They need love and respect
Though a harsh reality but most of us do not admit it openly or do not wish to make it public either. The issue which we are discussing is about the elder population as most of them feel ignored by families during this fast age.
The most of the elders around us feel that times have changed drastically and they don’t get the respect and attention they used to. It’s not one reason – it’s a mix of how life, tech, and culture have shifted.
Elders in most of the households are ignored and even not taken care of. Even the decision making process in most of the households is being taken up by the youngsters and the elders are side-lined. Mostly because the younger generation feels that they know things quite better.
This has led to a situation where the elders feel neglected, ignored and at times a burden for their families. We often come across with cases that relate a horrific face of our society in the present times. In many families both with high and even with low earnings, the elder members are being undermined and not cared for the way they were or they should otherwise be.
Many instances of siblings falling apart have been reported across the landscape (rural or urban), where old aged parents are being termed as a liability and are being shuffled across families for months together as no one is willing to take them in for the rest of their lives.
Ironically, old age is often accompanied by loneliness, insecurity, and emotional vulnerability. As parents age they do not just face physical health issues but also require emotional connection and mental support.
They aging parents may feel neglected, anxious, or even depressed due to the absence of meaningful interaction and companionship which is nowadays becoming a routine. Even in some cases where the children are comfortable with having their elderly parents around, but in the long run the parents feel isolated as they do not get the required attention and care that they deserve otherwise.
Another concern that the elderly have these days is the many among them remain financially dependent on their children. They always seem concerned and at times slip into depression and stress over the rising medical costs, inflation, and the lack of proper social security systems.
A huge number of cases are being reported where the elders have been asked to take care of their needs on their own. This has resulted in many of them resorting to ignore their health concerns as they feel that lot of costs are involved in seeking treatments and medical aid.
Notably, with aging come various health complications—arthritis, diabetes, vision problems, mobility issues, or more serious conditions like Alzheimer’s or cardiovascular diseases. Caring for elderly parents involves scheduling regular health check-ups, ensuring timely medication and providing a nutritious diet and arranging for physical assistance when required.
Though most of the children rise to the occasion but those who tend to ignore their elders need to believe into the fact that they will not stay young all through their lives and the period the elders are witnessing they too have to pass through it.
We immediately need to act and involve the elders in our homes in small ways. These can be asking for small advises and sharing a lighter moment. We also need to bridge the technology gap and aware them of few social media tools and handling of cell phones.
Our elders too were young at some point of time. They may have hardened in their approach over the years but the reality is that they still crave for love and respect. This is what can make a difference.
