and mood problems are amongst the most prevalent ailments. Instances of suicide frequently involve mental health concerns as a contributing factor. Of all age groups, older males had the highest prevalence of suicide. In comparison to an overall rate of 11.01 per 100,000 people of all ages, men aged 85 years or older have a suicide rate of 45.23 per 100,000. There is evidence that some natural body changes associated with aging may increase a person’s risk of experiencing depression. Decreased folate levels in the blood and nervous system may have a role in the development of depression, dementia and other mental health issues, according to recent studies. Additionally, researchers state there may be a connection between Alzheimer’s disease and the emergence of late-life depression.
Whatever the underlying cause, depression can have grave medical consequences for elderly persons. Elderly men and women who report feeling lonely and depressed have a greater mortality risk than those who say they are happy with their life. Programmes for treating depressed senior individuals who have heart disease and other serious illnesses typically take longer than usual and are less effective. How can elder health and wellbeing be preserved? According to Harvard Health Publishing, playing brain games can help you improve your short-term memory, planning abilities, reaction time, and processing speed. Seniors’ mental health and overall wellbeing are just as dependent on staying active and receiving enough exercise as those of any age. Walking, yoga and ballroom dancing are all excellent forms of exercise. Connecting with friends can help stave off loneliness and isolation that can lead to mental and physical decline.
Social media can help in this regard. Though I think most important is the presence and love of family. It is in the tender care and protective embrace of our parents that we have been raised as helpless children to be the confident and capable adults we are today. It is time to do the needful. Under our watchful gaze, it is necessary to ensure they are happy and fulfilled in their twilight years. And it is in their happiness and prayers that paradise is gained.