Monday, October 17, 2011

At 100 Fuaja Singh: Old or Young?

Sight of elderly dependent people makes most think, if not worry, about old age. But quite often senior citizens are ignored. Depending on the culture and country, they are either sent to old homes or expected to stay out of the way reading books or praying god. Unless wealthy, elders who were once young, important and critical fabric, are considered social and financial burden on society. Willingly or unwillingly, most aged men and women spend time on mundane and lethargic activities.

However some change the stereotype and make young and energetic envious. They make ‘Never Say Never’ true.

Kudos to 100 years old Fuaja Singh to run for more than 8 hours to cross finish line at Toronto Marathon. He completed the marathon that a lot of young people do not dare attempt. Read the news here on BBC.

Records may be important but probably most significant lesson here is, if someone has a will ‘nothing is impossible’.

What is do you think?

35 comments:

Renu said...

A lot depends on the senior citizen, today times have changed and people value only those who are needed in some way..so the onus lies on old people about how to make themselves useful to others..

Rachna said...

At any stage in life, it is important that people indulge in meaningful activities and have a group of their own. Even if they live in an ideal family where they are respected and loved, it is a fact that they will feel bored and depressed in their retired life if they have nothing to do, as they have led hectic lives earlier. Like your example, take up a hobby or a passion and pay attention to one's health. Retirement can be a fun time if you keep your sense of humor about you and also are healthy.

Nirvana said...

how true!! Senior citizens are indeed, ignored most of the times. Great post!

Jyothi said...

Its a sad fact! Senior Citizens should never be ignored.
I can't even walk that much time. Wow!

Destination Infinity said...

Exerting ones will when they are younger is a very different thing when compared to exerting the same when they are old - especially when people are systematically denied opportunities and kept at a distance by the cruel world. We'll all have to face it one day and I don't think we can handle it gracefully.

Destination Infinity

Bikram said...

Its the WILLL ..

and singh is king .. :)

NRIGirl said...

True, it's all in our minds and not in the numbers.

Anonymous said...

Impossible is nothing!! Hats off to him!! A true inspiration for us to stay fit!!-Swetha Amit (Whirlwindthoughts)

Rama Ananth said...

It is amazing to see such people, and makes one proud of their achievement: they are truly inspiring. Today I read this in the newspaper. He reminds me of my dad, who although is 10 years younger than the Sardar, yet he too is so strong and independent even at this age, he still walks faster than any of us,and mentally too he is so alert, physically too very active. Cheers to such inspiring people all round the world.

Kirtivasan Ganesan said...

Most of us must be ashamed of ourselves. It is amazing how a 100 year old can complete a marathon.
Ask yourself can you complete a marathon? Can you run 5km?

Felicity Grace Terry said...

A truly inspirational individual.

I think a lot of it has to do with our perception of age, after all 40, 50, 60 were all once thought of as old. I wonder how long before we see those aged 90, 100 as still being 'young'?

I also think it is different depending on which sex you are after all men are said to become distinguished as they get older, women just, well, get old.

Rià said...

Its commendable what Mr Fauja Singh did!! And what u have said in ur post is so true.

Usha said...

A, What a wonderful news of achievement to read this morning. Fauja Singh gave the world strong inspirations...He gave nice short message at the end of the news...Thanks for sharing this news.I bet now Desi curries and ginger tea going to get more popular. :)

shuchita said...

It was on the front page of the news paper here and I felt so inspired looking at him and reading about it.
Barring a few things I also believe that nothing is impossible

Kavita Saharia said...

Awe inspiring ! A true hero !

Tanvi said...

That's definitely an inspiring story!

♡ from © tanvii.com

sm said...

its his will power and very inspiring for the people who fear the old age.

hamaarethoughts.com said...

...Mr Fauja Singh made us proud ..all over the place cannot stop praising ..him..
too good!

ZEAL said...

Hats off to Fauja Singh !

GM said...

For some, age is just a number. That's quite a feat.

Geeta

A New Beginning said...

age shouldn't be a constraint in our life...but a motivation to keep us moving on the right track :)

Misterio Vida said...

yes thats one of the main social issues right now...senior citizens are not respected as they ought to be... and i am frightened that one day our new generations will treat us the same which make me shiver... salute to this 100 year old youngman :) he is i think young by heard even though he is 100... :)

aarkay said...

I am tempted to reproduce an old ad albeit with some modificatiin " sau saal ke boodhey ya sau saal ke jawan, Fauja Singh ji ki toh baat hi kuchh aur hai "
He has proved that Singh is King !
We are proud of you, Singh saheb !

Nice and inspiring post !

Sandhya said...

It is all will power more than our health. Because of the fast pace of young people, they don't have much time to spare for anything/anybody else...even their own parents. They forget that they will reach the same stage one day!

Yes, as many people have said here, Singh is King!

Alka Gurha said...

I am so proud of him...

Sujatha Sathya said...

age is just a number

true, will power is what matters

kiran sawhney said...

Kudos to Fuaja Singh.

Nisha said...

A lot depends on us, how we want to live our lives. Bravo Fuaja Singh.

Anu said...

ooh...that is simply great!Requires a lot of courage and determination! And for someone to be healthy to run a marothon at 100 years of age, is a 8th wonder for me!

chitra said...

Very true...If there's a will ...nothing is impossible...Had seen a news article in Hindu.

ಅಶ್ವಿನಿ/ Ashwini said...

Amrit, When I read this on news paper I was shocked and felt proud of this old man. He has proved that if there is a will there is way. Strength lies within you and need to be strong - thats the message delivered I say

Suruchi said...

i love it how you say it all in your chota-chota posts:-)
and nothing saddens me more than ignored and helpless aged-even worse than seeing children abandoned!

and sir ji -I ALWAYS READ YOUR BLOG POSTS-aapne "sometimes" kaise bola mere comment section mein?:-)

Haddock said...

I really admire the ones who change and adapt to the present day situations. They mingle well with the young and old and keep themselves busy with some thing or the other.
I have written about an "young" lady who completed 90 and she told me "next stop is 100 Joe" with a gleeful smile.

aarkay said...

Thanks a lot for introducing these two valuable blogs !
Happy Diwali !

Anjuli said...

wow that is amazing!!! As one elderly gentleman I know says "Age is just a number" (he is 90 years old and very strong and healthy). I think we do a great disservice to the elderly when we don't seek them out to gain as much knowledge from them as we can....I am especially feeling this way now that I'm getting closer to the elderly status :) hee hee!!
Oh by the way- I figured out the tabs thing- started with two and will add on more later. Also, have posted a new blog entry about my youngest daughter's wedding- just happened on October 29th- can't promise too many more pics though :) oh me- I wish you had been here to take the photos.