Picure by Saman Sri Wedage |
Feeble, crotchety and flawed. Is this how you perceive you elders to be? Do you consider them to be inconsiderate, and irritating people who want you to take care of their every want and need? If these are the thoughts that are circulating in your head, then it is a very unfortunate situation our society faces today.
Elderly population
Have you noticed that the society has changed? If not, there is something you should keep in mind. In the next few years to come, Sri Lanka is going to see one of the largest elderly populations in her history.
With the rise in the standards of living today, with an assortment of health facilities and nutritious food, many people go on to live up to a ripe age.
This will be the case with both you and me in the years to come. Since this is the case, is it important that there is a change in the way the elders are perceived. A change of attitudes is essential, in providing the elders a loving atmosphere in society.
Grandchildren
Imagine yourself in the shoes of the elder. Think that it is you being ill treated. Would you like your children and maybe your grandchildren to ill treat you? Who are these elders? They are your parents and grandparents.
They too, just like you and I, are human. They need love and kindness just like any other person.
Since, elders are thought of as a burden, people tend to forget the tender and kind side to these people.
Company
So, while you are reading this, are you thinking that they consume a lot of your time? Think again! Does not everything in your life consume a lot of your time then? Would it hurt to spend a little bit of your time with them? Think of your grandparents; are they not loving, considerate and understanding people?
Do you not enjoy spending time with them? If you do love the company of your grandparents, it is invaluable, especially on a day like today, that you give more thought to them; spend more time with them.
You never know, if you go for a visit, your grandmother might just make your favourite dish! Elders love to tell stories to children and entertain them with fantasies and hilarious and memorable incidents from their childhood.
It might be worth your time if you can spare an hour or two, if not a few minutes from you hectic schedule to visit them, even if it is to give them a warm hug before you day starts, whether they be alone at their own home or at an elders’ home.
Heart-warming
Who knows you might want to visit them again and again, because they caught you off guard and had you rolled in a ball laughing at something they did when they were small.
Remember, it’s heart-warming to see a smile - even toothless - on your parent’s or grandparent’s face. A smile that is full of love and endearment.
Therefore, at least on a day like today, which celebrated your elders, why not make that little effort to make them happy, for you never know, you might regret it later!
**This was written for the Daily News. You can see the article here.
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