Winter in Kashmir is a time of great hardships for people. Though the landscape all around transforms into a serene, and snow-capped expanse drawing crowds, yet, simultaneously, it unfolds a multitude of miseries for seniors— for whom the harsh season is often a natural check. Often, during snowy winter, our elderly loved ones get ignored. They remain devoid of care and support that they deserve. At our edifices, they are mostly kept confined to some specific rooms that we least open the doors to—forgetting our duties altogether towards them. Compared to rest of the year, our senior citizens actually need extra care and attention in chilly winter season when all around remains decked with snow.

History bears witness to the fact that harsh weather conditions have always been challenging for our senior citizens. In Kashmir, since ancient times, we have seen that during snowy season their life is totally a trial. Those who adjust, live; those who don’t, perish quickly. In past, our elderly persons mostly died due to paralysis, called in common terms as Harkat. Though least such cases are reported nowadays, yet, snowy season claims more elderly lives than any other.

Even if we lace our elders with warm winter wear ahead of winter season, yet, snowy months prove deadliest for the elderly—making it essential for all of us to step up and ensure their comfort, safety and well-being. Ensuring warmth for the seniors alone won’t do it. There is lot more to be done to ensure........

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