The Joy of Growing Old by Prof. PV Ramamurti. Published by the Department of Psychology, SV University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh India. 2009
This important addition to the field of Psychosocial Gerontology was launched in December 2008. Let’s take a quick look at its contents:
The first chapter sets the stage, ending the chapter with the central teaching of the entire book: “Practicing positive thinking and making it a permanent habit is the key to maintaining mental and physical health.” Chapter two provides statistics on older people in India and the world. The next chapter deals with changes in body functions as we age. All systems are covered: cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, excretory, reproductive, sense organs (such as skin, eyes, ears, taste, smell). Chapter 4 deals with the factors that lead to good health such as hygiene, environment, ventilation, among others. Many tips for diet in old age are provided in the next chapter. “Keep fit” talks about yoga exercises and what not? Chapter 7 describes living arrangements for older people, such as living with family, living in nursing homes, making use of paid care or daycare services. The criteria for choosing various types of stay are explained. Another important aspect, money, is discussed in Chapter 8. Savings, pension, income-generating activities, and the cost of maintaining health are discussed here.
Managing leisure, managing the disabilities of old age, and developing an interest in spirituality are covered in later chapters. A Self-Assessment Scale for Assessing Physical Disability in Chapter 11 is very helpful. It is simple and easy to use. Excellent advice is offered for maintaining interpersonal relationships: this chapter especially addresses the weaknesses of older people and shows how to deal with age discrimination issues. The most important chapter, chapter 13, “Building a Happy Mindset,” explains Trigunes of Thought and how to make sattvik type of thinking a permanent way of life. The care and well-being of the elderly comes next. Rights and Responsibilities of Older Persons, National Policy directives are listed. The last chapter, the Epilogue, re-emphasizes how developing a permanent positive mindset is absolutely essential to enjoying old age.
As a kind of lagniappe, the author adds a series of five Top Ten listings:
o Top Ten Commandments for Happy Aging
o Ten tips for better health in old age
o Desirable eating habits in old age
o Tips to prevent falls in old age
o How the elderly can be an asset to the family
I like this book because
o The chapters are short and the treatment is simple and lucid
o You can pick up any chapter and start reading without losing connectivity
o Lova Raju’s caricatures, scattered throughout the book, elicit a smile, something the author wants you to do very often.
o Offers simple and sensible information/advice/tips on various aspects of aging and shows the way to age happily
o Makes it easy for light reading on a serious topic
o It comes from the pen of Professor PV Ramamurti, a learned scholar in Indian gerontology.
Get the book, read it for yourself, and you won’t be disappointed.