A few days back my aunt, an octogenarian, had a fall at home and injured her forehead. She said it was due to uncomfortable footwear and muscular weakness.
The day before yesterday my second floor neighbour – heavy weight and sixty up – fell down on the street. Could be unsteady gait.
It is said that bad news always comes in threes. Just a day or two into the new year and I am down with severe cough and cold and lung congestion. Probable cause – poor AQI.
Three triggers for this post which is as much for my reckoning as for those in my age group and others as well.
We have an extreme climate which requires special precautions as well as protections in keeping with the season which we either overlook or forget to adhere to.
I am listing a few generic ones and a few for the winter, specifically.
(1) Weight Management – a must for all age groups, specifically, for those in the bracket of sixty plus. It’s good to keep a tab on weight through periodic checks. Same for Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar – common ailments of old age. Also the fact that we eat more and move less in winter, it is absolutely necessary to keep a check on the vital parameters of the body including Vitamin D and B12.
(2) Diet Management – I have been prescribed a high fibre-high protein-low fat gut friendly diet. I guess, it should be more or less the same for everyone in my age group. But I will not recommend going oil free in a bid to be over cautious. Wellness coaches advise intake of 23-25 gm of oil per day. Consumption less than that can cause constipation and dryness of skin.
(3) Body Management – Winter coups us up inside resulting in lesser movement, crouching of body, wrong postures. In our part of the globe a smog filled weather is a deterrent to walking. At my age it’s important to listen to the body. Oh ! Yes. Our body talks to us. Every morning I get up and locate which part of my body is telling me to exercise and I do just that in moderation. No , that power packed half to one hour daily rigorous training routine , I have found, is not advisable, at least for me.
(4) Muscle Management – It is crucial as we lose considerable muscle strength in old age. Along with specific exercise a regime of daily massage (not the spa type but the homely type which our elders advised) enhances blood circulation , in turn, toning and strengthening the muscles and movements. Nonetheless one should be cautious not to put extra or sudden pressure or jerk on any part of the body while getting up, bending down and straightening up, picking up things, especially, heavy ones. Also, remaining in one posture, i.e., sitting or standing too long is also not advisable and the day’s work should be done with intermittent hours of rest.
(5) Attire Management – Winter has a tendency to creep in. To ward off the crippling chills warmers, thermals and skin hugging inners are a must when inside as well as going outside. Keeping the head covered is also mandatory. Along with that comfortable foot wear which supports and cushions the ankles and heels goes a long way to provide ease and steadiness to our gait. Of late I have learnt that spending on footwear is as necessary as on clothes.
(6) Liquid Intake Management – Winter is dry over here. Skipping baths in this type of weather is not recommended. A hot bath does a world of good to aching bones and tired muscles. Water intake automatically reduces in this season which can cause gut issues and impact digestion. Frequent sipping of warm or lukewarm water is one way of keeping liquid intake constant. In the early morning to start with a glass of warm water in an empty stomach, irrespective of any season, is a good antidote to gastritis and acidity and helps bowel movement.
(7) Supplement Management – Our body loses micro nutrients off and on which needs to be replenished through diet or supplements. Our body gives signals, as usual, which we must get into the habit of reading and take the advice of the family or general physician if need be.
(8) Mask Management – This may sound funny but it’s become an imperative in dangerous climactic conditions like ours. I am afraid, most times I forget to wear or carry a mask. It’s safe to keep a few in the hand bag or in the car in case you are as forgetful as I am. Use of Air Purifier or Humidifier, as required, is totally desirable.
(9) Thought Management – Emotional make up has a direct effect on our health. If we think right we can cope with age properly. I think the foremost thing is to accept age. Neither should we overdo nor underdo anything which is not befitting our age. With age we tend to be a little attention seeking. It’s a blessing to have a caring family. But to expect too much can be taxing for our near and dear ones too. And that brings me to the most essential part of this post.
