The English poet Robert Browning wrote "Grow old with me the best is yet to be." But if he saw the condition of senior citizens in India he would not probably have rewritten the poem. Coping with old age is becoming increasingly difficult. Young people now see senior citizens as a burden. The respect they once enjoyed in the joint family is slowly disappearing. The seniors are thought to be useless material and the seniority stage of life a curse to bear till can find the exit.
Many suffer mental and physical abuse. In Mumbai, a man and his wife locked his 68-year-old mother out of the home with food and water for the day. She was let ‘in’ only when they returned from work in the evening. This was allegedly in her "own interest" as she was absent-minded and they feared she could even forget to switch off the gas. Ironically, the old lady was the owner of the property. Her neighbours complained to the police who intervened.
Homes for the aged are becoming a reality with the joint family system collapsing and children migrating to other countries. But there is a long waiting list. There are 550 homes for the needy and the destitute.
We are a society in transition. We have neither the facilities of the west nor the care and concern for the elderly that has traditionally been a part of our culture.
Perhaps, youngsters do not bother to think about the other side of the coin which may turn around likewise one day. If they do, surely would fear the possibility of history getting repeated, when the juniors copy & follow the same ways of treatments during their old age.
The people who deal with the old people sometimes lack understanding, patience, and tolerance. The problem of coping with old people is not just found in their poor health, bad mental attitude, and a philosophy of life that runs against the grain. The people who deal with senior citizens must also have some knowledge of the problems of older people and some ability to deal with these problems. I would like 2 give some suggestions for dealing with senior citizens:
· Do not expect old people to be much different from any other age.
· Give honor and respect to those who are old.
· Learn to love older people.
· Be careful about correcting an old person's opinion.
· Treat old people just like you want to be treated when you get old.
· Old folks love to laugh, so try 2 make them laugh.
· Visit the old people n spend time with them.
The Glory of the Senior Citizen none can ever deny or deprive, when their worthy contribution display their values to the world. The Bible very clearly tell us, "Honor your older people, which is the first commandment with promise "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." This principle of honor is the major way of dealing with our senior citizens.
So, my friends I take this opportunity through my blog to make you realize the worth of our senior citizenz. Plz try to understand thm n be sensitive towards thm!
