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When I'm 75




Ruffled, faded hair. At least two joints dislocated. Brittle knees – twice operated on. Teeth surgically removed. Dark circles the shade of ‘dark-brownish- grey’ surrounding the ‘lost-their- glow’ eyes. Weak spine – once operated on. Hollow cheeks.
These are the short descriptions you might find in my medical record, when you meet me when I’m 75. You’ll see me as a person showing thorough indifference to any data of the type of this medical record. I’ll be a person who has embraced optimism. Walking with a leisurely gait, I will have a ‘happy-go- lucky’ demeanor and a ‘don’t count the days’ attitude.

Firstly, I’ll be a member of a laughter club, guffawing in my lowest pitch and highest tone. Laughing will make my life seem lighter – it will help me relive my youth.

Secondly, I’ll have a library of my own, with a collection of over five hundred thoroughly read, ocher-yellow-coloured books that I will circulate to my members from every niche of the neighborhood. I will spend the days categorizing and sorting the booking books, checking the catalog, counting the deposits, brain-storming for more ideas and schemes to attract more members, and also, in spare time, reviving memories by reading the books all over again.

Thirdly, I will have started an ‘Environment Awareness’ campaign with scores of oldies like me campaigning with posters and mottoes to protect the environment. We will plant trees, and prevent the destruction of trees with events and messages in the form of posters.

In general, I hope to be, as a 75 year old, a person continuing on the path of life irrespective of the many obstructions on the way.

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