In search of space and solitude

BEWARE-SENIOR CITIZENS ARE NOT HELPLESS BUT HAVE OPTIONS

As my wife’s first death anniversary is approaching in November this year I am in sixes and sevens and have become a loner. Completing 75 this October I have been put on strict leash on travel and diet by my adorable daughters.Overdose of Metformin tablets to control my sugar by a thoughtless and overzealous Doctor resulted in uncontrollable churning of my stomach and a fear psychosis to go out alone.The result-I felt choked and stifled.After deep meditation and Pranayam I decided that I should take control of my life and enjoy space and solitude on my own terms.

I consulted a reputed Diabetologist and got the Metformin replaced by Insulin.Some well meaning but ill informed friends elucidated me on possible Hypo Glycemia which can result in reaching Lord’s feet without notice.I took care of this by listing out my investments and putting them in order.I closely monitored my sugar level and with a slight adjustment in insulin dose sugar level was brought under control.My stomach became normal and infact nausea and aversion for food also disappeared.With a feeling of liberation.it was time to have a holiday.After scanning the net for retirement homes I chose Melur Meadows located in the foot hills of Ooty and a 15 minutes drive from MettupalayamMurugan temple at Kumaran kundru,at walkable distance was an attraction..The warm and reassuring response of the sales team of Melur Medows to my telephone enquiry speeded up my journey..
To embark on my journey I concocted a story of a picnic by a group of senior citizens and systematically put the anxiety of my daughters and the dear and near at rest.With a detailed identity card giving full details of my address and what ails each part of my anatomy. clipped to my shirt I got into the first AC compartment of Nilgri Express.
My last trip to Coimbatore by train was in 1960.That trip was made in an unreserved compartment and on the way to the toilet.Subsequent trips when I was moving up in the economic ladder were by air.Therefore the unfulfilled desire to travel by AC First class was quenched in this trip with a leading lawyer and principal of a school providing intellectual companionship in the compartment..
The cool weather and a mild mannered Habibullah,taxi driver greeted my arrival in Mettupalayam.The drive to Kumaran kundru for 15 minutes was enjoyable.I was escorted to my room in Melur Meadows[MM] by a security guard with a well manicured moustache and impressive tonnage.An auspicious beginning to my planned long term relationship was my participation in the Homam,taking place in the new hall just completed.A warm and friendly soul in Ramachandran from Mumbai,a resident took me to Maneeswarar temple[God known for forgiving our mistakes and sins].I mentally a list of my follies as afterall I cannot go to him with such lists in instalments..
What is Melur Meadows?It is a well planned retirement community promising peace and tranquility in the twilight years of your life. Ninety six apartments suitably classified as Studio,Studioplus,Semi deluxe and Deluxe categories are spread out in a farm area of 9 acres.The drive way/joggers track is around 500 meters and the cool breeze from the open space all around makes the walk enjojable The special walkway with pebbles improves blood circulation to your feet..Mr.Sunder a robust man with a robust sense of humour manages the show assisted by able and friendly people looking after different functions.Saiprakash and Madhuri provide the friendly and understanding interface with the residents.The kitchen is well appointed and Kannan the super chef comes out with culinary delights.When you meet him you feel that he also enjoys what he dishes out to us day after day.House keeping and playing host at the dininig table is Rajalakshimi lending a cheerful presence.The menu is diet conscious and well thought out though a 15 day cycle will provide a better variety. Reducing or avoiding spice[masala] in the night vegetable may also help the seniors to go to bed without a grumbling stomach.A reasonably stocked library managed by a respected teacher takes care of your intellectual hunger.Lyaa wellness center housed in the complex is an attraction for those who want to shed weight and become their lean machine.The center offers a holistic naturopathy package ranging from diet therapy,mud and hydro therapies,detoxification of the body etc.One of the residents told me that he lost 5 kilos in 15 days.The complex boasts of a green belt and organic farming, harvesting pesticides free fruits and vegetables.There is considerable scope for enhancing the intensity and diversity of the green belt subject to funds,water resources and availability of labour.
What is the composition of residents?They are well placed in life without exception seeking shelter for a variety of reasonsA bevy of four wheeler beauties lining up the drive way are an eloquent testimony to this surmise..Difficulty in running a home and particularly kitchen,indifference of children,loneliness etc are the common denominators in making them flock to retirement homes.The most important factor however is the availability of one more option in the sunset years of their life which goes a long way in eliminating dependence on others and restoring self esteem..There is remarkable comraderie among residents sharing their achievements and insecurities.It is a common and wonderful sight to see the seniors carrying coffee/tea for their spouses in a thermos because the ladies are unable to walk or withstand the hot sun.
What is special about Melur Meadows?For one, it is the vast open space and unpolluted atmosphere and the breeze from the Murugan temple side.The peacocks dancing in the temple area is a delightful experience.The transparency of the organization-they give you printed tariff structure- is reassuring.The friendliness of everyone right from Major Sathya the promoter to Kuthbudeen ,the security staff adds to your comfort and the atmosphere is one of cheer.The diet conscious food and the cleanliness of the kitchen are a source of relief. Common transport to Mettupalayam and coimbatore is well organized and reasonably priced.Buy,lease and rent options are available.
Does it mean that there is no area of concern?.There are areas of minor concern like cleanliness of the pltes and cups,house keeping of the individual flats,availability of simple things like toiletary items,banana etc. within the campus are receiving attention..Laundry and ironing wthin the campus will help the residents as well as provide employment to someone.Erratic power supply disables the TV at the most inappropriate time.Atleast one TV not dependent on public power supply is a must, to keep the residents happy at the prime time.Long term goal may be meeting the entire requirements of vegetable and fruits inhouse,providing drip irrigation,resorting to solar power etc.

Senior citizens also need their space as the youngsters demand these days.I am encouraging my daughter to go on the much postponed holiday to Europe so that I can rush to Melur Medows during that period.and enjoy my new found solitude and space at an affordable cost.Facilities offered are allurig and some of them offer decent last rites..

 

Dear Megalife,,
It will be a wonderful idea to take a braek from the routine and hobnob with fellow senior citizens and enjoy the country side but with good amenities.The place is 40 kms before coonoor.Short stay arrangements are availble.You can get all details in i-=the internet or email them at service@melur meadows.com.you can also cotact Madhuri at 04254288204 who will guide you to choose the best option.There are more than 15 couples looking adoringly at each other as they are free fr4om running a house and kitchen.
Regards
LAKSHIMINARAYANAN

 

Dear Crazy writer,
I wanted to share with ilites what I enjoyedThanks for your FB.If you are below25,please address me as Grandpa-nothing will give me greater pleasure.
Regards
LAKSHIMINARAYANAN

 

Dear Aruna,
When old people are still active they are restless ang look for options to maintain or improve the quality of life.What is it they can do to be self reliant and avoid being a nuisance to others is always troubling them.Institutions like Melur Meadows provide an enjoyable option.
Thanks and regards
LALSHIMINARAYANAN

 

Dear Ambika,
Thanks for your FB.The place is equally suitable for people who can enjoy the quiet countryside and need relief from running a kitchen, at a reasonable cost.
Regards
LAKSHIMINARAYANAN