How Do You Wish To Live The Last Ten Years of Your Life?

Recently I visited a hospital to meet the ailing mother of my friend. She had just been operated on. The hospital ambiance was filled with the smell of medicines, the pungent odor of the floor cleaner, the pain and agony of patients, and the anxiety of the relatives, and the visitors. The mood was sad, somber, and depressing. Visiting a hospital is a mentally draining experience.

Whenever I visit a hospital, before stepping into the hospital, the first thing I do is express my deepest gratitude to the almighty for keeping me and my family healthy. The second thought, of course, goes for the speedy recovery of the ailing patients.

No one wants to get hospitalized and be in this situation. However, few things in life are inevitable. Old age is one such reality. The life expectancy in India has improved to more than eighty now. Many among us will have to go through this phase of life.

Some of my friend’s parents are very old. Few of them are physically active but few have many diseases. Some have severe diabetes, some have painful knees, and some are unable to walk without the support of a walking stick. Besides such physical ailments, many senior citizens are facing the challenge of loneliness. There is no one to talk to them. If the children are settled abroad then the issue gets more complicated. They get a feeling of being left alone to look after themselves.

Old age, as they say, is a curse. Along with physical ailments, many psychological issues keep cropping up. The deteriorating health along with the loneliness gives rise to negative emotions. The feeling of being dependent on someone takes control of the mind. As a result, they become bitter, pessimistic, and heartbroken.

However, there is a brighter side to the story as well. Whenever I go for a jog in the nearby park, I see many senior citizens. They have a variety of senior citizen groups. There are laughter clubs, yoga clubs, and trekking clubs too. They celebrate birthdays, go for occasional outings and sit on the benches chatting for hours together. They enjoy themselves thoroughly. This picture gives me a lot of hope, energy, and positivity.

Yesterday, looking at these young senior citizens, I paused for a while, and asked this profound question to myself:-

“How Do I Wish To Live My Last Ten Years of Life?”

Here is my wish list:-

1. I want to remain healthy and physically fit.

2. I want to walk at least ten KMs every day.

3. Every morning, I should able to do at least ten push-ups and ten Surya Namaskaras.

4. I should able to walk upright without any support.

5. I want to be mentally positive, alert, and curious.

6. I should able to read at least one book every week.

7. I want to enjoy every moment as if it is my last one.

8. I wish to spend a lot of time with my wife.

9. I want to be self-reliant in all aspects of life.

And the most important one is,

10. I want to remain financially independent.

I am following the above routine for the past many years and will continue to do so till D-day.

Have you ever paused for a moment and asked this question yourself:-

"How Do I Wish To Live My Last Ten Years of Life?"

But before answering this question, wait for a moment, introspect, and then ask another question instead …

"Do I know which are the last ten years of my life?"

No one knows.

So, better start working today for a beautiful tomorrow. I am sure your last ten years will be filled with joy and happiness.