The best attitude is to keep the face turned towards the future, to always want to learn something, know something, do something new or do the same thing better, to realise what one has not yet realised. Basically the urge to progress and never to regret. A story is illustrative. Jugal da had read Sri Aurobindo nearly 22 times and could remember much of it. At 82, two years before his death, he resigned as Registrar of SAICE. When I asked him what does he plan to do, he said that he wants to read the Works all over again just for his joy.
Another story I witnessed was when a group of young Buddhist monks asked Amal Kiran who was then 104 for a message. He remained quiet and then said, ‘Forward, always forward, look towards the future.’ The Mother herself set the best example initiating project Auroville at 90. But most keep looking at the past and, unable to keep pace with the present end up decrying it. Mother gave a message, ‘Remain young, never stop striving towards perfection.’
One of the biggest problem in old age is excessive attachment to family members, rigidity towards fixed old ways of life. This attachment and rigidity is a defence mechanism against the fast pace of downhill change as well as the narrowing down of the limits of senses and mental agility and memory. One should keep engaging in activities that keep the mind active such as suduko and crossword, learn new things from children and the younger generation, listening to uplifting music, enjoying moments of quietude and solitude in places where one spiritually connects.
Secondly, try to remain as much independent as possible with regard to physical activities and emotional needs. Rest is a question of sincerity of aspiration and will to serve Her. The old age is like a mirror that often reflects the way we have lived life when young. To live a meaningful life with an aim dedicated to something high and great is the best way to make old age beautiful and happy. It is the time when the world gives back to us what we have given it when young.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
