There are several stages in human life. Among them, old age (extend from age about 65+ until the end of life) is the age that a person needs more care and help from others.
Elders are the people who are elder than us. The United Nations has agreed that 65+ years may be usually denoted as old age; while the World Health Organization (WHO) sets 55 as the beginning of old age.
To live in safety, with dignity and respect is a basic human right. Especially during old age, one’s body and mind begin to deteriorate. So it is our duty to look after them carefully. It will be a great pleasure for them. Elderly people are the ones who most affect by diseases and injuries as their bodies are rapidly susceptible to diseases. Further, elders also face many other social issues on retirement, loneliness, poverty, and ageism. So as the young generation, it is our duty to look after our elders without neglecting them.
In the aging process of one’s life cycle, there are distinguishing characteristics in both physical and mental health. Physical aspects of old age include the following.
- Bone and joint pains such as osteoporosis.
- Chronic diseases.
- Dental problems.
- Digestive disorders.
- Less eyesight.
- Less of hearing.
- Hair usually becomes grayer.
- Less immunity.
- Skin becomes wrinkled and drier.
Mental aspects of old age are as follows
- Depressed mood.
- Mental disorders.
- Increasing fear of health loss.
When we considering above facts, we realize that our elders cannot live alone . They need some ones help to do their day to day activities.
In 2011, the United Nations proposed a human rights commotion that would specially protect older people. They have to take such a decision because many people try to neglect elder care. Neglect in elder care is a form of abuse. Elder abuse also called elder mistreatment; is heavily affected by older peoples’ mental health physical health too. World Health Organization (WHO) states that elder abuse is “a single, or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person”
- Some children do not feed their elders properly.
- Withholding medications or medical care.
- Providing care in a cruel or rough manner.
- Inappropriate handling.
- Talking about” how hard it is to provide care “in front of the older person.
- Poor hygiene or refusing to wash the older person.
The above mentioned are some ways that people neglect in caring for elders. When elder care is neglected, they mentally suffer. Old age requires engaging and comprehensive care. Elders desire a life with good health, dignity, economic independence, and finally a peaceful death. Understanding their needs and concern will ensure their good health.
As young generation, it is our duty and responsibility to care about our elderly people.
Following are some best ways to look after our elders ‘health.
- Giving proper medications and medicines on time.
- Supplying a healthy diet.
- Clean them and their rooms properly.
- Providing care in a kind manner.
- Spend time with elders and talk about their problems.
- Visit them often.
- Giving regular exercises.
- Talk openly about their finances.
- Keep them active.
By caring for our elders without neglecting it, will be a great pleasure for them. They can spend their life happily. So let’s look after her with love and affection.
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