New home truths

SUMANTHA RATHORE / TNN / Jul 20, 2007, 00:00 IST

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The notion of old-age homes has undergone a complete change, enabling a person to opt for a place that suits one's lifestyle. PT reports.

The notion of old-age homes has undergone a complete change, enabling a person to opt for a place that suits one's lifestyle. PT reports. Ajay Shukla, 68, a retired government official whose children are settled abroad, always believed that 'life begins at 60'. But he had to face one simple truth: it's not easy for an aged couple to lead a comfortable life while managing a sprawling house all by themselves, and running around to pay the electricity and telephone bills. So, he did what many in his age group are doing now. He moved into an old-age home.
For a long time, old-age homes evoked images of places sans facilities where one had to make all kinds of compromises. But, not any longer. In fact, today's old-age homes come with all the modern amenities that ensure a hassle-free life for the senior citizens.
Internet connectivity, ATMs within the compound or in close quarters, wellequipped library, emergency calling system, yoga centre, diet food, and round-the-clock security are some of the facilities offered by the lifestyle old-age homes. "It is not safe for senior citizens to live all alone in the city anymore. And, in most of the families, they aren't happy due to various reasons. That's how this idea of providing them with a place where they can live life freely and happily germinated," says Shashank Paranjape, managing director of one such innovative housing project in the city. It was created specially for the senior citizens to ensure them a worry-free , independent and luxurious life. They have four such housing complexes across the city for the elderly people.
Dr Madhusudhan Purandare, a 73-year-old retired eye surgeon, says, "We have big bungalows in the city. But, after my children went to the US, it was very tough and lonely. So, we decided to shift to a place that would have people of our age group with whom we can share our joys and sorrows."

Loneliness is not the only thing that has motivated his decision. "At the same time, we won't have to compromise on the lifestyle, which we have been following for years. Another major advantage of moving to an old-age society is that the medical facility is readily available here. And it is very important as nothing can be predicted at this juncture of our lives," explains Dr Purandare .
Mangla Joshi, 62, a retired school principal , says, "I don't want people to remind me of my age. I want to live my life the way I have always done without anybody telling me what to do and what not to do at this age. And this was the perfect place for me to lead a carefree and dignified life."
Everyone loves to lead a good life. And no one wants to give it up. That includes our seniors as well.
sumantha.rathore@timesgroup .com

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