second Innings

After having spent most of their lives with pride, they refuse to be dependent after retirement, even though their children are grown up and are willing to take care of them.

Their children want to stay with them, but here are a few senior citizens who8217;ve chosen to live life their own independent way

After having spent most of their lives with pride, they refuse to be dependent after retirement, even though their children are grown up and are willing to take care of them. Contrary to the common perception that senior citizens are compelled to go to old 8211; age homes; there are some senior citizens, who chose to live alone and enjoy the benefits of independence.

Matoshree Vruddrashram, an old 8211; age home at Karvenagar, houses nearly 70 per cent senior citizens who have themselves opted to stay there despite having children who are more than willing to have them home. Uttara Potdar, 71, has been staying at Matoshree for the last two years. She says, 8220;I have stayed for 15 years in different foreign countries with my husband for work purpose. That was when we had decided that after our 50th marriage anniversary, we would stay at an old age home where we would be free from everyday responsibilities. Unfortunately, my husband died of a heart attack just two days before our 50th marriage anniversary. But I carried over our decision by enrolling myself at Matoshree.8221; Potdar has two sons who regularly visit her and are in constant touch. 8220;I8217;m quite satisfied with my life and now it8217;s time that I live for myself,8221; she quips.

Shashikala Desai is a senior citizen who opted out of her son8217;s house along with her husband Ramakrisna Desai. 8220;I was determined to complete my MA in Marathi after I completed it in English. But, it was inconvenient to travel all the way from Yerawada. So, we decided to move to Shatayu Bhavan Vruddhashram, an old age home in the city. I completed my MA in marathi after moving here. It would not have been possible without my family8217;s support. My son who8217;s a doctor and daughter, an engineer, regularly visit me despite their busy schedules,8221; says the 79-year-old student who is currently pursuing her Ph D.

Vidya Gaikwad, another 71-year-old, is staying here since two years and is also working as a nurse at one of the old age homes. 8220;Despite of my children wanting me to stay with them, I have chosen to be here. While me getting a company is one aspect, helping others is another. It8217;s a great feeling when someone tells me that the medicines that I prescribed have made him or her fit and fine. It gives me immense satisfaction,8221; says she.

Another important reason for coming here is to fulfill some desires which they were unable to complete in their earlier lives. 8220;I love watching movies and plays but due to family responsibilities, it wasn8217;t possible most of the times. But now I enjoy the movie outings organised here,8221; explains Usha Modak.

Now isn8217;t this called- living life to the fullest?