PAKISTAN: Culture says no to old age homes, reality today says yes

LAHORE (The Post), April 4, 2008: In Pakistan there are very few old homes. Though our culture undermines the need for old homes since we are to take care of our elders, however, there are a few unfortunate old people who have no one to look after them in their old age, reader Anum Mela of Sarghoda writes to the editor today. Old people, especially those who are poor, are leading miserable lives. It is our duty to look after senior citizens and help them. This can be done through simplifying the procedure for pension and Employees Old Age Benefit Institute (EOABI). Moreover, the government should announce relief packages for old people, such as free or rebated healthcare, social security, transport and recreation. I would urge the government to build old homes for the senior citizens who are incapable of living on their own. © Copy Rights Reserved