Caring for the aged on the wane

Since times immemorial, it has been an honour to care for aging parents in this country. Fact or fiction or scriptures speak of importance of caring and even worshipping parents.

Stories of children who selflessly took care of their parents abound in Indian lore. With big strides in social order, the Government of India has felt it necessary to bestow several benefits upon 'Senior Citizens.'

It even 'Vayo Shreshta Samman' awards to felicitate those who have worked for the cause of aged persons. Unfortunately, modern times have caused, along with material progress, materialism in the midst of new generations.

Leave alone taking care of parents, they are inhumanly treating the aged, in certain cases.Shorn of physical strength to eke out a living on their own and their mental faculties declining by the day, the hapless half-dead obviously seek to depend on their offspring for love and caring.

There is a need to bring about a change in the attitudes of people.

The government and corporate hospitals have added to their woes by making healthcare a very expensive proposition.

Statistically the life of an elderly person is reduced to a bunch of pains. One survey revealed that 60% youth are not inclined favourably towards the old people.

It is, therefore, prudent that people made enough safe provisions to take care of themselves in the old age. The government shall do all is necessary in this regard.

Seetharam Basaani, Hanamkonda