(10) Home Management – Apart from cleanliness and hygiene, a cheerful atmosphere, meaningful conversation and regular and effective communication within the family or household can make the elderly members feel very secure, safe and loved. This goes a long way to make them emotionally strong to face the zig zag curve of old age. It is not a very good idea to restrict a person because of old age. It can be construed as an infringement of personal freedom. Recent studies show that developing good hobbies, indulging in community service and learning something new are essentials for a happy and healthy life.
All these suggestions are partly from my personal experiences and partly on surgeon’s/physician’s advice, motivational/health talks and books and some shared by well wishers. I try to follow them as much as possible and hope these come in handy for readers too.
If I have missed out on any point do remind me by way of comment.
It’s been some time that I have not written about my recent watches on OTT solely because nothing impressed me enough.
The Beast In Me touted as the biggest psychological thriller of 2025 on Netflix left me depressed.
A writer, Agatha (Aggie) Wiggs, grieving her son’s untimely death has an infamous neighbour, Nile Jarvis, who is suspected to have murdered his first wife. But nothing can be proved against him. Nile has a compelling charm and persuades Aggie to write a biographical book presenting his side of the story. But Aggie is convinced, almost obsessed, that Nile is not innocent. While collecting inputs about Nile’s past life through interviews and chats including a conversation with his dead wife’s family she desperately looks for a chink in the armour. Will she be successful ?
Run Away based on a racy absolutely unputdownable Harlan Coben thriller.
Simon Greene is looking for his missing daughter, Paige, a druggie and college drop out. When her boyfriend, Aaron Corval, is found brutally murdered in his flat, the police suspect Simon as the perpetrator of the crime.
As the undaunted Simon keeps digging the reasons for his daughter’s sudden disappearance more and more skeletons from the past get uncovered. Will a father be able to prove his innocence and find out his runaway daughter? Will the secrets , tumbling out of the family closet, let Simon live through his so called perfectly happy life with equanimity ?
Mrs Deshpande A Jio Hotstar offering – gripping and edge of the seat.
Mrs. Seema Deshpande is serving her sentence in jail under a fake identity of Zeenat Fatima for a series of crimes committed twenty five years back in Pune. Underlying her serene, smiling visage is a gruesome serial/vigilante killer. When a series of copy cat murders rock the city of Mumbai, IPS Officer, Arun Katri, takes a deadly risk – he takes Mrs. Deshpande out of prison to help to catch the killer!!
The story has an unusual premise – a female serial killer in a pivotal role. The series is directed by one of my favourite actor- directors, Naagesh Kukunoor. Madhuri Dixit as Mrs. Deshpande is convincing.
I guess I watch thrillers and murder mysteries just out of habit now. Mostly they leave me sad, disappointed and with a much-ado-about-nothing kind of a feeling.
While on the subject, let me tell you about the latest Pakistani Serial I have started watching. It’s interesting though a bit dark.
Kafeel ( Guarantor) tells the story of Zeba , an intelligent and studious girl, who is married off to Jami. The match has been fixed by Zeba’s mother’s college mate, Farhana, who makes a sudden visit to meet her friend. Jami is Farhana’s youngest brother and there’s much age difference between the two. The family is rich. Farhana and her other siblings are settled aboard. Jami seems to be an obedient boy very caring of his father.
For Zeba it’s an unexpected life. She wants to study further but a freak incident convinces her parents that the girl is going out of hand. So the best way to put her back on the path is to get her married to a boy without checking his background properly. What happens next and how Zeba’s life unfolds is what Kafeel is all about.
The series has many attractions – Umera Ahmed (a heavy weight writer) and Meesam Naqvi (a much talked about director of Parvarish fame), Sanam Saeed, a very powerful actress as Zeba and Emmad Irfani , the handsome hunk (I don’t know why he always has to play grey characters!), as Jami.
I am off Korean and Japanese dramas for the time being though I started seeing TheTyphoon Family but have not finished yet. It has a novel plot but unfortunately, recent optical issues make it difficult for me to read the sub titles.
