Imagine seeing a elderly woman in decent attire talking to the vegetables in the supermarket ,and talking to your mum by the bread section, as if their familiar while they are actually complete strangers.
Leaving your mum with water in their eyes.
Then a old man sitting in the local bus scouting for potential conversation not minding staying on the whole long journey, even when they reached their stop ,as their not in just another bus journey. There on a journey to increase their diminishing friendship list.
Also a elderly woman standing in a train with a walking stick ,and not one person offer them a seat ,everyone ‘’oblivious’’ with their heads buried in a book or bumping to their headphones, but nonetheless their happy because even if they collapse at least it’s Infront of witnesses.
Not in a empty house with only their faithful cat as companion.
Imagine these scenes are happening in Britain.
I remember watching a episode of the British crime drama ‘’ The Bill’’ were a elderly man died alone in his house, and police only did wellness check due to a concerned neighbor, and while they were processing the scene with the body still there.
The son arrived, and said to the officers ‘’that no one touch anything, as I want to know the money is safe’,’ and I know the valuables that are in his room so don’t touch anything.’’
Not once asking or looking at his dad. Leaving the responding officers at the scene looking baffled, and disturbed by his greedy nature.
I know it’s a drama, but as I say most dramas are based from some real- life scenarios.
And also I heard one acquaintance put her parent who was battling cancer in a residential home, as she said she didn’t want to be burdened with the responsibility of being a carer, but why is it the people that are last to take the responsibility of caring for a elderly person are the first people that will be at the will reading.
When did we get so callous and money -orientated?
Were advanced countries, but we still have some backward attitude in our treatment to the elderly.
Not all British people especially youth have disdain for the elderly.
During the pandemic I saw young people volunteering in care homes, a young beautician giving senior people free manicures.
What I’m urging is more of the younger generation to take the initiative to give elderly people some more time and regard.
Simple acts of kindness may not mean much to you, but to them it’s like your giving them a reason to hang around longer in a world they may at times think has forgotten about them.