Meeting the Needs of the Elderly

The growing aging population in Singapore has opened up many opportunities for companies that cater to the needs of the elderly, civil societies, industries and establishments to look into meeting and serving the needs of the elderly.

The government is also actively rolling out plans and initiatives to help meet the need of our senior citizens. They are to be commended for all that has been achieved. They continue to improve on the existing infrastructure, facilities and amenities.

Recently, while crossing the road near Ang Mo Kio, I saw a special device at the crossing. When a senior citizen (people age 60 and above) taps his card on it, the crossing time will be extended so that this allows the elderly to have sufficient time to cross over. This is a wonderful and thoughtful.

I have aged parents and I am fully aware of the limitations and challenges the elderly people face on a daily basis. Recently, I witness a scary incident where an elderly woman almost fell off the bus while alighting because the bus driver did not drive near the curb. Most elderly people have knee problems and the distance from the step of the bus to the road is hard to reach.

As we continue to grow as a striving country, we want to serve the needs of all people not forgetting the elderly. Without their sacrifice and labour, we will not be where we are today.

Showering Love on them

I saw this award winning video clip on Dementia on the blog of Blogpastor . http://www.blogpastor.net

It is a heart wrenching clip. The Lord watches over all of us, even when we grow old in the coming decades, we continue to rely and lean on the arms of Jesus. And for those of us with aging parents who are showing signs of memory loss, we continue to entrust them into the hands of our loving God. We continue to love and honour them.

You may click on this link to view the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iXPHhfk_7E

The Straits Times featured an article on children who abuse their elderly parents on 22 Oct 2009. I quote: “ALMOST every evening, an elderly man would complain to the police that his family had locked him out of his house.

A case of abuse or a family at its wits' end?

It transpired that the man's family did so as he had the habit of roaming the streets aimlessly and, while in the house, switching the stove on and off. Afraid that he would set the house on fire, his family members locked him out when they went to work and let him back in when they returned home.

The police referred the man to a centre that helps victims of family violence, and a social worker there advised his family to get him medical help.

As the social worker predicted, the reason for the habits that stumped the man's family was that he had moderate dementia. Knowing this, the family supervised the man more closely, but as his condition deteriorated and they could not cope, they sent him to a nursing home.

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, highlighted this real example on Wednesday in a symposium on family violence, as he dwelt on the principles that should guide agencies tackling the 'scourge' of elderly abuse.”

I do not think we should be quick to throw stones at the abusers. They may be challenged by the stress in life, some having the need to raise their children and look after the needs of their elderly parents. What can be helpful is for us to understand that one day we will all grow old and some of us may be struck with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. We will then be at the receiving end of such cruel treatment.

We allow God to help us to love our elderly parents who may display some behaviour that they could not help. With love, patience and perseverance, the Lord’s love will flow through us to touch our elderly people.

They Deserve Our Honour

In the Chinese culture, we have a common saying “Jia you yi lau, ru you yi bao”.(家有一老, 如有一宝). It means you have an elderly person at home you have a treasure. In other words, they are very important. For that reason, we have often got three generations living under one roof. However, sometimes this is not possible because of space constraint, changing mindsets or some logistical constraints or other reasons.

The elderly people have sacrificed tremendously to make Singapore what it is today. It is a known fact that some aged people have very little savings to carry them through retirement because they have spent most of their money on their children and loved ones. Some gave heavily towards their children's education, especially those who pursued further education abroad. There are instances where parents would help their children with their wedding costs, home renovation costs or other financial commitments. One time, I learned that a friend’s parents helped them to get a car because of the arrival of their first-born. This is the extent of parental love and concern because in their eyes their children will also be their priority despite of the fact that their children have set up their own families. We can never ever repay their love and sacrifice.

I am so proud of all the government is doing for this special group of people. Often concessions and special discounts help in lowering their expenditures. As we continue to grow into a gracious society, one of the most crucial areas is to attend to the need of these people as they age graciously into their golden years.

Give Them More Time

A few days ago, Monte and I were traveling by bus to visit my parents in Bukit Panjang. At some point, an elderly woman boarded the bus with a marketing trolley. The kind bus driver waited for her to be seated before driving off.

I was touched by the kind act of the bus driver. What saddens me most of this fast paced society is that people tend to be impatient, curt, dry and uncaring. We need to look out for the old, the marginalized, the poor and disadvantaged people.

One day, you and I will grow old for the simple fact that Singapore like many countries is faced with an increasing aging population. We are to be mindful that many of us will be at the receiving end in the days to come.