A is for 'Association'

Although this( being a member of your residential association) is hardly a hobby and more of a necessary intervention by community-minded people who want to maintain some standards in their neighbourhood, I see more and more senior citizens being active members of their building associations.

My dad, for instance, was the Secretary of the resident’s association in the earlier group of flats where we stayed. I used to wonder why he had this masochistic interest in dealing with ungrateful people who would be rude, oppose him, and even call at odd hours( I have fielded a call from some loon at 6 am one day) and abuse him verbally for a burden of a job that didn’t even pay. But now that I’m older, I understand why he is taking upon himself so much of this burden. We have shifted from the earlier apartments and now stay in the suburbs in a villa, but we still face numerous issues. My dad, who is 72, has put in way too many hours of community service. We’ve had people ring the bell so many times in a day. My dad, until recently, would come down the stairs most of the time to get the door and deal with these vendors/repairmen/etc. He has dealt with plumbers and guided some contractors on how to make a septic tank. He has liaised with numerous workmen to get things done, many of the details of which I am clueless. Anyway, the point is, I think despite all the hassles involved, it has given my dad a sense of purpose, and he has taken his role of looking after our little neck of the woods very seriously.

It is important for senior citizens to feel wanted and needed. After being heads of departments in their companies for years and being completely involved in their corporate lives, they may lose their sense of identity and importance if they are suddenly at home facing retirement.

Speaking of senior citizens, a classmate of mine from one of the colleges I went to wanted to interview my mom some time ago since my mom used to make crochet keepsakes, cushions and other pretty things. My mom learned to crochet from YouTube. The interview finally did not happen, but in the process, I learned about Silver Talkies, which helps senior citizens live more meaningful lives.

To any senior citizen reading this, I encourage you to take up a hobby or get involved in a meaningful activity to stay positive, especially in these times of social distancing. A hobby is important for anybody of any age, more so for senior citizens and teens. Stay safe!