It is very common; we hear people talking: # sordid tale of elderly people
# Senior citizens face a drought of love and care as their children abandon them
# old age homes are for the west. It is horrifying, as it picturize senior citizens as poor helpless abandoned by the kith and kin. Well, old age should not be a curse but a blessing, if you take it positively. Evaluate objectively, taking the change in cultural and socio economic scenario prevailing today. We blame our children for going out to other states or country for better opportunities - come to think of it, we ourselves had moved out of our ancestral village /city for better career, so why crib? Our life span has increased and generally we have a better healthy life post retirement. Children have their own family and career to look after, so let us help them as much as possible. Change your belief system that it is children’s Karthvya. Of course there are some issues but there are solutions also. Safety concerns: Issue:
Being alone, we may fear for our safety. There is simply no way we can defend ourselves. We know our children may not be able to come if we need them at a short notice. Solution:
Join the senior citizens’ group of your area like VCF so that help is at hand, as and when you need it. Many Sr. Citizen organisations have Helplines and liaison with local police to ensure safety.
Loneliness: Issue: Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation – and it can have a serious effect on health. But there are ways to overcome loneliness, even if you live alone and find it hard to get out. Solution. Invite friends for tea: If you're feeling down and alone, it's tempting to think
nobody wants to visit you. But often friends, family and neighbours will
appreciate receiving an invitation to come and spend some time with you. Keep in touch by phone Having a chat with a friend or relative over the phone can be the next best thing
to being with them. Learn to love computers If your friends and family live far away, a good way to stay in touch, especially
with grandchildren, is by using a personal computer or tablet.
Get involved in local community activities and Hobby clubs These will vary according to where you live, but the chances are you'll have
access to a singing or walking group, book clubs, bridge, bingo, quiz nights and
faith groups. Get out and about Don't wait for people to come and see you – travel to visit them. Support systems A time will come when you may need constant support for physical, mental activities. The requirement varies considerably. This is the time you may move to a care home. "To live with dignity," was the simple, four-word response by 75-year-old, when asked why she opted to move into an old age home here. No, she has not been abandoned by her children, nor was she living a life of penury. It's a choice, like many other ageing and the elderly, are making to continue living in a dignified manner into the sunset of their lives. All our lives we had lived independently and with dignity, why should we compromise on that? Most of retirement villages have the option of independent/active living and assisted living. In the case of assisted living, the inhabitant is ill or bed-ridden and, therefore, all care is provided by the staff. They also will have a dining hall where people can opt to eat in case they don't want to cook. But it is very essential to study various aspects of care homes while selecting.