Most elderly people refuse to be cared for, but they often need it the most. It must be that sense of being young once. It must be confusing at times when other people tell them they’re old when they’re just themselves. Being old is a gift for the lucky, privileged ones; it means they’ve survived when others did not. They’ve seen what the world was like from one generation to another. It is a sad reality that some or not most are shoved to a corner where they are forgotten, even while still alive.
Here are reasons why it is essential to take care of older adults:
They Need It
They need it. Whether your elderly loved ones admit it or not, they require special care. Simple tasks such as preparing coffee for themselves become an exhausting ordeal. The elderly can be stubborn about this reality, so they must be given the patience and understanding required.
To Learn from Them
The elderly have a lot of wisdom to convey. Some could overlook it, but it does not necessarily mean that it’s unimportant. No one is exempted from old age. Older people are still people; but they’re still educators, police officers, politicians, firefighters, poets, historians, divers, environmentalists, breadwinners, homemakers.
Knowing how longevity has contributed to thinking, seeing life, and feeling can be pretty interesting. They are a window to what might come before us, a glimpse of what to expect, a warning, a reminder, a friend, which may give clarity in a darkened stage of what being young entails.
They Deserve It
Regardless of what they’ve done or have been through, they still deserve care, especially from their family. Life might be closing in on them, and that itself is reason to be more kindhearted.
They Are Part of History
Everyone at this age will always have a part to play in the overall climate and outcome of a country’s history. This is also true for those who came before us. The elderly played their roles in history and have contributed much to the next generation. People must remember that those who fought wars for their country eventually became old. History itself requires care. Even remnants of the past are cared for, such as buildings, clothes, vehicles, ships, monuments, etc. Elderly people are part of living history, and they too should be preserved as much as possible.
An Obligation
It is a moral duty of those who can aid the disabled. Most of the elderly cannot work due to some pre-existing condition or work-related accident. They’ll need someone who can file their disability claims on their behalf to help them and provide for their needs. This is not to say that all elderly people are disabled, but rather, they most often require the aid of a non-disabled person.
It’s the Right Thing to Do
Many can debate and philosophize this issue for hours. But eventually, caring for the elderly is the right thing to do. Everyone lives in a society where each abides by a specific set of rules to ensure harmony among the people. These rules stem from the classical school of thought that ponders upon and dissect the concept called morals. To do what is right and to know what is wrong binds is the most human trait.
To Set a Good Example
Society needs to set a good example for generations to come. Caring for the elderly now would inspire a tradition that would watch for you when you become older. Setting an example is an opportunity to educate the younger people on the concept of what is right.
Self-Reflection
Seeing an elderly person can keep you grounded, for it would be like staring at a mirror to witness what it’s like to be old. It’s an inescapable truth that everyone will get to see if they’re lucky enough. To reflect on your mortality is a healthy way of being in touch with your surroundings and reality. It begs how you want your kin to treat you when you grow older. Would you like to be cared for too?
It’s the Humane Thing to Do
The human condition can be a subject of irony. Humans are one of the few species that are born in a very vulnerable predicament. Babies require help and care for years before they can survive on their own. Then it comes full circle when faced with old age. The degree of care that babies need is now required again when humans grow old.
Loved Ones
Our loved ones are getting old too. Even before they need care, you’ve already cared for them. And now that they need it most, it is natural to give the best care possible. It may be our parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or a partner or a friend. You would want to have their needs met or prioritized.
Growing old is an inevitable and inescapable reality for all. It is a personal matter since it involves all human beings. And a fact that also sticks out is that we all need care, regardless of age. It could be a simple telephone call, a visit, a silly conversation to pass the time, a random greeting, or a pleasant surprise. It is essential to give care for all life; it is vital to provide the same respect to those who need it most, especially the elderly.
