Senior citizens with no children also suffer

 

 

The article in ‘The Hitavada’ under the column ‘Loud Thinking’ is an interesting read, and I think this is probably the second time the same problem is being discussed. Most of the contributors have voted for Senior Citizen Homes with home like facilities along with in-house medical facilities. There has been a suggestion to even grade old age homes with one star, two star, three star and four star, etc. Much has been said and written about this old age problems but always with reference to children settling abroad.

 

There are elderly people having married daughters and some times no children. So far, their problems have not surfaced. Assuming their problems are similar to elderly people whose children have settled abroad but in their case finances may be a problem. What is the solution? There is no way of knowing how many old age homes are there in the city of their residence. I suggest that the local authorities/or senior citizen associations must come out with some kind of directory of all old age home with addresses of old age homes, paid or charitable, facilities, grade (one star, two star etc.) vacancy, method of admission, etc.

 

This proactive approach will immensely help. The suggestion about relocating near children or relatives is a good idea, but here again the question of buying a suitable residential accommodation may be a problem. To begin with, some action is required. All those social organisations, NGOs, associations for senior citizens must act and use their good offices to do something good for the elderly and lonely people. Some action is required in the matter.