By Christabel D'Cunha
In the current day and age where the feeling of loneliness has become the new norm, especially in regards to the pandemic, we can’t help but feel inclined to this sort of presentiment. Due to the pandemic people have been fearing that this may be triggering an up and coming feeling of loneliness amongst young adults, but this is nothing new to the elderly living in old age homes. Although this feeling of abandonment has just begun for us, their emotions and feelings may have been confined the moment they set foot in that old age home. Yes, I 100% agree that old age homes do overall give a safe and secure life, but what assures the fact that staying there for a long period of time does not stop them from this rising sense of abandonment and depression? One of the main reasons an old age home is assumed to be appealing is because of its said “companionship”, but out of the 728 aged homes currently in India I certainly don’t believe they ALL have this feeling of harmony. Due to this lack of companionship that many senior citizens feel in old age homes they gradually tend to lose their precious smiles from their faces, as well as their faded feeling of being loved.
India’s ageing population of over 97 thousand senior citizens are concerned with loneliness. Furthermore, when families opt to send their aged to homes as such they can’t help but feel as though they are a burden. With their increasing health issues, what else can they do then sit on a chair and ponder about past memories, and squabble about with other old folks. Why not be a companion to fill this empty void by volunteering at these old age homes. Why not create new precious, fond, and happy memories with them. Volunteering has not set age; so what is exactly stopping us from taking the time to bond a little or maybe even gain a new friend to mend their broken hearts and revive their beautiful smiles. Fill the atmosphere with joy and laughter. We are all in similar situations, sitting in our homes with this killing deprivation of feeling lost, but there are clear solutions to our problems.
Since 2008, Naata Foundation has been taking the initiative to help senior citizens in the Mumbai Suburban region by providing them with basic necessities, helped with plantation in the Home area, conduct dental and eye camps, as well as dedicating their time and efforts to mingle with them and spend time with them. College students as well as younger high school students take time from their schedule to talk and bond with the elderly. The little things in life can put on the biggest smiles on their faces, so by volunteering you can be the reason they shine again. Reach out to us on naatasop@gmail.com to know how you could get involved.
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