Most often the Elderly is never given a pride of place. They are under rated, neglected and seen as beggars or completely jettisoned. In most society’s functions they are never seen to be vital but rather as parasites that should be expunged out of the society. Less care is given to them. Even feeding and provision of basic needs of life are never seen as important for them.The shortage or absence of these basics is sudden death or terminal illness which may result in death at the end.
Unfortunately,their value is only remembered after their exit. The church which should serve as hope in many cases may not be forthcoming whereas,their respective families are often over burdened with demands from the same church they may never be able to attend until they die. In developed societies, the Elderly are taken care of with several benefits which further ensure longevity . Below are core areas where the Elderly are given consideration.
1. Free medical coverage:
Beneficiaries can receive free medical care from affiliate hospitals, clinics, privately owned medical institutions or government owned institutions without limitations across the country;
2. Free access to Recreational Centre.
The Elderly have access to club Houses located in their localities and this provides a platform for social interaction, exercises, games, communication,health education which give the Elderly or senior citizen a place of refuge and rest thereby dismissing boredom which is usually associated with age.
3. Free financial support/ aids:
While money may not necessarily mean much at old age, it still has a place in the wellbeing of the aged. They can freely embark on some discretional expenditures when necessary and make local purchases around their environment. Non- Governmental Organizations should support such groups of persons with monthly or quarterly stipend.
4. Free legal support;
There is no better time in one’s pilgrimage in life to seek for rights and privileges than at old age. There may arise issues such as writing of will and asset allocations, insurance claims, payment of gratuities etc. Such actions cannot be handled without the support of legal aids.
If only to forestall crises after death.There is the need for Non- Governmental Agencies or legal aid groups to give free legal support to the elderly who may be oppressed and taken advantage of,because of their frail nature.
In conclusion, much is needed to make the aged comfortable in order to prolong their lives and ensure their stability and strength to enable them navigate through the huddles of old age.
