It is often said that the windows are the eyes to a person’s soul. What happens when those eyes are clouded with cataract and blindness? Does the person lose their soul and dignity?
I want to reflect on the importance of treating and respecting our elders in society. In the past, there was an over emphasis of elders and now in the present, the opposite has occurred. Their thoughts are seen as ‘outdated’, ‘traditional’, ‘archaic’; words that deem them as a fossil of our time, to be buried underneath once they are gone.
But even fossils are displayed in museums aren’t they? There they provide us an opportunity to study them and learn more about what the past was like and how these relics lived through them.
Growing Concern
Older adults are interesting because while there is a global growth of the aging population projecting to hit over 1.4 billion people by 2030, they are plagued with mental, physical and emotional ailments that the vigor of youth can no longer hide.
This makes them vulnerable the same way children are. However, while children have the veil of innocence around them and have not developed tough skin or keen eyes, our elders have gone past these stages to a point where their skin begins to thin and stretch. Masking pain becomes frustrating when their whole life is seemingly coming to a halting stop before they have even accomplished their dreams and wishes.
Yet they are seen as burdens to be chucked away at a nursing home. They are told that they should plan for their own future since it’s no one’s duty to care for them. In fact, as life would place it, it would be their responsibility to care for not just themselves but their children and grandchildren throughout their entire life. Can you imagine their thoughts where they know that once their eyes are permanently shut, their ears would hear fights on estate, properties and money.
In fact, it almost seems kinder for them to pass on younger when their skin is still tough and when they can earn their keep. At least they might be missed, if not for anything but for being a productive member of society.
Instead, many are forced to endure emotional, physical and financial abuse at the hands of families and strangers. There has been a growing prevalence of elder abuse in society with the WHO, reporting an estimate of 1 in 6 people (15.7%) aged 60 and above being subjected to some form of abuse. As a community, we have forgotten the reverence of elders and their roles in our lives.
Media and Culture
In the media we consume, there is always a wise man or woman guiding the protagonist. For instance, in the Disney movie Brother Bear, the shaman woman is the key not just for the protagonist but for the reconciliation and growth of the deuteragonist.
In Lord of The Rings, Gandalf is played by Ian Mckellen, who is a necessary motivation to ensure middle earth is not lost. Many myths and even religious texts follow such principles, which display the vitality elders in society.
This prompts the thought of why we struggle to translate this to life.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” (Proverbs 16:31)
Hard Truths
The truth is, many times our loved ones are flawed beings that have in some way or form hurt and shattered us. In fact, some older adults still act in selfish and immature ways. How then can someone mask behind the age they hold to have supremacy over others and shrink away from accountability for their actions.
These are not the ones I am speaking of; in fact, I would implore anyone reading this to help them become better people so that their last days will not be filled with pain and hurt.
Nevertheless, the world is not black and white and it’s something that I have struggled to accept. I know right from wrong (but my goodness are people complex and terrifying!).
In The End
The same can be said about all of us, we have been victims and perpetrators in others’ story. The difference will take place if we are willing to be better. We may be unable to control the other person or the fact that we will continue to be hurt. But at least we can try to restore what we can control and leave the rest to God.
But one thing is true, there will be a time where we will become old and we will be the ones with archaic ideas, the ones who are senile, the ones who walk too slow and the circle of life will continue its rounds.
Would we want to be treated in the same way?
ArrowsInk 
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