We see them at the senior citizens’ corner or in a bus or train desperately in need of a seat. The senior citizens, as the elderly are called, need all the consideration we can give. But do they get it?
There are many youths among us who do not show proper care and concern for the elderly in public. It is not uncommon to see some youths comfortably seated in the bus or train while elderly people try to keep their balance as they stand with other commuters. At home, grand parents may be seen as grumpy, lacking understanding and overbearing. At the workplace, older workers are considered slow and less capable. To what extent are these perceptions of the elderly correct?
Senior citizens, because of their age, are no doubt slower than younger people. They may be grumpy and at times domineering. But this is one phase of life most of us will have to go through. The elderly are, in fact, the mirror of what we will become one day.
We have every reason to be grateful to the elderly. They looked after us when we were feeble and nurtured us in to adults. They educated and advised us. Now they are weak and need support. We can express our gratitude by showing them consideration and by being tolerant of their shortcomings.
Society as a whole should stop thinking of the elderly as a burden but see them as contributors to society. New avenues could be opened, such as part-time jobs and voluntary work, for them to continue being active.
Vocabulary
Domineering—dominating
Feeble—weak
Shortcoming—fault
