Tuesday, September 16, 2014

The truth, as disclosed by a group of old folks

Ourselves, ourselves, only ourselves
(The truth, as disclosed by a group of old folks)
 
A GENERAL BIT OF ADVICE
 
  • Have your own abode. No matter what, do not lose it, until your death!
  • If you have an old companion, keep each other good company.
  • Watch your health while it is still good.
  • Maintain a positive outlook and you will be happy.
  • Now, our health is still good, our mind still clear.
  • But on whom can we depend in our old age?
 
We will have to analyse in various stages.
 
1st Stage:
  • Just after retirement, between 60 to 70 yrs old, our health will still be comparatively good. So too our financial means.
  • Eat moderately while we have the means. At times, wear what we fancy.
  • Those who like it, have some fun.
  • Do not be hard on yourself
  • Our days are numbered, so, grasp the opportunity.
  • Have some savings!
  • Keep the house!
  • Make arrangements for the days ahead or retreat.
  • If the kids are well off, it is their business ...
  • If the kids are filial, they have good traits ....
  • We need neither decline financial help from our kids nor decline their respect.
  • But we should remain independent and live our own life well.
 
2nd Stage:
  • If no mishap and illness strike after we are 70, we will still be able to take care of ourselves. Not a major problem.
  • However, we must realise we are really getting old gradually, our body and mind will give way.
  • Our reflexes will slow down with time.
  • We will have to eat slowly, to avoid choking.
  • We will have to walk slowly, to avoid falls.
  • We can no longer put on a front, we have to look after ourselves!
  • Do not meddle anymore with this and that, or control the kids!
  • Some even interfere with the third generation!!!
  • We have intervened our entire life, It is time for us to be a little selfish!
  • Take hold of ourselves. Life must come full circle.
  • Help with the cleaning chores.
  • Try to maintain our health for as long as possible.
  • Give ourselves more opportunities to take control of our own life.
  • We lead an easier life when we do not have to solicit help from others.
 
3rd Stage:
  • Our health begins to fail. We have to request help from others. We have to be mentally prepared for it.
  • The majority of us cannot escape this hurdle.
  • We have to prepare ourselves, emotionally, to accept that in life, living and aging, sickness and death are milestones we have to encounter.
  • This is the final stage in life.
  • Nothing to fear!
  • Be prepared for it in advance and we will not be too depressed.
  • Either check into a private nursing home or an old folks home.
  • Depending on affordability, of course.
  • There must be a way out.
  • The idea is not to add to the kids'; burden, emotionally, increase their chores and their financial commitments.
  • Try our best to overcome -
  • What hardship has our generation not endured?
  • What disasters have we not experienced?
  • Trust us to take life';s last lap in our stride.
 
4th Stage:
  • Our mind is still clear, but we are terminally ill, when our quality of life has deteriorated drastically.
  • We must be courageous enough to face death!
  • Insist that the family not try to prolong our life: Do not incur unnecessary expenditure.
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