LEADER SPEAK
Our city needs more such geriatric homes
R Murugan
Every morning, we see beautiful flowers bloom in our courtyard, with flashing colours, luster and fragrance. The shining dew drops disappear within hours. After a daylong hectic struggle for survival, the flower starts fading and finally it falls down. Human life also take a similar course. The thrill and enthusiasm of child hood and youth soon give way to symptoms of aging and ailments. All we need at this juncture is a bit of love and caring and also a shelter to repose in confidence.
We, Indians boast of our golden past and the rich heritage, when elderly people were respected for their wisdom and experience and they were given high reverence and priorities by the Society. Time has changed a lot. New generations,
may be in their spree to achieve more and to attain targets, tend to turn a blind eye towards the seniors. Just even a feeling of isolation from the mainstream can cause severe break down in their physical and emotional equilibrium. They are further exposed to atrocities like forcibly sending to unrecognized cheap old age homes, making the rest of their life really horrible. wThis indeed is a very sad state of affair facing our society. Sometimes, the elders with good financial background may be lucky enough to relax in the posh comforts of their house, with attendants and home-nurses to look after. The other side of the picture, is quite dull and tragic. Governments are doing a lot for the welfare of old and sick people in the lowest financial strata. Old Age Home at Chakkai, Saanthwanam at West Fort etc. are examples of Government – run old age homes.
In between these two categories come the so called middle class group. Their requirements are limited
20
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
July 2013
METRO mart