Through your prestigious newspaper, I would like to highlight the issue of the mistreatment of senior citizens and the elderly.
The elderly become dependent on younger people to fulfil their basic requirements as their minds and bodies grow frail and desire support. Given the strong familial bonds and the traditional social structures in Pakistan, the elderly long enjoyed the love, affection and respect of their children and grandchildren. All their needs were met by their families. They were therefore invisible. But now things are beginning to change. In Pakistan, the elderly population is estimated to be 7.2 million and is steadily increasing to about 10 per cent of the population. In contemporary society, the proportion of senior citizens is accelerating, which is accompanied by a host of problems. Typically, youngsters do not hold elderly people in high regard. The tendency will have an adverse effect on our society.
I think the following factors contribute to this phenomenon. In the first place, the youth are self-centred today. In the second place, due to a variety of causes, people are unwilling and unable to make time for the old. As a result, young people tend to regard senior citizens as non-significant individuals. In the third place, the governments in many counties do not pay adequate attention to that group.
It is an irreversible reality that people will grow old. Therefore, measures should be taken to take care of the elderly and counter the neglectful attitude towards them. Parents and teachers should instil good manners in the youth and make them realise that it was the elderly that took care of them when they were younger. Moreover, the government should take the requiste measures. Not only should it provide adequate care facilities and amenities to the elderly, it should also raise awareness regarding respect for the elderly.
MEHREEN FAROOQ
Karachi
