Why people do certain things!
Do we understand why people do what they do? Take for instance, card games like
rummy and bridge. Although they fulfill a similar purpose, one is a "white
collar" game and
other is not looked upon as one. No guesses here for which one!
I see card rooms at clubs filled with people, especially the retired and
older generation, who love to socialize over a card game. And I also see other
club goers who turn up their noses at such groups.
The only prejudice for this aversion seems to be that of playing with money.
But gambling is
another story…it can be indulged in different ways.
I see the other, lonely side of these people who are cut off from work
and often, from their families as well. Time hangs and there is much loneliness
which gives rise to depression and ennui
towards the world in general. This can be a potentially dangerous situation.
There is a need for the older generation to keep their brains working
and interest in life alive irrespective of
whether it is playing cards, browsing the internet or anything else.
In fact, this may become true
for all of us as we age. Card games keep the memory ticking, some social
activity alive and enable these people to come out of whatever burdens they
carry.
It is very sad to see people
who lose their mobility and their youth, languishing for a lack of support.
Indoor games are very good for them. In fact, many are now opting to be in
special homes where they can be looked after and be with their own kind, rather
than become isolated within their families.
So, there
is always a larger perspective we fail to see in our conditional minds. What we criticize today may
be a great pastime for us tomorrow. The idea is to stay well, with our mental,
emotional and physical aspects intact and healthy.
Surekha Kothari
surekhakothari.wordpress.com
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