Kaushiki’s 50th birthday

I’m very grateful for having turned 50, despite health challenges and for having friends, family and the means to support myself. Not everyone is blessed with these. To live to be old is a privilege but old age comes with its challenges-physical, mental, emotional, social and financial. Our elderly have so much to give us by way of wisdom, experience and love. Yet many of them suffer from loneliness, neglect and abuse in their twilight years.

I have been caregiver to my late father and my elderly mother, spent 10 days living in a rest home for respite care after surgery as well as entertained at retirement villages on several occasions and deeply felt the suffering that the aged go through.

I have volunteered with Age Concern for several years and have seen the good work they do to support the elderly.

That’s why I would appreciate if my friends and family contribute to this charity in lieu of gifts on my special birthday.