The Poor Old People Reach 97%

     A wise proverb says, 'Being old is natural, but being adult is choice'. This adage warns pragmaticly and straightly to the point, if someone is being old without an adult mind that means his life has no meaning, or will become a burden for his children and grandchildren. Therefore before old age arrives, we must prepare ourselves. Although we act and think as an adult, it’l be simply nonsense without financial independence. Financial independence means maintaining the dignity and credibility of old ages, so the person can keeps ( as Bung Karno’s phrase) self-sufficient, living on its own ability.
     Financial is a significant matter in all ages, especially in old ages. Not just basic needs, the needs from other sectors will soon appear in retire period -an unproductive period, such as health and social demands. When we are still in a prouctive ages, there is no health problem. All of needs will not be stopped in unproductive time. All the demands will still run, but it is not as big as before. That's why a lot of people have financial problems. And they increase more and more by day.

     The describtion is very clear. In all of the public area we can see less of old people there. If they’re still exist, the condition are financially weak, such as the sellers for the food or stuffs that don’t have a good market. That’s not include the old beggars who hanging around everywhere.
     At what age a person is called old enough? Those people who retire (generally age 55 years or above) are usually called old. However five years after retired, people financially still feel the remnants of the past working glorious. They still have money in the bank and investment that seems will never run out. Their lifestyle does not affect although the actual financial condition has changed. And most of the retirees are too late to be realized and to be anticipated.
     Then when they reach 65 years old (when the properties run out) they will understand that their lives are only supported by a little money of pension. When they finnaly realize that they almost broke, their habit in the past are already difficult to change. And the unconvenient question is, how long will they live in this world, while they already have a very bad financial problem? How sad it is!
     Even worse, many of them are still working (due to minimum amount of or no pension at all). Of course, physically and spiritually they are fatigue and no longer able to compete with younger workers. They still have to toil for survival.

The Pathetic Of Percentage
     Five years of research did by the author has result that shows a fairly pathetic where the percentage of poverty in old age nearly 97% among the advanced age group of 60 to 70 years old in various places. Poverty in old age is people who do not or less able to meet their personal needs, and require relatives to crutch their life. Plus, they do not have any health and life insurance.
     The biggest position respondent occupied by people who old and poor, 53%. While those who recorded already died in poverty condition are 45%. The amount of 97% is the result percentage of the old groups who still live or die in poverty. There are only 2.5% older class who comfortable living, because of working hard (in the productive age) and frugality. It is only 0.5% of old people who are rich, because they have a lot of capital and/or work hard.

 

An old man and his bike (photo by google)
     The gaps between poverty and prosperity in older groups are very large. That means no matter how much charity or donation from old people who be wealth and live comfortably, will not be able to reduce the number of the old and poverty people. Why is that? Because poverty in old age is a relatively habit and (almost) certainly can not be repaired again. They should require a continuously help from their family until the rest of their life. It is different with the poverty by children and young people who can still be attempted.

Bright And Smart Solution
     This is not an unconvenient condition that will be happened by almost all of us. This is a learning result. At the time when we are no longer productive later, our financial are relatively dependent on the revenue that we are getting now, regardless of luck we will get in the future. It would be nice if we are cautious in managing money and setting aside for savings or safe investment. With that way, we will, at least, get into the 2.5% old group.
     In the end, by comparison with wise proverb from the first paragraph, there is another proverb says (sorry I do not say this is an unwisw proverb wise, because many people may trust it), 'We are born naked, then will die without anything'. In other words, this proverb asserts that how much money we are collecting, won’t ultimately be brought to the grave. Is there something wrong with it? No. Absolutely not. It all depends on each perceptions. May all of us are not 97% of the respondents later.

