Sir,

Your editorial ‘Exit for the Elderly’ (SOM dated June 20) was excellent, highly contemporary, sensitive, poignant and thought-provoking, as it were, to the present day unfortunate elders who are feeling the pains and pangs of utter negligence (though not all) and wishing for early departure from this ungrateful world.

As a social activist, I have visited a number of old age homes (Vrudhaashrams) and even gated elders’ cottages funded by the neo-rich youngsters who boast that their parents are looked after by them with all the facilities and amenities (minus their hugs).

I have listened to their stories,  either wiped their tears or hugged them with love and affection and assured them that elders need not always think that their days are numbered but continue to live as long as they are blessed to live in  this world.

The youngsters are considering the elders as chaff, burden and an obstacle to their enjoying life to the hilt. If the elders are still holding on to some of their own hard-earned properties, without tell-tale signs of their departure in the near future, the youngsters want the elders to handover at least parts of their properties so that they can enjoy their life better or….?

Your editorial has hit the nail on the head. And as you rightly pointed out ‘…grandsons and granddaughters of today shall get their turn for exit on a later day.’

– Vasanthkumar Mysoremath, Social Activist, Tilaknagar, 21.6.2017