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