An Episode of the Anggie’s Court; The Twelve Confuse Man

     The prosecutor stands unsurely, prepares to do cross examination. He have been an attorney for twenty-five years. He knows how to behave without be unsure. But to treat the accused (beautiful) woman, for a case which are being highlighted by the various of local and foreign media, needs special treatment.Even a profesional butcher prays before doing his job, he said quietly.
     "Dear Anggie," she called softly and very polite. A very ambitious salesman is still less polite than what he is doing now. "Is it true the blackberry that proved sending a message to Nasrudin's phone, who is now in prison, was not yours?"
     Beyonce shocks lightly. Her eyes open widely, both forming so beautiful. Her lips trembled as she said, "No, Mr. Attorney."
     If the prosecutor is Outside of the courtroom, he will be bound to throw up because of seeing the fake act of the defendant. But he is inside, where the twelve jurors must be convinced. So he tries to be steady and makes a fake smile in his face. "So you refuse to admit that the gadget belongs to you?"
     "Yes, Sir," She answered firmly. Just after a deep breath and still with a vibrate stare.
     "Are you sure?" He continued. "Anggie, do you still remember that you was sworn under the holy book? That means that you swear by God the Almighty." Four last word is spoken respectly.
     She repeats her answer.

Inside the courtroom (photo by Google) 
     The prosecutor pauses. His stares to the twelve jurors who listens carefully."Ladies and gentlemen, you all have heard her answer, haven’t you?" His eyes blink tiredly. "And I hope you don’t get confused as I do now."
     Each eye of the twelve people sends an agreement to him.Now, the thirteen are partner.
     "How can someone ,who in 2009, had total revenues about 100 million per month, plus other unreport income, be ..."
     "Objection, the honor!" The defense Shouts loudly. "Prosecutors suspects the accused with citing the defendant's income."
     "The objection is accept," The Judge said. Then he looks at the jurors who are not really listening to him. "Jury, please disregard the prosecutor's statement of the unreport income of Anggie. Attorney, please continue. "
     After doing lips service briefly with the judge, the prosecutor continues. "How can someone who has an income of 100 million per month, can not buy the popular gadget which is very populer among youngster and the executives. And we all know, popular gadget is a must for them, especially an attractive female as Anggie. It means if you don’t it you’ll be old-fashioned. Won’t you Anggie?"

     The defendant denies to be refuse.
     Prosecutor smiled at the twelve of them who their chin nods almost simultaneously. Then he announces that the investigation is done.

Soekarno, Hatta, And Jokowi, Also Brad Pitt

     The gait of Surakarta mayor Joko Widodo, or who is familiarly called by Jokowi, with the national car called Esemka Rajawali should be appreciated. So far, the idea of ​​national pride or slogan 'I Love Made In Indonesia' is only a lips service. The goods or products which produced by the Indonesian always be devoid from government’s attention, and get a bad sale. These products are slaughtered very cruelty by foreign products. Only a few are able to compete due to hereditary taste, the tobacco and tea. And Jokowi suddenly emerges as a bureaucrat who is supporting the nation's cars so much.

 
Jokowi in meeting (photo by google)

     His support is not without any risk. Although many people praise and follow his steps, from the government, bussinesman, and celebrities, but a lot of people too who oppose the idea of ​​a national car. In this country, most of the conflicts of interest always end with sad endings, or even very sad endings. Many people are already anticipating the Esemka Rajawali case will end tragically. And if that really happens, nothing needs to be sorry for. It also would not need people going to the streets. If they (who have power of decision) think Esemka unworthy to be on the road, then let japanese’s cars or ‘other country far away’s cars that more worthy to pass on the highway that was built by the droplets of sweat and tears of our people.
     After all, the gait of Jokowi is already a success moving that will always be remembered nicely. Now and then. We all know the risks to be faced by the mayor, who former as an entrepreneur. In politics, the people who dare to act would have be victorious or perish. All that we can do, and I always think this is just the act of cowardice, just wish that Jokowi will always be safe. 

