Problems of the elderly
One wonders whether the phrase "May you live to a
ripe old age" is a blessing or a curse. Old age cannot be avoided. It is a
phase of life, which will arrive and stay till death takes its toll. Problems
of old age come in two forms: emotional and physical. Many studies have proved
that the two are actually interconnected. No precautionary measures can avoid
these problems; senior citizens just have to face them bravely.
Old age is feared in recent times; however. This was not
the case in the olden times. In the good old days, life was not so complicated
and family values were given more importance. Hence, the older generations held
a very important position in the family tree and in society. They were the
epitomes of wisdom. The younger ones benefitted from their profound knowledge
and experiences.
The scenario is changing nowadays with senior citizens
being considered as "non-productive" and. They are thought to be a
social and economic burden. In urban areas, the entire responsibility is on the
male child with whom the aging parent resides. Due to the nuclear family
system, the aged people tend to feel neglected as all the others remain busy
with their own schedule. The experiences of the old are considered primitive in
this advanced ‘techno’ world and no one wants to pay heed to what they have to
say.
Many are forced to sell off their property as a result of
some dispute within the family or for their children’s career, making them
solely dependent on their children later. After a certain age, their health
starts deteriorating and their mental faculties begin to diminish. Sometimes,
these people cannot recognize their own family members. In such situations,
these people are considered to be a burden and are thrown out.
Those who can afford, try to reduce their guilt by sending
their old parents to the home for the aged. But seldom do they realize that
although their parents or grandparents may get physical care in these
institutions, their emotional needs of affection and love by their own near and
dear ones remain unfulfilled. What the youngsters of today fail to realize is
that they will get old too some day and may have to meet a similar fate,
because history is bound to repeat itself and a person reaps what he sows.
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