Socializing with the elderly

Socializing is more important than helping with housework…

Elderly people who for one reason or the other cannot get accommodation in nursing homes, people whose families live away, who live in remote regions such as countryside or islands, or who are otherwise isolated, are more than anyone else in need of socializing.
In our country there are various programs for elderly services (some are state-governed, some religious), but this is not even remotely sufficient.

These programs should encompass house-help and daily accommodation for the elderly. Mobile elderly people should be enabled an organized transportation to places where they would be provided with socializing, dining, various workshops, etc. When it comes to people with impaired or complete loss of moving ability, they absolutely require help in their homes. It works in theory, but not so much in practice.

A large number of our fellow citizens are alone, bereaved of their close ones. They are needy when it comes to housework, personal hygiene, it means a lot to them if someone does the shopping for them – for food or medicine – drive them to the doctor’s, but mostly they need some company and talking to others. What really matters to them is to have someone to talk to, at least from time to time.
Take a look around yourself. Maybe there is an elderly lady living in your neighbourhood. If you cannot afford much time, perhaps you can afford an hour over a cup of tea or coffee and have a little chat with her. Maybe you can induce your children to check occasionally if the granny is fine and if she needs anything. You would not believe how important that is.

“Elderly Woman”- Image courtesy of africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
“Piggyback Ride Given By Grandfather”- Image courtesy of photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net