Does Time Drag or Fly in Old Age? The Choice Is Ours

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As age advances, a question often arises – does time drag on endlessly, or is there no time left at all? This dilemma is present in some form in nearly every senior citizen’s life. Interestingly, the answer depends entirely on one’s mindset and lifestyle.

Some seniors organize their daily routines so well that they remain occupied throughout the day. Their schedule leaves no room for idleness. From the moment they wake up until they go to bed, they stay active. The focus of these activities is not just themselves, but also the desire to contribute to family, friends, and society. This positive outlook keeps them busy and cheerful at every moment.

I have a friend who will soon turn 78. What is remarkable about him is that his calendar is already filled with engagements for the next three months, most of which are dedicated to social service. By the grace of God, he is financially secure and has now resolved to devote the rest of his life, as much as possible, to serving society. This busyness, this spirit of service, is the secret of his good health and mental vitality.

Such examples not only inspire but also prove that even in old age, life can be made meaningful and energetic. If we nurture the belief within ourselves that age is just a number, and that every day we must find ways to be useful, then we experience a shortage of time, not a sense of emptiness.

But there is another side to the picture. In society we also find seniors who are often heard saying, “Time just doesn’t pass.” Their days seem long and tiresome. Usually, such people confine their world to a very narrow circle. Their thoughts revolve constantly around their own difficulties, their own past, and their own needs. Gradually, their perspective becomes limited. Whenever such individuals experience even a slight discomfort or illness, their entire attention becomes centered on it. As a result, they start to feel the illness even more intensely.

Many doctors also say that the more one focuses on an ailment, the more troubling it becomes. In contrast, if persons keep themselves engaged in some positive activity, minor ailments often fade into the background.

This raises an important question – why is there such a stark difference between the two types of seniors? The answer is simple: outlook and mindset.

Those who have a goal view their age as an opportunity. They believe that every stage of life brings something new with it. If the post-retirement years are seen as a time of “emptiness,” it feels burdensome. But if that same time is spent in social service, hobbies, interaction with friends, and guiding the family, it becomes golden.

Seniors also often have the unique opportunity to act as mentors for the younger generation. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the youth sometimes lack patience and experience. In such times, seniors can share their wisdom to help them find balance and perspective. This role makes their presence even more valuable.

On the other hand, if a senior isolates themselves, distances from society, or becomes absorbed only in their ailments, life becomes difficult not only for them but also for their family and friends.

That is why it is essential that as we grow older, we also broaden our outlook. We must ask ourselves: “Did I bring a smile to someone’s face today? Did I use my experience to guide someone?” Such questions help keep us active and enthusiastic throughout the day.

Staying engaged is not merely a physical act; it is also the foundation of mental and emotional well-being. When a person is busy, self-confidence grows, negativity does not take root, and a sense of satisfaction toward life emerges.

This golden phase of life should not be seen as a burden, but as a blessing. Whatever opportunities come our way, we must make the best use of them. Remember – time never stands still, it keeps flowing. The only difference lies in how we choose to see it – as emptiness or as opportunity.

Good Footpaths Can Give Better Health to Seniors

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 Footpaths are not just stretches of stone or concrete. They are, in fact, pathways to health, independence, and dignity. For senior citizens especially, they can make the difference between an active lifestyle and one confined indoors. If our cities had good, safe, and well-illuminated footpaths, with occasional benches to rest, the health of citizens—particularly the elderly—would improve remarkably. The quality of life in their golden years would be more secure, graceful, and fulfilling. In short, we need to completely redesign the way we look at ageing and the spaces in which our seniors live.

I recently came across a report on Singapore that illustrates this point beautifully. Authorities there introduced several measures to encourage elders to walk. The results were outstanding. Today, an average Singaporean walks more than 10,000 steps a day. This is not accidental—it is the outcome of thoughtful urban planning that gives importance to pedestrian comfort and safety. Contrast this with India, where sadly, even youngsters walk very little. The difference lies not in motivation but in the environment that is created. If you provide safe, shaded, and pleasant spaces, people will naturally walk.

Doctors often tell us that “walking is the best exercise.” But many seniors tend to believe that when they walk slowly, or when their legs feel weak, it is due to paralysis or some serious illness. The reality is different. In most cases, it is muscle degeneration caused by inactivity. Medicines may help, but they are not the complete solution. The true remedy is movement—consistent, gentle, daily walking. For this, well-maintained footpaths are critical. They act as free, open-air gyms for all, and especially for elders who may not be able to afford or access fitness clubs.

