As parents, we are always concerned about well-being of our children. We are running around to provide them with best of everything. From schools to activities, vaccinations to financial plans, toys to clothes, we try to cover it all. Why do we do it? Because we want to see them happy and enjoy life to the fullest. But in pursuit of the above, we forget to gift them with one of the best and most important things that will affect their lives in quite profound ways. Our health.
In last few months, I have seen parents of my friends undergoing surgeries and suffering due to ill-health. I have seen friends juggle their schedules and various responsibilities to cater to their parents. That set me thinking. Would my daughter have to do the same for me? Can I save her from spending her time taking care of me?Accidents, disabilities, congenital issues and general deterioration aside, a human body would function quite well if it is reasonably taken care of. Food and exercise are twin pillars of this well-being. Even inherited diseases can be kept at bay with a thoughtful health regimen.
Families are turning nuclear and introvert. One or two kids are the norm. The pace of life is such that everyone is overwhelmed with work. Who would like to be burdened with an ailing person in such conditions? Will your kid be able to enjoy the hobby that you so painstakingly cultivated in her or him? Your kid, who is trying to manage her time and resources, will end up spending them on you. She might not grudge it, but let's all accept, there are better ways to spend these.
Ill-health is draining in every way, be it financial or temporal. We often say that we wouldn't stay with our kids or burden them in anyway when we turn old. We strive for our financial independence to that end. But are we sincere? Is that enough? Will your kid not feel morally bound coming to your help if you are in distress? No doubt, the dough is important but more important is health. With spiralling medical and caretaker costs, the dough can diminish in no time. However if you are in good health, you will be able to enjoy your money and time in more meaningful ways. If you want your kids to enjoy the fruits of your and her own hard work, you should work towards gifting your healthy presence in her life and not a sickly one. Gift her peace of mind and not a constant anxiousness around your health.
I hear of a person who never saved any money for his retirement. When retirement came, he looked utterly shocked to see his empty account. Would he gain any sympathy? 'What else did he expect? If he was not saving monthly, how did he expect a goldmine to appear magically in his account?' you would snigger. So don't be surprised when at retirement, a blank health account stares you in your face since you haven't been depositing any healthy food or workout in it on a regular basis. If you are not exercising, you are working towards 'bure din"- not only for yourself but for the whole family. The first one to suffer would be your spouse and the second in line of fire would be kids. The choice, as usual, is yours. The implications, unfortunately, will be borne by others.
So Moms and Dads, cook one dish less, take your kids to one class less, give up that TV show, cut down on your sleep, whatsapp or facebook time or whatever your poison is and do those pushups and cardios. Go easy on excuses and gung-ho on workouts. You will then live happily, not ever after of course but till whatever is your due time, without being a burden on the apple of your eye.
Of course there are matters beyond your control that can make all your exercising and good nutrition fall by the wayside. Old age can be punishing in many ways. The best you can do is to sail into it well prepared. You can then be peaceful in the knowledge that you have followed your dharma.
So Moms and Dads, cook one dish less, take your kids to one class less, give up that TV show, cut down on your sleep, whatsapp or facebook time or whatever your poison is and do those pushups and cardios. Go easy on excuses and gung-ho on workouts. You will then live happily, not ever after of course but till whatever is your due time, without being a burden on the apple of your eye.
Of course there are matters beyond your control that can make all your exercising and good nutrition fall by the wayside. Old age can be punishing in many ways. The best you can do is to sail into it well prepared. You can then be peaceful in the knowledge that you have followed your dharma.
