Old age is often considered a curse by many as diseases, fatigue and health issues are common for an aged individual, especially the one over sixty five years of age. With old age also comes many struggles. One such struggle is mobility and travel.
Age of Struggle
Nagpur is a city which many prefer while retiring, making the sight of an old couple or individuals very frequent across the city. Commuting is normally not a problem as every place is close by. Taking an auto or a taxi is a convenient means of transport for old individuals. However, not everyone can afford a taxi or an auto. Such people have to resort to sharing an auto rickshaw or catching the ST Bus to reach their destination. Both means are tedious and crowded, and for an old person it can be a challenge.
No Bus For Old Folks
Worn out by age and the heat of Nagpur, an old aged couple or an individual is often seen waiting for their bus ride. In a small bus stop with limited seats, some of which are always broken or dirty, resting while waiting is not always an option. The bus arrives soon after and these old citizens hop on the bus, some barely due to lack of strength in their legs. Metal seats with no cushion are a back breaker, but when there is no choice, the only choice is to accept what is available. Some older folks may also be seen walking towards the bus waving and begging the bus driver to stop as they were late to reach the bus stop. For some reason, the ST buses are always in a rush and do not consider the age of an individual.
Even though bus rides are free for citizens over seventy in Nagpur, convenience is missing. After a certain age, the mind and body can only take so much and when basic facilities for our old Nagpurians are but a luxury unless they have money, Nagpur may become a smart city, but it will never become a smart society.
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