 

Soekarno and Hatta (photo by Google)
     See Jokowi’move for the work of the nation, I am always fond of what has also been carried out by the founding fathers of this country, Soekarno and Hatta. They were both the originator of the unity of the archipelago, which consists of thousands of islands. They united these islands without any bloodshed. Please note, without any bloodshed. An enormous achievement of the founders of the country. I am sure they will support any things that made by Indonesian people, from pin to aeroplane, from flip flops to buildings. No exception, the national car called Esemka Rajawali.
     Soekarno was a genius statesman who was able to collect a great moral support with his speech. He was also a strategist who is difficult to find the comparison. Hatta was accomplished politician who is very familiar with economic issues. He knew doing politics in poverty is suicide. And the most important, both of them are humble that skipping their personal interests. After following the history of this country, from the new order until the reform era, the figure of the founding fathers are appearing in Jokowi (NOW). And if there were ten bureaucrats with a strategic position to act as Jokowi, in terms of upholding the common interests than the private’s (or group) ones, the fate of this nation would be better in the future. 

 

Brad Pitt in Money Ball (photo by Google)
Money Ball
     There is also a more popular comparison. Brad Pitt's latest film, Money Ball, tells is about a baseball coach who must exist with his baseball club. The executives of Oackland Athletics baseball club gives the option to the coach, Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt), to accept the tight budget or leave. Beane chooses to stay with the club. His deal is buying some potential players who are still cheap. Firstly, the club is very tortuous struggle and shuffle. After finding the right herb, they are able to offset the game. Done? Not yet. When Oackland Athletics started up the top ranking, the rich club from Boston offers Beane much better gain with the same position. And again, Beane chooses to stay in Oackland. The climax is the match between Oackland Athletics, the tight budget club, against Boston, a full of money club. Boston wins the game. The film closes with credit, Beane is still struggling with the Oackland Athletics. Once again, this film reminds the gait of Jokowi with Esemka Rajawali, the national car.

Are We still normal?

     In the past, if you were in the middle of a bunch of people, have been very reasonable in case of intimate, had to make conversations between individuals. The converstion could be contain mild and serious issues in a relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes the interaction brought them in a kinship atmosphere. The measure whether a person having an ability to do socialize in the community used to be depended on how good he or she speaks and develops the subject of  the conversation in the middle of a bunch of people. It meant if the person did not have ability to speak or at least make a little conversation among others, his or her normality should be questioned.
     But now the sense that concept is being less implemented. Many things are being caused, such as, the valuability of time, having trouble interacting with other people, the environment of community is not supportive, and the most effective way to suppress the ability of verbal communication between individuals, advances in communications technology. Although the phenomenon is not really affected the whole society. only the gadget (the term for communication technology) generation, who was born in the era of '80s and above, who get the affect. It is a common sight when in a group of people who do not know each other in a variety of ages and backgrounds, usually young people under 30 prefer to concern the modern mobile phone, rather than talking to someone. Of course that attitude was something that must be considered strange and very selfish in the past, before 90’ (the period when the gadget has not been rampant).
     In a polling conducted on the younger respondents (the gadget generation) in several cities and small towns, 70% assume that the gadget is more attractive than a direct conversation. Approximately 27% respondents interestings the gadget, but the conversation also remain an important interaction. Only 3% of respondents who assume that the gadget as an alternative way to communicate, and keep the convensional communication (oral). Respondents who are more crazy about the gadget come from big cities, where the situation has been very supportive to reduce social direct interaction with a variety of reasons. While respondents who are not so enthusiastic about the development of communication technology are those who live in small towns or rural areas, although the circulation of the gadget already get to their area.
     Actually, mostly of the young do not want to be bothered with chitchat and small talk, which for them is so forced and being forced. In any situation they want to be enjoy and take  their time, without any written or unwritten rule or limits. With the same respondents, 85% of them do not want to talk with a strangers. About 10% expresseds no objection to talk to  people who have been first encountered, although reluctantly. Only 5% who are always ready to talk to other people, by reason or manners.
Generation of Autism
     With the above facts, it illustrates how the attitude of the young generation who are no longer interested in social interaction. If their generation, who are knowing the gadget as they grow, already change their behaviour, imagine how far the next generation change away. To clarify, if they become familiar with communications tool and its conveniences when they grow up, to be sure the parents already have taught well behave to them before the rampant of the gadget. As for the generation who were born when so many facilities have been provided by the gadget, their parents must not have much time to introduce the way of life which is very useful for their future. Even parents may also have contracted by the virus of the gadget. It must be very silly, a mother has to download from her phone if she wants to sing lullaby. And then her phone will sing to her child. She does not do by herself. But it's true!

