Problems Faced by the Elderly
Someone has aptly said, that childhood is a dream youth a blunder and old age a regret. Many of the old aged and senior citizens continue to be battered strangled to death, rendered homeless and forced to live the last few years of their life in loneliness and despair.
Increasing cases of crime against senior citizens and social factors like the collapse of the joint-family system have left the aged out in the cold. Many couples also face problems, if their children move abroad. They live alone and are easy targets for criminals. The basic maladjustment in the joint system has resulted in its fragmentation. The younger generation doesn’t want to be bothered with the elderly. As a result many of them are now opting for old-age homes, where they get the much-needed security, peace of mind wholesome food and good company.
Then there are others who don’t want to stay with their children. Now the joint-family system has changed, and women are also working. Old people are expected to look after their grandchildren. Many people see themselves as domestic help and resent it.
They are also helpless because of ineffective laws and a welfare state that offers no aid or security so the elderly remain vulnerable and open to attack. They continue to live lives of desperation.
Very often, many of us are extremely sympathetic towards the aged and the old when we hear of their desperate situation and condition. But would it not be better if we show sensitivity and courtesy towards the grandparents and senior citizens in our household first. Let’s take the first step forward in the right direction, and we will surely make a headway.
