The International Day of Older Persons passed silently yesterday with a call for changing our attitude towards elderly citizens. If we look around, it is found that elderly people are discriminated and neglected everywhere in our society. Elderly persons encounter numerous challenges in their life. They seem to have turned into a burden on society nowadays. Because of moral degradation and drastic erosion in our value system, a section of young people neglect the elderly members of their family. We often hear cases of young people mistreating their old parents or even throwing them out.

During old age people become vulnerable and prone to diseases. They need proper healthcare and other facilities. Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to maintain their bonds with their parents as they are busy with their nuclear families. The society at large is neither concerned about the wellbeing of old persons. Presently, the government provides a monthly allowance of merely Tk. 600 to each senior citizen. The amount is too scanty to meet their needs.

In our society, elderly people are looked upon in pity. But taking care of the elderly people is in no way a matter of pity. It is just paying back a part of what they contributed to society during their working ages. And it should also be borne in mind that today’s young people will become old and infirm one day and will need help from others for survival. So, they should change their mindset and take care of the elderly members of family.

During ripe age, elderly persons can also continue contributing to society by utilising their experience and expertise, provided that appropriate scopes are created for the same. They have lived a long life and they can teach us many worthwhile things. The young generation should appreciate the previous contributions of the senior citizens. By acknowledging and valuing their contributions, all should work for creating an environment where old people will not be neglected.