‘Time to treat the old as gold’

TODAY is the International Day of Older Persons.

Celebrated annually on Oct 1, it is an opportunity to highlight the contributions of older people and raise awareness of the issues that affect their lives.

In commemoration of this international day designated by the United Nations, three participants of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team share their thoughts on how society can better support senior citizens.

Read on to find out what they have to say.

To join Star-NiE’s online youth community, go to facebook.com/niebrats.

Supporting our elders means ensuring they continue to experience human connection.

Older people often experience fear and sadness due to changes in their lives, such as losing friends in their age group, having memory issues and becoming physically less capable.

Many eventually prefer to withdraw from society, or may demonstrate stubborn behaviour in an effort to be seen as capable.

As disconnection can increase the mortality rate among the elderly, we should consistently reach out to them, be it a chat or a short drive.

Being aware that they are members of a caring society is vital to their overall well-being.

– Rebecca Fernandez, 18

We can support the elderly through healthcare, finance, and caregiving services.

Clinics and hospitals should provide treatment and care to elderly patients based on their needs, rather than seeing them as sources of profit.

Employers can also offer job opportunities to the elderly.

Some elders may face financial issues while others are willing to work despite being past the retirement age.

Lastly, children should be vigilant about the caregiving services they select for their parents.

There have been cases of mistreatment of the elderly at care centres and by caregivers.

Children should conduct thorough research and carry out regular inspections to make sure that their parents receive proper care.

– Vanessa Yap, 17

Many seniors do not voice their health issues, or delay seeking help, as they do not want to trouble their children or grandchildren.

We should have a reliable transport system, like minivans, to pick up and drop off senior citizens for their medical care.

Schools can also encourage students to reach out to the elderly, such as dedicating a few days each year to accompany these seniors to their doctor visits.

The youth can learn so much through these volunteer activities, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the seniors and realising the importance of taking better care of their own health from a young age.

– Jaskirat Kaur, 16