Whenever we see movies shot abroad, we notice the wide, clean, and inviting footpaths. People stroll comfortably, children run freely, and the elderly walk with dignity. Such scenes evoke a silent longing—why can’t our cities be like that? Walking in such environments is not a chore but a pleasure. In fact, one often ends up walking more than planned, simply because the surroundings encourage it.

There are examples in India that point the way. In Puducherry, for instance, one of the main beach roads is closed to vehicles during morning and evening hours. During these times, hundreds of people take to walking—young, old, tourists, locals. The joy of walking without the fear of traffic is visible on their faces. Some cities have developed riverfronts or lakefronts for similar purposes. These are welcome initiatives, but the truth remains that the majority of Indian cities lack such pedestrian-friendly spaces. Parks exist in some localities, but not all. For most people, the humble footpath is the only accessible and practical walking area.

Morning and evening walks are frequently recommended for elders by doctors, and we receive countless WhatsApp forwards praising their benefits. Yet, how realistic is this advice without safe spaces to walk? An uneven, encroached, or unlit footpath can turn a healthy habit into a dangerous risk. On the other hand, a well-designed footpath allows an elder to step out confidently—not just for exercise, but even for small errands. Walking to the local market for vegetables or to meet a neighbor eliminates the need for auto-rickshaws or personal vehicles. Such simple acts add movement to daily life, helping keep muscles strong and spirits high.

Of course, the responsibility does not rest with the government alone. Civic sense among citizens is equally important. How many of us take the trouble to complain when a footpath is broken, when a streetlight is not working, or when a footpath is encroached by shopkeepers? How often do we collectively raise such issues with municipal authorities? A lone complaint may not achieve much, but when a Resident Welfare Association or a housing society submits a joint representation, action usually follows. Community effort has power, but it needs awareness and initiative.

Equally, citizens must use footpaths responsibly. Shopkeepers must not encroach upon them. Pedestrians must not throw trash or spill construction debris on them. Even when dustbins are provided, many of us ignore them. The irony is that we expect international standards but neglect the basics of civic discipline. If we want world-class infrastructure, our behavior must match it too.

This is where leadership matters. Just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call for Swachhata Abhiyan transformed the way Indians looked at cleanliness, a similar nationwide movement can be launched for walkable, safe, and illuminated footpaths. A prime ministerial appeal carries weight—it can influence municipal bodies, local governments, and also awaken public consciousness. A national campaign around footpaths could easily become a campaign for health, dignity, and longevity, especially for our elders.

Good footpaths are not a luxury; they are a necessity. They are the simplest and most democratic form of health infrastructure available to all. They require investment, yes, but far less than the medical costs of treating diseases caused by inactivity. A senior who can walk daily is less likely to develop lifestyle diseases, less dependent on family members, and more mentally and socially engaged. The benefits ripple outwards—to families, to communities, and to the nation.

India is ageing. By 2050, more than 300 million Indians will be over 60. If we do not redesign our cities with seniors in mind today, we will face an unhealthy, isolated, and immobile elderly population tomorrow. But if we act now—creating cities where footpaths are broad, clean, shaded, and safe—we will gift our elders years of health, dignity, and joy.

Good footpaths, then, are not just about urban design. They are about creating a society that values its seniors, respects their needs, and allows them to live their golden years with pride. Let us begin with something as simple as a walk.

मित्रता, वरिष्ठजन की सबसे बड़ी पूंजी

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पिछले दो वर्षों में मैंने मित्रता और वृद्धावस्था में उसकी अनिवार्यता पर दो लेख लिखे हैं। आज एक बार फिर उसी विषय पर लिखने की प्रेरणा मिली। इस बार कारण बनी एक खबर, जिसे मैंने एक व्हाट्सऐप ग्रुप में पढ़ा। एक प्रतिष्ठित अमेरिकी बिज़नेस पत्रिका ने बताया कि 1990 की तुलना में आज चार गुना अधिक अमेरिकी वयस्क ऐसे हैं, जो कहते हैं कि उनके कोई घनिष्ठ मित्र नहीं हैं। वहीं, जिन लोगों के दस से अधिक मित्र थे, उनकी संख्या भी तेज़ी से घट रही है।

ये आंकड़े भले अमेरिका के हों, लेकिन सच्चाई भारत में भी अलग नहीं है। अगर हम अपने आसपास नजर डालें तो यही तस्वीर धीरे-धीरे हमारे समाज में भी दिखने लगेगी। कभी जीवनभर साथ निभाने वाली दोस्ती, जो विश्वास, अनुभव और सहयोग पर टिकी होती थी, अब अक्सर केवल सुविधा और लाभ का साधन बनती जा रही है।

