Question

Read the following conversation between an old grandfather, Mr. Das and 12-year-old grandson's friend Ravi.

Mr. Das: How are you Ravi and how is your grandfather?

Ravi: I am fine but my grandfather always feels angry and unhappy. He criticises everyone all the time, so no one wants to sit and talk with him. He is boring and not as loving as you are. Why does he behave like that Dadu?

Mr. Das: It is because he has been unwell for a long time. Your grandpa is not getting company from any one, this makes him feel lonely and isolated. In other words, he is suffering physically, as well as mentally due to his old age. He gets angry because he is unsure of himself now and annoys others by his comments. He does not think that he is acceptable in society now.

Which is why, he expresses his frustrations by being rude to others without any reason and fault of theirs. Why don't you spend time with him? Talk to him about your friends, your day in school, a happy incident, a sad one also and you may observe the change in him within a few days.

Ravi: Thank you, Dadu. Now I understand that if someone is sick and emotionally unhappy, he would likely be angry and alienate others.

Answer in brief

1. Give reasons for the loneliness of Ravi’s grandfather.
2. State situations that made Ravi think his grandfather was alienating others.
3. Say yes or no
   1. Do you agree that physical, mental and social health are interrelated?
   2. Living with others harmoniously requires a person to be socially healthy. State the reason for your choice.

Answer 1

1. Ravi’s grandfather feels lonely because he has been unwell for a long time and does not get company. His physical illness and emotional unhappiness make him feel isolated and unsure of his place in society.
2. Ravi noticed that his grandfather criticised everyone, often became angry, and made rude comments. As a result, people did not want to sit and talk with him.
3. 1. Yes. Physical, mental and social health are interrelated because illness or distress in one area can affect a person’s well-being in the others.
   2. Yes. Social health helps a person form positive relationships, communicate respectfully, adapt to different situations and live harmoniously with others.