This refers to the "Welfare” section in the 60th anniversary issue (Parsiana, December 7-20, 2024). May I add some of my observations on the subject?
My mother used to say, "Saajo khai aan, ané mado khai dhan (the healthy consume food; the unwell consume wealth).” If this is correct, then far- thinking individuals ought to put aside every month even a small percentage of their earnings towards the care of their parents. Community institutions could also allocate sums specifically for this purpose. All this will, of course, ensure their physical comfort.
Coming to the aspect of emotional support, regrettably people are cliquish. I have noticed this in Karachi and friends in the USA and Canada tell me the same. Often elders living in homes or facilities are not comfortable making friends with others, largely keeping to themselves. Only when family members and friends visit and keep them mentally engaged are they okay. Otherwise, despite the best efforts, they slip into their own world. At residential facilities, well-meaning groups or persons come to entertain residents during festivals. This is wonderful and I do commend it, but the cheer soon passes. The Goodfellows, the late Ratan Tata’s initiative to pay suitable persons to befriend seniors and brighten their lives, is commendable. Permitting younger people to reside in homes for seniors is another appropriate approach. Regrettably it does not work in our part of the world as even outstation youth choose to reside with the extended family. But, wherever possible, it would be a marvelous way to cheer the elders. SUNNU GOLWALLA
Karachi, Pakistan
sunnu.golwalla@gmail.com
I read with interest and appreciation the 60th anniversary issue (Parsiana, December 7-20, 2024). The articles concerning aging and age-related issues by eminent persons distinguished in their fields are both illuminating and disquieting.
The statistics cited are telling with regard to the challenges and issues concerning seniors in the aging community. The writers of the articles have suggested solutions which need to be looked into.
These subjects have been discussed, debated and written about fairly often. What is needed now is action.
ARMIN WANDREWALA
arminvey@gmail.com