Book Review: The Joy
of Ageing
Review by Dr P
Vyasamoorthy
This important addition to the field of Psycho-social
Gerontology was released in December 2008. Let us take a quick pre-view on its
contents:
The first chapter sets the scenario, by ending the chapter
with the central teaching of the entire book: Practicing positive thinking and
making it an all time habit is the key to keep mental and physical health.
Chapter two gives statistics about older persons in
deals with changes in the body functions as we age. All systems
Cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular-skeletal, digestive, excretory,
reproductive, sense organs (like skin, eyes, ears, taste, smell) are covered. Chapter 4 deals with factors
leading to good health like hygiene, surroundings, ventilation among others.
Many hints are provided for diet in old age in the next chapter. Keeping fit
talks of Yoga Exercises and what not? Chapter 7 describes living arrangements
for the elderly, such as, living with the family, living in old age homes,
availing oneself of paid care services or day care services. Criteria for
choosing various types of stay are explained.
Another important aspect, Money, is discussed in chapter 8. Here,
savings, pension, income generation activities, cost of maintaining health are
all taken up.
Managing Leisure, managing disabilities of old age and
developing an interest in spirituality are explained in subsequent chapters. A
self assessment Scale for assessing physical disability in Chapter 11 is very
useful. It is simple and easy to use. Excellent tips are offered for
maintaining interpersonal relations: this chapter especially addresses
weaknesses of older persons and shows how to tackle ageism issues. The most
important chapter, chap 13, building a happy mindset, explains Trigunas of
thought and how to make Satvik type of thinking a permanent way of life. Care
and welfare of older persons comes next. Rights and responsibilities of senior
citizens, National policy directives are listed. The last chapter Epilogue
re-emphasizes how developing a permanent positive mindset is absolutely
essential to enjoy old age.
As a sort of lagniappe author adds a series of five Top ten
listings:
- Top
ten Commandments for Happy Ageing - Ten
Tips for better health in old age - Desirable
food habits in Old age - Tips
to prevent falls in Old age - How
the Elderly can be asset to the family
I like this book because
- The
chapters are short and the treatment is simple and lucid - You
may pick up any chapter and start reading without losing connectivity - Cartoons
by Lova Raju , sprinkled throughout the book, provoke a smile something
the author wants you to do ever so often - It
offers sane sensible straight forward information / tips/ advice on
several aspects of ageing and shows the way to age happily - It
renders itself easy for light reading on a serious subject - It
comes from the pen of Prof PV Ramamurti,
an erudite scholar on Indian Gerontology
Get the book, read for yourself and you will not be
disappointed.