Respecting Our Elders: A Forgotten Responsibility
A universal truth of life is that we all grow old. No one can escape aging, yet ironically, many refuse to acknowledge this reality. Instead, we behave as if old age will never come for us. This mindset is evident in the way we treat the elderly. Every day, countless examples surface where elders are subjected to neglect, mistreatment, and even abuse.
Far too often, elders are regarded as burdens, as if they have lost their value to society. People fail to remember that these very individuals dedicated the best years of their lives to raising and nurturing us. They sacrificed their comfort, time, and resources for our well-being. Yet, despite knowing this, our behavior towards them remains ungrateful. Even our own parents—those who gave us everything—are often treated with disregard.
Many elderly parents find themselves discarded once they have transferred their assets to their children. They are abandoned, left to fend for themselves, sometimes even thrown out onto the streets. This tragic phenomenon transcends borders, cultures, and religions—it is a widespread moral failing. Why is there such a steep decline in our values?
Those who raised us from helpless infants to independent adults deserve love and care in return. If we cannot care for our own parents, how can we be expected to respect and support other elders in society? In their later years, the elderly become vulnerable once again, much like children, requiring extra care and attention. Compared to the sacrifices they have made for us and for society, this is not a huge demand.
A healthy society is one that respects and supports its elders. If we continue to neglect them, we risk creating a culture devoid of compassion and gratitude. We must remind ourselves that one day, we too will be old. Many elderly people endure unimaginable suffering due to our indifference. Some are subjected to abuse by caretakers, left to beg for food, or even murdered for their possessions. This is one of the greatest crimes we, as a society, are committing.
And yet, the desires of the elderly are simple. They do not ask for riches or luxuries. Most of them find happiness simply in our presence. A few moments of our time, a little attention, and some heartfelt conversations are all they seek. But in our self-centered lives, we fail to recognize this simple truth.
It is time for us to open our eyes. Let us not wait until we, too, are old and abandoned to realize the importance of respecting and caring for our elders. Their wisdom, love, and sacrifices deserve nothing less than our gratitude and compassion.
