Elderly folks must operate within organized groups

Jun 27, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
I read the recent letter dealing with the difficulties of the elderly in Guyana; particularly the vulnerability of women. I found this to be so when I relocated to the country for roughly 4 years in the 1990s, and lived on my own – without a personal telephone throughout, despite applying for one from my first day here.
Fortunately for me, I was up most of the night and had lights on in my fully grilled house in Section K, Campbellville, and my neighbours kept dogs, that barked at times. But I realised my vulnerability when a (recommended) workman had to repair a leak in the roof, grossly overcharged for the job, and left a ladder leaning at the back of the house for at least two nights before starting the job. Fortunately, a house in the street backing my home had an all-night watchman, who sat facing the back of my house, so that was great.
The workman had another young man assisting him. One day I walked into my bedroom and there was the young man on top of my wardrobe, trying to repair the roof – without my knowledge or permission! After the job was completed and they had left, I found a huge file on the inside ledge of my grilled kitchen window; it was not mine.
After a while I got so frustrated with living conditions in general, that I decided to “cut and run”. I was ‘existing’ not ‘living’, having to monitor everything, just in case. The elderly have a tough time, even in industrialised countries. In the UK, the subject is constantly debated in both print and electronic media. However, we still serve a purpose in the NHS – for advanced students in cataract operations and for test marketing with health products new to the market. I often wonder if the NHS people know we are wise to their ploys.
The elderly section of the community must operate within organised groups, with strong support from well-wishers and under effective leadership. And may the good Lord help us all. In the meantime, dogs may be our best friends. Unfortunately, as an asthmatic, animals are a “no-no” for me. But I am not complaining – my husband and I often relive our youthful days spent with our circle of friends and the amusing capers we got up to!
Geralda Dennison

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