Why push away our Elders?

Centuries ago, it was the pride of every one to live in an extended family with the grandparents, parents, uncles, sisters etc. However these things have long been lost with the current trend of modernization. Today when we grow up we want to live in solitude away from the old folks. As if that is not enough we push them to the old age homes.

When I first set foot in an old age home, tears flowed down my eyes because I felt these people at this critical stage of their lives needed love form their children and not being left in these home.

Many times we forget that the old folks too had great dreams to be with their children. They too need love in abundance. Old age is a time when they need to share their experiences with the people who are close to them that is their own kinship. Unfortunately most of these opportunities are not at hand because we have pushed them in the old age homes.

Looking after elders can be tough at times but we should realize that these people went an extra mile is raising us to be what we are today. One may argue that we are so busy with our work and there is less time to look after them. Well that is no cause to throw them in an old age home. All they need is a little bit of your time to feel better.

Our elders need us to give them solace, reduce their loneliness and talk to them about their ailments. It is our duty to revive their low spirits in sharing their experiences. We should look at the brighter side of life and forget the so called “nagging” bit of it. It is our responsibility to look after them than put them in these homes.