Our Elders vs German Elders
Often known as the land of poets and thinkers, I found Germany literary rich, peaceful and quite joyful for its elderly citizens. It has been over a month since I’m here in Germany with my daughter. I’ve been to Germany earlier in March, 2022 as well, but that time I didn’t get to write about elders living in the most populous city of Berlin. However, this time what big thought struck me while strolling outside was the senior citizens’ rich lifestyle whom I noticed spending their days, quite joyfully without depending on anyone. Truly, a life of dependence is no life. I get to know many aspects as I compare the elderly Germans with those of my elderly citizens in Kashmir. No doubt, ours is a land of natural beauty famous all over the world, yet, there are a number of things we have yet to learn from Germans where life’s hustle and bustle teaches us much.
In Berlin where my daughter is stationed, elderly citizens are fit as fiddle. Old age is not a worry factor for them at all. Though they are not bustling with energy and working in the offices like the young lot, yet, they are active, self-dependent and lively in all other ways. An elderly German is marked by a strong focus on social connections, activities, and community engagement. The city offers rich support to its senior citizens. Here the healthcare system is known for its high quality, with a range of medical services and care facilities available to support elderly citizens. Additionally, there is a social security system as well that supports people with disabilities or loss of autonomy, regardless of age. Many elders receive care and support in their own homes, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life. The city strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for its elderly citizens, providing them with opportunities to lead active, engaged, and fulfilling lives.
In Kashmir, be it in a hotel or outside on a street, our elders had to eat the same food that youngsters eat. There is not a concept at all that the tastes of young people vary from that of elderly. And that’s probably the big reason our elders in Kashmir feel neglected and see their health getting deteriorated every other day. However, it is not the system in Germany where I saw something unique. The food that is served to elders outside their edifices in hotels or in streets etc. is the same as what is being given to youngsters. The elders here are physically so vigorous that they don’t like to depend on anyone. They are self-dependent and take it ill if someone provides them a helping hand. I have seen so many elderly men walking on the road, cycling and traveling through public transport. No sooner an elderly citizen boards a bus or any other vehicle, than automatically they are given seats. They are respectable, not treated like we treat our elders Kashmir. They are liked, and given the most supportive and superior treatment.
I have seen elderly citizens in Berlin on wheelchairs having nobody along. They go here and there, do shopping and cross the roads themselves without seeking anybody’s intervention. They find it quite awkward, if someone pushes their wheelchair from behind and helps them cross the road. In fact, I have seen an elderly citizen losing temper with a guy who tried to help him cross the road. Unlike elders of our Kashmir, they have learnt to depend on themselves only. They believe that when one relies for help on someone else, he becomes handicapped, thinks he become old and grown weak, and never puts his own efforts to do well in life.
The major reason why I wrote this write-up in GK is that the elderly in Germany maintain and preserve their natural surroundings quite seriously. They are considered the most intelligent people, mature and law abiding people. They love to spend their maximum time in close proximity with the natural world because they believe; it doesn’t deceive them anyway, and takes care of their health. But how sad! In the name of progress in Kashmir, we have spoiled everything. Our elders leave things so early from their hands too early and appear fed up in the early sixties. Though the elderly in Germany are direly old, yet, they make pace with the young people and keep going.
However, our elders, though not much old, yet, have isolated themselves to take rest—a stage where even a young aged person rusts. I’m not wrong if I conclude that—ours often face challenges, and theirs enjoy a high standard of living!
The lives of elderly citizens in Kashmir and Berlin are shaped by distinct cultural, economic, and environmental factors. In Kashmir, elderly citizens often face challenges related to access to healthcare, social isolation, and financial insecurity, particularly in rural areas. In contrast, elderly Germans are the most respected who enjoy a high standard of living, with access to quality healthcare, social services, and community support.
The differences in lifestyle and societal values also impact the elderly populations in these two regions. In Kashmir, elderly citizens are often revered for their wisdom and cultural knowledge, playing important roles in family and community life. In Berlin, elderly citizens are encouraged to lead active, independent lives, with opportunities for social engagement, education, and personal growth. While both regions have their unique challenges and advantages, they highlight the importance of tailoring support systems to meet the specific needs of elderly citizens.
Dr Rafeeq Masoodi (Rtd. IBS) & Vice President CGPW Ass’n (Kashmir) contributed this write-up from Berlin, Germany