आधुनिक समय की दोस्ती

आज की युवा पीढ़ी में कई रिस्ते अक्सर किसी न किसी लेन-देन पर आधारित दिखते हैं। कोई पार्टी में साथ देने वाला है, कोई व्यापार में सहायक, तो कोई नौकरी से जुड़े फायदे का कारण। ये रिश्ते थोड़े समय तक साथ देते हैं, लेकिन जीवन की लंबी यात्रा में टिके रहना कठिन होता है।

सोशल मीडिया ने नए दोस्त बनाने को आसान ज़रूर कर दिया है, परंतु यह आसान तरीका गहराई से रहित भी है। हर दिन नए “फ्रेंड” बन सकते हैं, लेकिन ज़रूरी यह है कि कितने लोग कठिन समय में कंधा देने को तैयार होंगे? सूची में दर्ज सैकड़ों नामों से कहीं अधिक मायने उस एक पुराने मित्र के हैं, जो बरसों से हमारे सुख-दुःख में साथ रहा हो।

यह सवाल हम सभी से है: आज भी कितने लोग अपने बचपन या कॉलेज के दोस्तों से जुड़े हुए हैं? क्या हम समय-समय पर उनका हालचाल लेते हैं, या धीरे-धीरे इन पुराने रिश्तों को भूल चुके हैं?

पुरानी दोस्ती की खूबसूरती

वरिष्ठ पीढ़ी की दोस्ती आज भी अलग ही नज़र आती है। कितने ही लोग ऐसे मिल जाते हैं जिनकी मित्रता बचपन से लेकर सात-आठ दशक तक निभी आ रही है। यह रिश्ता समय के साथ परिपक्व होता है और जीवन के हर उतार-चढ़ाव में स्थिर रहता है।

कभी मतभेद हुए होंगे, कोई दूर भी चला गया होगा, लेकिन धैर्य, क्षमा और जुड़ाव की इच्छा ने इस बंधन को जीवित रखा। ऐसे रिश्ते केवल तब टूटते हैं जब कोई मित्र इस दुनिया को छोड़कर चला जाए।

बुजुर्गों के लिए यही मित्र जीवन का सहारा बनते हैं। परिवार छोटा हो रहा है, बच्चे दूर रहते हैं, तब यही पुराने साथी हंसी के पल बांटते हैं, दुख के समय दिलासा देते हैं और जीवन की लंबी कहानियों को फिर से जीवंत करते हैं।

सिमटता परिवार, बढ़ती जरूरत

आज परिवार का ढांचा बदल रहा है। संयुक्त परिवार अब दुर्लभ हैं। ऐसे में बुढ़ापे के वर्ष अक्सर एकाकीपन से भर जाते हैं।

यहीं मित्रता की भूमिका और महत्वपूर्ण हो जाती है। मित्र परिवार का विकल्प नहीं, लेकिन सहारा ज़रूर बनते हैं। वे बिना किसी अपेक्षा के साथ खड़े रहते हैं, बिना किसी दबाव के सुनते हैं और बिना किसी शर्त के हँसाते हैं।

युवाओं के लिए संदेश

यह समझना बेहद ज़रूरी है कि सच्ची मित्रता एक दिन में नहीं बनती, न ही अचानक गहरी हो जाती है। इसे सींचना पड़ता है—धैर्य से, सहानुभूति से, क्षमा और अपनत्व से।

जब कोई वृद्धावस्था में पहुंचता है, तब नई गहरी मित्रता बनाना लगभग असंभव हो जाता है। हर व्यक्ति अपनी आदतों और जीवन-शैली में ढल चुका होता है, नए रिश्तों में सामंजस्य बैठाना कठिन हो जाता है।

इसलिए युवाओं से मेरा आग्रह है: अच्छे मित्र आज ही बनाइए। उन्हें समय दीजिए। व्यस्तताओं के बावजूद संपर्क बनाए रखिए। केवल उत्सव ही नहीं, कठिनाई में भी साथ खड़े रहिए। नए मित्र बनाइए, परंतु पुराने मित्रों को संजोकर रखिए। यही दोस्त आपके सुनहरे वर्षों की असली पूंजी होंगे।

शायद इसी सत्य को ध्याम में रखकर कहा गया हैं कि “हमें बूढ़े होने में सहायता के लिए पुराने मित्रों की आवश्यकता होती है और जवान बने रहने में सहायता के लिए नए मित्रों की।“