Take care of elderly persons: Need to establish Commission
BHOPAL, Madhya Pradesh (Central Chronicle), December 16, 2007:
Government should think about the welfare of elderly persons as in the changing scenario they are the most vulnerable and facing severe problems.
There are a number of examples wherein the children who were brought up by the parents or elders, did not think it wise to take care of their parents in the advanced age. All the hopes and expectations of the senior people get demolished when their children overlook their welfare and leave them to the mercy of the old age homes.
At present more than 80 million elderly persons are above the age of 60 years in the country. By the year 2025 every fourth person on the road would be an elderly person.
In a workshop organised in Bhopal by Help Age, India, it came into light that a policy for elder persons needs to be framed. A Commission for Elderly Person should be constituted at national and state-level.
Serious efforts need to be taken up for the betterment of the elder persons. In fact, only giving elderly pension is not sufficient.
As senior citizens do not have any participation in the government schemes they feel being neglected. Around 70 per cent elderly persons feel themselves isolated even after being in the company of their dear ones.
Efforts should be made to take advantage of their experiences and to improve their conditions. They become experienced passing through different stages of life but their talents and experiences are not being utilized. Efforts should be made to provide them work at their level.
ELDERLY MAN AND CHILD, 7th century rock carving in the Krishna Mandapa in the Mamallapuram temples town south of Chennai on the east coast of India. Amid all the grandeur of divine themes, the delightfully pulsating details of life are not forgotten by the artist. Creating awareness among the people in relation to public welfare works and other social works, is convenient for elderly persons. Care should be taken that the elderly persons get encouraging works. The attitude towards them should also be positive. In this way they would feel their life to be meaningful. They should be given facilities and their demands should be fulfilled against their services.
© Central Chronicle 2007
