TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION

Surveys show that suicide rates in 60's age group are four times as much as in others. Loneliness ranks as the first cause in this unfortunate toll.

Loneliness is the chief misery anyone getting old dreads. Added to other problems - like inability to clean and repair, to shop and cook - comes the main complaint of oldsters: 'No one knocks on my door any more."

'It is easy to forget an older citizen in all this urban upset. They cannot fend for themselves, fight or push. They must be helped."

Young men and women, you can do a lot to help your elder brothers and sisters pull on cheerfully to the end by giving them the much-needed company and understanding. You will win from tears of gratitude besides deserving aptly to be called by them blessed:

Happy are they who understand my faltering step and palsied hand

Happy are they who know that my ears today must strain to catch the things they say.

Happy are they who seem to know that my eyes are dim and wits are slow.

Happy are they who looked away when coffee is spilled at the table today.

Happy are they with a cheery smile who stop to chat a little while.

Happy are they who never say, 'Your have told the story twice today.'

Happy are they who know the ways to bring back memories of yesterdays.

Happy are they who make it known that I'm loved, respected and not alone.

Happy are they who know I'm at a loss to find the strength to carry the cross.

Happy are they who ease the days on my journey Home in loving ways.

Age is a quality of the mind.

If you have left your dreams behind,

If hope is cold,

If you no longer look ahead,

If your ambition's fire are dead,

Then you are old.