So those who are interested in whodunnits can take to the sofa with a piping hot cup of coffee and binge through The Beast In Me, Run Away and Mrs. Deshpande. Those who are into serious stuff, Kafeel is for you.
This is in response to Esther’s Weekly WordPrompt.
This week’s prompt is : New Beginning
Winter Rituals
Every season is a new beginning.
Every season has its rituals in this part of the world. And what is ritual without food and feast!!!
Winter sees the markets fill up with fresh, shining vegetables which are not available/do not taste good in other seasons. There are bright red carrots, creamy white cauliflowers, shiny mauve and white turnips. So, we have the most delicious combination of tangy and sweet vegetable pickle which goes so well with stuffed paranthas.
It’s winter and the kitchen does not smell of homemade desserts? How can it be? So carrots are grated, boiled in milk and sugar with clarified butter and topped with dry fruits and nuts with a sprinkling of khoya (dried condensed milk) . And lo! Gajar ka halwa or carrot halwa is ready to be served hot.
Gaajar ka halwa or carrot halwa
The lush greens in the vegetable cart beckon. It’s time for palak paneer (spinach and paneer curry), sarson da saag ( mustard leaf curry) and methi aaloo (fenugreek leaves and potato curry). If sarson da saag is plated can makkidi roti (roti made of corn/maize floor) be far behind? Another deadly combo is bajreki roti with lahasun ki chutney. Roti made out of pearl millet flour and garlic chutney.
Sarson da saag aur makki di roti
Winter is also the season of stuffed paranthas. – cauliflower, cabbage, Fenugreek leaves, radish, carrot, paneer (curdled milk), potato – grated or chopped, stuffed into a basket/bowl of wheat floor dough, rolled into fluffy rounds and slow fried on an iron pan with ghee, to be had with assorted pickles, especially, garlic pickle, to keep the body warm and soul satiated.
In Bengal this is the time for date juice jaggery and sweets made out of it. The window for date jaggery is very narrow because it’s only available from late November to the end of January. The rassagollahs and karaa pak and naram pak made out of khejur gur or date jaggery are out of this world and a must have. This is also the season of joynagorer moa another sweetmeat which is to be had fresh before they become dry and sour. Thankfully, all these are now available in the capital. You just have to make the effort of going to the particular shop.
Nolen gurer (date jaggery) rassagollahs
Then there is a mouthwatering assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebaabs charcoal cooked in tandoor or fried in a pan.
Chicken Tikkas
Vegetable Kebabs
Winter brings crippling cold but also with it a feast of delicacies. Every household smells of family recipes exclusive to it. The latest that I am introduced to is sweet carrot pulao!! Grated carrots in Basmati rice tempered with cardamon, cinnamon and clove, put in dum with sugar and garnished with dry fruits and nuts. Yummy!! I am going to try it out soon.
As I have written in my earlier post, my friend, who is a Kathak exponent, organised a Baithak at her residence where her students performed an hour long dance recital choreographed by them.
Excerpts of their performance is attached below in a three part video.
Choreography is not only a part of dance skill but also a lesson in life skill. I was intrigued by the whole process and wanted to know
I Why is Choreography important ?
(I give briefly the answer patiently and elaborately given by my friend)
Choreography teaches
(1) Body awareness (right posture and movement)
(2) Core consciousness (listening to the stillness within viz-a-viz the spatial vastness around)
(2) Interdisciplinary approach (interweaving music and rhythm through understanding and appreciation of their rich language and intricate nuances)
(3) Technicalities of presentation (proper utilisation of space/stage, light, costume, makeup)
(4) Team spirit (respect/collate varied creative inputs of the group, ideate, brainstorm, reach a consensus on structurization of the final performance)
(5) Aesthetics in performance (outreach and audience appeal)
II What life skills does Choreography teach?
