Caring For Senior Citizens Should Be A Priority In India

by Divya S. Content Writer

With a burgeoning population of elderly people, India cannot afford to not care for them. The elderly people need care, affection and dignity to live their lives as they deem fit. India has a huge population and it is important for the government as well as for the society to bring reforms and policies that are pro-senior citizens.

Caring for the old, by a young nation

India is a young nation by large. The population is exploding but the focus still is primarily on creating jobs and better living conditions for the youth than they are about the older generation. However, as a nation consisting of mostly youths, a lot of thought must also be put into how we take care of the elderly. While in the ultra-modern era, time has become the most valuable factor, one cannot ignore the fact that a considerable amount of our time is something that they deserve.

Financial support a must

Non profit organizations are working hard at providing a framework of financial support for the elderly generation. The truth is that cases abound where this generation is forced to sell off properties or hand over the title rights to the children, who later don’t take care of them. The older generation is left penniless and has to depend on the children for everything to do with finances. This is not only harrowing financially but can cause a lot of sadness and even depression. NGO India working in this sector can provide livelihood support to the elderly but it is up to the good citizens of the country to donate to the cause.

Health care is crucial

As the body ages, it needs more care and attention. Senior citizen health care is not a priority in this country at all unless one looks at the work that reputed NGOs are doing. This is a demographic that not only has to deal with an infirm body, but also face medical issues such as chronic diseases, cancers, heart problems, kidney irregularities and joint problems. Unless senior citizens are able to get their medical issues resolved properly, they are going to be unable to lead a normal life. It is good news to see reputed charities working for this cause.

Old age homes

Not taking care of parents is something that is morally irresponsible but the truth is that it happens quite often. That’s why so many old age homes have been developed in India. The good news is that senior citizen homes are now available where elderly people can live in comfort and dignity till the end of their lives.

What you can do to help

It is a sad state of affairs for the older generation but what you can do is do your research and then do something about it. The best way to go about it is by donating to a social work organisation that works for the upliftment of senior citizens in the country. This way, you will be doing your bit to help them.