CARING FOR THE ELDERLY

Oct 04, 2015 Editorial, Features / Columnists

As Guyana joins the other countries around the world to celebrate the “International Day of the Elderly” it is only appropriate for everyone to acknowledge their contributions to Guyana and that the government must ensure that they are taken care of.
The elderly are the most vulnerable in society but far too little attention has been paid to them by the citizens, many of whom considered them a drag on society. The elderly have paid their dues to society and now that they are old, they should be given every assistance that they need to survive.
They should be able to live in an environment in which they can remain active citizens for as long as possible, and receive the care and attention of family members, friends and persons of goodwill. Society should not neglect, hurt or abuse them and the government should make sure that they do not suffer. All should respect the humanity of the ageing and the aged.
Unfortunately, the reality is that many elderly citizens are being abused by people who are too busy to care for them and who have very little patience for them because they have passed their productive years. This is, of course, is not new.
There are many publicly exposed instances where the elderly have been exploited and abused physically, mentally and emotionally by their caregivers or even by their very own relatives. But lest we forget, it is the elderly who gave us life and took care of the present generation.
However, a great measure of commendation should go to religious organizations and others in civil society that provide daycare centers and health care for the elderly. This has assured relatives that their elderly loved ones are in a safe environment and beneficially occupied while they are at work or on vacation. Such facilities have the added benefit of reducing or eliminating the opportunities for unscrupulous persons to prey on the vulnerabilities of the elderly.
Everyone gets older by the second which should remind us that it is the responsibility of all to go beyond articulating the plight of the elderly. We must eliminate it and make sure that they continue to benefit from good caring. The elderly must be viewed as an important resource and asset, rather than a burden on the government or family members.
Society should make sure that the elderly should not be cast aside or forsaken because they are old.
It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that pensions and other subsidies provided to the elderly are adequate, consistent and on time. It is incumbent upon all in society to make sure that the elderly live out their years in stability, safety and comfort and with adequate access to health care.
In this respect, everyone should acknowledge the work of religious and civil organizations and individuals who have and continue to make life for the elderly worthwhile and meaningful. Society must always remember the elderly for bridging the so-called generation gap, as the young and the elderly intermingle at home, church and at social functions.
The social interaction between the elderly, youths and the rest of the population is the gem of society.
Caring for and sharing with the elderly should be the responsibility of all, for they have walked the earth before and have given much to society which made it possible for the life this generation enjoys today.
It is often stated that it takes a village to raise a child, therefore it should take that same village to help that child’s ageing parents and grandparents.

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