A gadget in hand (photo by google)
     With so many young people who more interested in their gadget instead of social interaction, would be more and more have been seen fixated on something clutched in public places. They use their time for themselves and their own world, regardless of the situation that occurred in the vicinity. As well as the condition of  an autism person. Autism generally, is the human condition that is from birth or infant do not have ability to do social relationships or interaction among others.And the symptoms of the generation of autism around us increase so fast.
     In fact, it seems oddly enough for the older generation who still maintain social interaction as a hospitable attitude. So it is easly to give negative prejudice or marginalized to people who are not being intimated with the gadget and having a conversation with a colleague beside him. While the generation of autism who familiar with the gadget is considered as a bunch of modern and excess people. What a mistake!
So, What is the problem?
     The subtitle above is true. So, what is the problem? The description phenomenon does not pose a problem for the society. Whatever the person’s attitude is still reasonable as long as it does not disturb the public and the law . Instead, it does not normal to make a fuss for reasonableness of anything. That could be stutter a shock culture think, or more extreme word, refusing the progress of the technology. The problem is, and maybe it will be a very complicated problem, the incidence of autism the generation of autism could undermine the value of the family and the community. Both values are very important for human life.
     We know there are three essential pillars to form a good society, the family's value, the norm of the society, and religious. Each of the three pillars are complementary and filling. If there is one of the pillars that not work, needed a replacement in accordance to the mind ability or intellectual level of each individual. And if the value of the family is being replaced or eroded by the technology of communication, it would be very difficult to find a replacement. Unless the individual has a positive and justified power of the reason. But even, that will not give a smoothness guarantee for individual that will go in the community living.
     Until now there has not been comprehensive and critical objective researching to explain the adverse effects of the gadget technology to society. It could be many of interests which reject the research, more over alerting the development of the technology could be considered a violation of human rights. Even the advertisements in the media are more satisfied with the very latest communication devices, and put the report of the negative side of the mobile phone in the last page. If the expert who relating with the result are really expecting about the devastating impact of the technology of the communication, the result would be as shock An Inconvenient Truth, the documentary movie about global warming. Although actually we will organize the community to understand better about the gadget, and will not step away pretending the gadget as a terrible plague.
The Changing Of The Definition Of Normal And Not Normal Behaviour In Community
     Of course this paper does not intend to return society to a life filled with warm-hearted as in the past. There is also no desire to judge for anomalous behavior of modern society. It's only natural in a phase of life when there is a shift in the value of life according to the progress made in those days. Like it or not.
     So the most important question is not, are we still normal? But how we do understand the anomalous behavior due to the progress of the technology. And also how we do understand the behavior of people who still persist with the behavior of his time. An elderly person would be more interested to greet or chat with someone nearby, and do not want to pursue his cell phone, although he or she slipped a blackberry in the pocket, and even though someone who he or she is talking to enjoys the conversation or not. It will be possible if in the future the generation who are very familiar with the gadget will look very old fashioned, because there will be a future generation who have an improvement technology.
     There is no right and wrong between two generation who have different behavior. The Differences were based solely on how they understand the euphoria or fever of gadget (modern communications technology).
     But we have to be very careful, Indonesia, our beloved country, is a consumer nation, not an inventor. As a consumer, most of Indonesian people are more comfortable to use for granted. We certainly can not measure to extent how good and bad the technology which be found by the inventor. The inventor who market his technology, always convince the prospective buyers about the advantages and grandiose promises of the product. If we only use the good side without knowing the bad side of the technology for all of us, we are just like the mice in laboratory experiments. What a nasty things!