(1) Spirit of collaboration
(2) Coordination and cooperation
(3) Core connection
(4) Micro and macro management
(5) Exploration of/drawing inspiration from available resources (of the creative geniuses)
(6) Realisation and nurturing of inner potential
(7) Exposure to and assimilation of divergent viewpoints
(8) Engagement in a transformative process enriching body, mind and soul
Like any other group activity, group performance requires team effort and team spirit. In order to reach out the performer has to reach within first. Listening is a very important tool for learning. As the movements have to be choreographed in consonance with music the performers have to first absorb the essence of the musical piece. Next is how does a performer want to reach out to the audience. What message does the performer wish to convey and why.
While choreographing, a performer relies on various creative inspirations – the enormous artistic heritage of the maestros , own life experiences and/or contemporary themes around. Needless to say, like any other presentation, a stage performance is an exercise in people as well as administrative management.
Choreography is a process of refinement. Refining involves identifying and nurturing the creative spark within – a transformative undertaking which not only chisels the performer but also the individual into an evolved being.
Indian classical art form is based on guru shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition) and entails strict routine, discipline and rigorous training and practice. Immersing in such creative activity facilitates development and grooming of the overall personality of the student. It also acts as a channel of emotional ventilation , energy orientation, overcoming personal inhibitions, flowering of latent potentials and building up and strengthening interpersonal relations.
Also, dance has immense health benefits. For a dancer it is the best form of exercise which tones the body, strengthens the muscles, keeps the mind agile and spirits high and nourishes the soul.
The skills that children learn through choreography are beneficial not only for their immediate curriculum but also in the wider spectrum of their professional as well as personal lives ahead where they have to deal with/function within complex social and professional patterns and units , maintain health, harmony and originality , deliver qualitative results without compromising on single-minded focus, core competencies, meaningful relationships and meticulous attention to details.
A little about Kathak
Kathak is one of the eight major classical dance forms of India originating with the travelling bards of ancient Northern India known as Kathakaar or storyteller, who communicated kathaas or stories from the Hindu epics through dance, songs, and music.
Kathak’s emphasis is on rhythmic footwork and movements harmonized to music and especially rhythm. The vocabulary is based on fluid gestures of arms and upper body , facial expressions, neck, eyes and eyebrow movements alongwith long and elaborate bends and turns and piroettes.
We have all been placed in our respective orbits to find our axes. As we circumbulate we meet fellow seekers, absorb strength and learn skills from each other. This symbiotic equation keeps us going year after year.
I hope the quest continues with renewed zeal this New Year as well. I pray we are all refuelled with more power, peace, empathy and gratitude for what we have been able to achieve and what we have not this long.
To forge ahead again on this incredibly interesting and stimulating navigation let’s place our steps together without fear, hesitation or doubt.
Wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy, Safe, Prosperous and Engaging New Year of Curiosity and Creativity.
At the deserted platform the train puffed in. They were waiting after an exhausting, top secret expedition.
Shhh!! They wouldn’t even whisper to each other about their incredible mission of stealing the crescent moon off its cradle atop an unscalable peak.
But alas ! The distrusting, shimmering, silvery orb refused to budge from its cosmic throne try as much as they could. It refused to relenteven after deployment of super human strength.
At last as the night’s dark sheen was about to whiten into a promising day, they gave up…and came back to where they had begun their unforgettable journey to perform an impossible task.
But now they were stuck at the invisible station. The chrome and steel chariot of steam refused to take them in. It roared, infuriated, “You dared to touch the queen of the night! Remain where you’re seated. In eternal wait and wonder. We shan’t let you enter…How could you even think of committing such a blunder!!!!
And that’s where the defeated and defamed thugs got converted into stones waiting cursed for eternity. They failed to find a means of transport to take them back home.
Ages later artisans took pity and carved them into benches for honest men and women to rest at the end of the day on their way back to the comfort of their hearth of humble means.
Moral of the Story: Don’t act smart with God. He is the cleverest of thieves who can impoverish you in a jiffy without your knowing.
