World Elders Day is being observed today, October 1. It is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the issues and challenges of ageing in today’s world. The theme for 2016 which is “Take a Stand against Ageism” gives a clarion call to all to consider the negative attitudes and discrimination based on age which has a detrimental impact on older people. Older people who feel they are a burden may also perceive their lives to be less valuable, putting them at risk of depression and social isolation. Research shows that older adults with negative attitudes about ageing may live 7.5 years less than those with positive attitudes. If there are elders at home whom we take care of, then this day could be spent to reiterate one’s pledge to continue to do your best, or probably look back to check if we have done enough or make amends. For those who have not given a thought on looking after the elders at home, then this is the day to make a start. Taking care of elders, just like charity, should also begin at home. What most elders at home want is love and attention. We need to spend quality time with them and have a few minutes of heart-to-heart talk with them. At times we may give the elders the basic need of food, clothing and shelter and feel that we are doing enough for them which is not the case. Elders are like children. Just like little babies, the moods of the elders swing, sometimes too quickly not allowing us enough time to grasp. Fulfilling the physical, psychological and emotional needs of elders is the key to keep them healthy and happy.
Neglect and maltreatment inside the families and in the society often lead to high levels of stress among elders. Unfortunately there may be instances when in some homes the elders are abused. They are deprived of the basic necessities. Some may consider them a burden to have them around at home. So they put them in the old-age homes. In old-age homes they may be provided with the basic necessities but what they miss is the warmth and love of their children and grandchildren. Those who have entered the evening of their lives should not be abandoned in old-age homes. In many homes elderly people live alone at home while their children have settled abroad. These elderly people run the risk of threat to their lives from anti-social elements. We should not take them for granted. We should show respect towards them, make them feel important. We should discuss current issues with them. One could also learn from their experience in life. Grandparents have a strong bonding with their grandchildren. Unfortunately in many homes children, for some reason, are kept away from their grandparents. This is most unfortunate. By helping elders be mentally fit and healthy we will in the process reduce our burden of looking after them at all time. We should not forget that one day we too shall become elders and would not want the younger generation to treat us with disdain.
