Celebrate New Year in an old people's home
Written by Dr.Laxmi Iyer

When was the last time you visited an old people's home? Was it to see a distant relative's ailing mother or father? And was that aeons ago? Even if it was just last week that you had been to an old people's home, it's still time for your next visit. In an age and a time when youth is celebrated, old age has been closeted up in forgotten, city spaces.

You can make a difference to the old folks in your community by visiting them on New Year's Day. Celebrate the day with them. Take your family and pets along.

Make sure that your pets are people friendly. If they aren't then it doesn't make sense to take them too close. Make sure you warn the people whom you are visiting about your pet's unpredictable behaviour.

If your cat has a habit of scratching without warning, don't place your sulky moody cat on your senior friend's lap. You know how often the unpredictable has happened.

Remember, also to make sure that your pets are through with their routine deworming schedule and that they are insect free. No ticks hiding inside the ears. No mange. Do a thorough check.

Senior citizens are more vulnerable than you would imagine. A good idea would be to sit in a place like a well ventilated verandah or garden with lots of sunshine and fresh air. Of course, in most places in Europe it's freezing cold and the outdoors may need to be excluded.

Don't visit old folks too late in the night. They may feel stressed out staying up late.

Carry something special with you.

It could be a card, a painting, a cake, biscuits, games, a special bouquet of flowers, a gift hamper, books, some heart friendly sweets like nuts and fruits...just a special gift to show you care.

You could arrange for a special screening of some good films or play some special party games.

Make sure that your family turns up in full strength with you. The more the merrier!