Respect your elderly members, it’s our responsibility: Singh
Elderly abuse is not a new issue, and it is a fact that it is experienced everywhere across the world and can happen to any older person depending on circumstances.
These were the remarks of Mohenesh Singh, founder of Healing Hands Foundation, a registered non-government organization, that provides counseling support and social services to all Fijians.
Mr Singh added during this Girmityas celebration is it a must to ponder on those that were part of the Indentured labourers. He added that attack on the elders as such are cowardly acts and should be dealt with seriously according to the law.
“We also have this in our society and hear elderly abuse cases now and then,” he said. He added that more needs to be done to ensure that senior citizens are well looked after as they have made significant contributions to who we are today.
“I think we live in a country which is very strong in religious beliefs and all religion teaches us about respecting our elderly family members. However, we still hear cases where our elderly are been abused and deprived of practicing their rights,” said Mr. Singh.
He said that a person is well-known for his character.
“You can earn lots of titles and money but if you don’t value the elderly around you and disrespect then you have nothing. Mr Singh urged the government should do more advocacy programs and talk about laws on elderly rights.
“We need to come out of the culture of dropping our elderly ones in Age care homes. This is a very sinful act and waste of human life,” said Mr Singh.
National Council for Older People Act 2012 and he requests the government to make it more active and reach to older people so that they can have a clear picture of issues of aged people.
“I don’t know how many older people are aware of this Council currently.”
Mr Singh said that he has a vision where every child feels proud to take responsibility for the elderly person whom they know. He added that during our community visit when we meet elderly person, they share their feelings and one thing I found most common is they need someone to sit beside them and talk and listen.
“We must do more to protect the dignity and rights of older persons everywhere and at all times.”