In our own country the life expectancy has gone from 32 in 1951 to over 63 years as of now. The result - nearly 7 per cent of population of our country is over 60 years. In the USA this percentage is 14 per cent. In the joint family system, grand-parents are a source of inspiration, wisdom and security to the family. The system is a perfect symbiosis for every body.
Age can be chronological, psychological and pathological.
Somebody said one is as old as one s arteries. I firmly believe that one is as old as one feels there is a gradual decline in organ functions which starts as early as the third decade of one s life by the sixth and seventh decade, most of the organs are left with 30-40 per cent of their functions. In the absence of disease, this function is adequate for looking after the needs of the body. This decline in function is determined by many factors including genetics, diet, environment and personal habits. Changes are very slow and any abrupt change is likely to be due to disease and not aging.