Every morning, I gather my courage before stepping out—whether it’s to walk to the local park, visit the temple, or simply go to the grocery store. What should be a simple, pleasant outing has become an obstacle course. And I’m not alone. Thousands of senior citizens across India face the same anxiety each day, navigating roads that seem increasingly hostile. What makes it so difficult? It’s not just the potholes or the crumbling sidewalks, though those are daunting enough. It’s the utter chaos on our roads. Lane discipline seems to be a forgotten concept. Vehicles weave in and out, honk incessantly, jump red lights, and overtake from whichever side they please, as though the rules don’t apply. Add to that the menace of talking on the phone while driving, and the danger multiplies.
As senior citizens, we walk a little slower, drive a little more cautiously, and react a tad later. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a right to be on the road. Just because we’ve reached a certain age, should we be forced to stay at home?
We have worked hard all our lives, and now, in our later years, we want to enjoy our freedom—meet friends, visit community centers like the Ekta Hub, or simply enjoy an evening stroll. The road should be a shared space, one that respects the needs of all—young and old, fast and slow, driver and pedestrian.
It’s ironic, isn’t it? The very same people who flout rules here don’t dare do the same abroad. In London or Singapore, they follow lane discipline, wait patiently at traffic lights, and never dream of overtaking recklessly. Why can’t we bring that same respect for the rules back home?
The truth is, every time someone breaks a traffic rule in India, they’re not just risking their own life—they’re putting mine at risk too. And yours. And your mother’s. And your grandfather’s.
We urge every road user to think, not just about the clock or the car ahead, but about the person crossing the street slowly, gripping their walking stick tightly. That person could be your parent. Or me.
Let’s make our roads safer, not just for convenience, but out of care. Spare a thought for us, the senior citizens. We don’t want special treatment—just respect, safety, and the dignity to move about freely.
After all, the road is for everyone. Isn’t it?