One of the prime reasons for these veteran politicians to retire is that they were skilled in transferring the nation from monarchical governance to the democratic one. That means they have worked extremely hard till day therefore they earn retirement. And we must let them enjoy their old age. Since most of our politicians have been living luxuriously, they also deserve a special golf course to spend their retiring years. This is the aesthetic side of suggestions.
On the purposeful side of the reasons for retirement, I have these simple arguments. They do not know how to go further as professionals. Wise people say they do not have both knowledge and skill to comprehend the economic aspirations of the country. They are regressive politicians who know how to blame and quarrel to maintain the status quo. Finally, sensible Nepali people do not want them to be the leaders any more. These are the straightforward reasons for them to leave politics.
When I sent these reasons to Jahanavi Appa, she wrote: “The trouble is that if they really retire, their wives will have full time difficult jobs to take care of their husbands.” Jokes apart, I think when you grow old, you should accept the natural process. The politicians must not fear that they are fast growing old because they have been working so hard all these difficult years. Growing old is a natural process but while growing old they also are giving the signs of senescence.
My suggestions may sound harsh but if one knows the difference between “aging” and “senescence,” one would not be upset by my ideas. (Aside: Dear Cell Biologists and Gerontologists! Ignore if I am wrong because my purpose is to take the politicians to task by threatening them. The purpose of definition is intentional!) Aging is slightly different to senescence. Aging cannot be altered but senescence is the effect on the functioning of your body. Old age may or may not lead to senescence. Let me qualify the proposition: Old age may or may not necessarily lead to senescence. It is variable because for some people senescence can begin earlier than the old age which generally is counted after 70.
We all age and have to age so there is nothing bad about it, but if one gets senescence even before getting much old, there are problems because it may lead to disorientation. Our politicians are aging but if they do not retire, due to all the conflicts and irritations, they will be largely confused, disoriented, and utterly alone.
The signs of confusion are evident in them. They unknowingly contradict late in the day what they have declared this morning. They blame country X when they are dissatisfied by country Y. They dine together with the opponents but swore to make Nepalis starved. They repeat but think that they have been innovative. Consequently, it seems their ability to respond to stress is declining rapidly.
Even gerontologists talk about the progressive loss of key genes but such loss is rapid in some, but with others even advance old age keeps them fit in mind and body. That is why I want to distinguish old age with senescence despite my disciplinary limitation in biology and all.
Aging is slightly different to senescence. Aging cannot be altered but senescence is the effect on the functioning of your body. Old age may or may not lead to senescence.
Advancing to senescence is dangerous in politics because it affects a large number of people—the entire nation and even beyond the boundaries. There is more risk than if it is there in families and neighborhoods. The problem is a simple understanding. Marie Dressler, Mind and Bill and Emma fame actress, said long ago: It is not how old you are, but how you are old. The “how-ness” is not functioning well with our leaders.
Such problems are not chronological about years but pathological about mind and body. Nepali political institution must have retirement age and then its benefits, based on such symptoms of senescence. Surprisingly, such plans do not apply to India and China: Their leaders are doing great.
Why has aging been so discriminatory? Same old people on the north and south of our country but so much of difference! I am linguistically sophisticated and that is why I should not use derogatory adjectives. But by approaching aging, there is the possibility of being senile, senescent, tattered, shabby, foul, irritated, bellicose, and regressive. These symptoms dangerously counter graceful aging—my suggestion.
orungupto@gmail.com
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