Safety for Senior Citizens
That’s my mother-in-law in this picture. Nani is 84 and lives with her 89-year-old husband in one of those old Cooke Town bungalows.
Safety is a growing concern for senior citizens living alone these days, so what’s her solution ?
Nani has “adopted” an isthriwalla who runs his mobile laundry business outside her house. Annamalai is there 8 am to 8 pm and keeps an eye on her gate to monitor unwelcome visitors. He also helps her change light bulbs, swap gas cylinders, and is generally around when Nani needs help. In return, he also gets to park his cart inside her compound and is on her soft loan list.
I think this is a good idea. Sometimes, the path to a solution could be right outside your door.
What a wonderful symbiotic relationship. What does the term “soft loan list” mean?
I think Radman’s comment pretty much sums up the whole thing and needs a repeat – what a wonderful, symbiotic relationship. These days, everyone’s security is of concern; more so, for senior citizens! I hope they have adequate security arrangement during the night as well.
In this case, a soft loan is something that doesn’t really have to be paid back. There’s no real pressure on repayment. My mother-in-law’s “soft loan list” includes the cook, gardener and her maid.
Great post Sharath!
Nice to see a great, sensible post on this site which is otherwise crowded with wannabe-photographers-with-costly-equipment!
Lovely post, heart-warming to read.
what a good idea. Give and take. More and more need to help those street vendors and people who can be helped. It is fulfilling and is also part of our great tradition of giving back to soceity. I am sure none of those who help the community families around their houses will ever have any security problems. the lower class people have a track record of being grateful!