Self-esteem and respect for the elderly in our society

By Francis Saldanha
Bellevision Media Network

20 December 2015: As the saying goes like, treasure the wisdom of old age, learn from elder people and be wise. It used to be that the elders were the most revered members of any community, tribe or family. Particularly in our society the elderly in our lives were held in high esteem and they were often sought out for advice about love, marriage, home remedies for illness and life itself. As important members of our families, old folk were not only a source of advice and guidance, but they also helped raise our children.

 

 

However, a complete change has taken place when it comes to the elderly people and the place they hold in today’s society. They are no longer involved in the rearing of their grandchildren and have been replaced by daycare centers, the internet, and television and videos games.

 

The sense of family unity, love of community, respect and care for our fellow man instilled in children by their grandparents has all been lost in the absence of these valuable sources of knowledge and experience. In some cases the elderly folks in today’s society are treated more like old furniture than part of the family.  Some time they are dusted off every so often and taken out of the house for a trip to the mall or a fast food restaurant or they are simply placed in convalescent homes where they spend the rest of their life lonely and forgotten.

 

 

There are, however, some cultures and communities around the world where the elderly population is still treated with love and respect.  They also hold important positions as head of families and beacon of wisdom and knowledge, guiding and paving the way for younger generations. Sadly, in some cultures, the elderly population is not treated with the respect and dignity they deserve and are sometimes the subject of abuse, mockery and ridicule.

 

I think it is still not too late for the new generation and in fact for all of us to reconcile with our elderly population and recognize the value they provide to our society as a source of history and experience. It is time for us to be patient and gentle with elderly people in our lives, as we all know that with age, as hearing, sight and short term memory diminishes which is quite understandable.

 

 

To my little knowledge at times there are simple things we can do to make our elderly people in the family to feel loved and cared for as valuable part and parcel of our close-knit families by speaking to them loudly and clearly without yelling at them.Get them involved in the meal cooking process by inviting them to peel vegetables.  If there is an event taking place in the family, let them know why and when it is happening etc. At times do not whisper in their presence as if you are hiding something from them which will lead to confusion and ill feeling. At times it is very good to get those talking by asking about what life was like when they were young.  It is also advisable at times to hug and kiss them often to let them know that you love and appreciate them and that you are proud to be part of their descendants.

 

 

Loving, respecting and interacting with our elderly loved ones help keep them alert and oriented. By doing that it exercises their brain and helps prevent dementia, Alzheimer’s and other mental degenerative diseases.

 

I would like to share BV reader’s ideas on how to re-integrate the elderly into our society and make use of the vast knowledge and experience they possess. Also would like to dedicate my thoughts and respect to one of my senior most colleague who is taking care of his aged mother at home, who has celebrated her 100th birthday very recently.