Respect old peoples: They graduated high school without “GOOGLE or WIKIPEDIA

The Elderly in India: And We Keep Neglecting…
Human nature is funny. People take great trouble to preserve relics from the past as some kind of evidence of history. Millions of dollars (or whatever currency is politically correct post-Recession) are spent in restoring heritage buildings, archaeological expeditions and museums. We are paranoid about our glorious past and so we need proof that it had existed at some point. While man-made heritage is preserved, people seem to give two hoots about caring for living heritage in itself.

We must protect an old building because it is a symbol of a rich, living history but it is perfectly acceptable to throw out an old relative because he or she has lost any form of material utility. India is a perfect example of such an attitude.

After a point, even having enough money is not enough to guarantee you a roof. Many elderly people have been rendered homeless after having been thrown out of their houses by their family members, including their children. Some of them had even been well off. India does not have an ageing-friendly environment at all. There is neither any infrastructure, nor any support system to ensure their well-being. Even the Maintenance Act which was passed to ensure that parents have the right to demand support from their children, has been quite a recent phenomenon.

The main problem lies in the fact that there is absolutely no support system for the old in the country. Neither is there any social security, nor any form of community support.

Old Age Homes: Bane or boon?
A DECADE ago, there were hardly any old age homes, barring a few run by the Christian missionaries (orphanages) or the state government. Now every where we see old age homes of all types: for poor, orphans and destitute, pay and stay basis run by individuals, senior citizens associations, NGOs and trusts and the government social welfare department. While many provide shelter and food for older persons, others provide assistance to the physically disabled or bed-ridden individuals. Some old age homes attached to hospitals also offer full fledged geriatric care.

Then the question arises whether such elder homes are a bane or a boon in present changed circumstances. This question was posed to a group of about 450 senior citizens that were a part of a Yahoo Web group called Sss-global. Some 20 senior citizens responded and here is the consolidated opinion of our elders:

Boon

• For senior citizens who are neglected, dumped, abused
• For parents whose children are abroad or outside their city
• For those who lack family support due to some reason
• Strained relationships between senior citizens and their son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws

• For those living alone, widows and widowers
• For those without children or anyone to look after
• For those who cannot carry on with daily chores like washing, cooking, etc by themselves
• For those who have to pay the charges, fees of pay and stay elder homes
• For those who run old age homes on fully commercial (read: exploitative) basis

They are a boon also because old age homes call for adjustments and learning from other inmates

However, while living in an old age homes, one has to adjust oneself with the rules and regulations of such homes such as specific meal timings, food habits, servant’s behavior, attitude, etc.

Enjoy other inmates company without getting offended by their habits and attitudes. A person who has lived in a boarding school or hostel may find it easier to get along and adjust in the new environment.

Bane

It is a bane when senior citizens are forced to live in old age homes despite having their own children.

Mushrooming of old age homes will only make children give up their responsibilities and send their parents to such homes.

Some moot points that emerged are given below:

• It is the responsibility of parents to groom children in Indian culture to take care of elders
• It is a shame to live in old age homes when one’s children are there
• Parents should teach their kids to be responsible in life

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

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