<p>My father is 86 years old and in relatively good health. He is independent and extremely Internet savvy. But he often falls sick --ordinary ailments that accompany old age. But he has his share of worries and regrets that plunge him into depression. This affects the speed of recovery. Almost 80% of all his sickness in psychosomatic. </p>.<p class="bodytext">For some time now, I have been wondering how to keep him cheerful and healthy at the same time. Because he does not stir out of the house unless it is a visit to the doctor’s. He is not to be blamed for the gloominess that sets in when one does not get enough sunshine.</p>.<p class="bodytext">So, what is a sufficient substitute for uplifting the mood of our elderly? Such that they stay healthy and smiling?</p>.<p class="bodytext">Social media works for me. What is your hack? I introduced my father to Instagram and tutored him to use the app. He was happy.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He gets to watch funny reels and learn a lot about the world rapidly changing around him. He is like a toddler who has taken to a new toy. His mood changed for the better within minutes of learning to meddle with the app.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The second hack is to invite people home who your elderly were close to, in their heyday. This gives them an opportunity to swap youthful war stories. Colleagues, best friends, cousins and those kind of people who still share that generation’s worldview despite disruptions. One of these meetings is worth more than a month of medication compliance. Trust me you. A birthday party with such ‘soul mates’ can do wonders to their health. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The final hack. After having shown them the crazy world they are in today on social media, take them back to ‘their day’ with movies and music—nostalgia. My dad wanted to hear his favourite (legendary) singer K L Saigal. I played the whole album for him and his fever came down instantly. He was amazed by modern technology serving him his favourite songs using Google voice assistant. He never imagined that a tiny device in the family room would take him back that far in his life. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Whatever you do or don’t, make certain that your elderly eat the food of their choice and enjoy it. Favourite food is ‘non-negotiable’. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Lofty and expensive goodbyes to our elderly serve them no purpose. Simply because they are dead and no longer care. Why not take care of ageing parents and parent-like people while they are alive? Why perform ostentatious rituals after their exit? Food for thought, isn’t it?</p>
<p>My father is 86 years old and in relatively good health. He is independent and extremely Internet savvy. But he often falls sick --ordinary ailments that accompany old age. But he has his share of worries and regrets that plunge him into depression. This affects the speed of recovery. Almost 80% of all his sickness in psychosomatic. </p>.<p class="bodytext">For some time now, I have been wondering how to keep him cheerful and healthy at the same time. Because he does not stir out of the house unless it is a visit to the doctor’s. He is not to be blamed for the gloominess that sets in when one does not get enough sunshine.</p>.<p class="bodytext">So, what is a sufficient substitute for uplifting the mood of our elderly? Such that they stay healthy and smiling?</p>.<p class="bodytext">Social media works for me. What is your hack? I introduced my father to Instagram and tutored him to use the app. He was happy.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He gets to watch funny reels and learn a lot about the world rapidly changing around him. He is like a toddler who has taken to a new toy. His mood changed for the better within minutes of learning to meddle with the app.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The second hack is to invite people home who your elderly were close to, in their heyday. This gives them an opportunity to swap youthful war stories. Colleagues, best friends, cousins and those kind of people who still share that generation’s worldview despite disruptions. One of these meetings is worth more than a month of medication compliance. Trust me you. A birthday party with such ‘soul mates’ can do wonders to their health. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The final hack. After having shown them the crazy world they are in today on social media, take them back to ‘their day’ with movies and music—nostalgia. My dad wanted to hear his favourite (legendary) singer K L Saigal. I played the whole album for him and his fever came down instantly. He was amazed by modern technology serving him his favourite songs using Google voice assistant. He never imagined that a tiny device in the family room would take him back that far in his life. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Whatever you do or don’t, make certain that your elderly eat the food of their choice and enjoy it. Favourite food is ‘non-negotiable’. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Lofty and expensive goodbyes to our elderly serve them no purpose. Simply because they are dead and no longer care. Why not take care of ageing parents and parent-like people while they are alive? Why perform ostentatious rituals after their exit? Food for thought, isn’t it?</p>
