Lonely people often feel as though no one has a concern for them, thus leading such people to drink, smoke, and eat unhealthy food, attempt suicide, go on depression.
Thousands of elderly people are lonely and cut off from society in this country, especially those over the age of 60.
The reason why senior citizens search cure for loneliness because, they have family but the members don’t have time for them, they have relation but they don’t have respect for them, they have food but no taste. They have lots to share but no one is present to listen.
Who are those senior citizens? Why their day is celebrated?
Senior citizens are those who enrich our society with their wisdom and experience.
Every year the senior citizen day is celebrated on 21st August as a reminder that we must value the senior citizens around us as they are the ones who have worked hard to give us this wonderful life.
The day is known to increase awareness of the factors and issues that affect older adults, such as age deterioration and the study of problems that affect their lives, elder abuse. It is also a day to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of older people to society.
Things every oldie must do to deal with loneliness-
1.Invite old friends for tea- Often friends, family and neighbours appreciate receiving an invitation to come and spend some time with you. So, don’t hesitate before calling them.
2. Make phone calls- Talk over phone can be the next best thing to being with them. Keep in touch with people.
3. Learn the function of gadgets- Utilise your valuable time using gadgets like mobile phone, computer, video games, etc.
4. Involve in community activities- If you have local community groups where you live then go and join them. Have access to singing, cooking, walking, quiz, etc.
5. Go out and travel- Don’t wait for someone to come, move, travel, explore and relax your mind.
Former President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan was the first to announce the first National Day of the Third Age on the year of 1988.
In his presidential proclamations he said that “For all that, they have achieved throughout their lives and for all that they continue to do, we owe our gratitude and sincere greetings to our senior citizens. We can show our gratitude and appreciation better by making sure our communities are good places. Age and maturity, places where older people can participate as much as possible and find the encouragement, acceptance, support and services they need to continue living a life of independence and dignity.”
So, on World Senior Citizen Day, let us ensure that our elders get all the love and empathy they deserve and make provisions so that they could celebrate their old age and their wisdom is used for bettering society.
