Elderly have been forgotten

When you stop at a traffic light you are bombarded with people selling things, handing out pamphlets and people begging.

I must admit I find this very annoying and I hardly ever take a pamphlet or give anyone money. This is because firstly, I am not interested in what they are trying to sell me and secondly, I think most of these people who beg are just lazy and don’t want to find a job. It is easier to beg for money rather than find a job that can pay the bills.

I know this may seem a little harsh but it is difficult to know if people really need help or if they’re just spinning you a sob story to con you into parting with your hard-earned money.

My heart does go out to the people who are honestly struggling to make ends meet and I know it must be humiliating to stand and beg.

I especially feel for the elderly people who have no one to look after them. Let’s face it, elderly people are always the first to be retrenched and the last to be employed, so it is difficult to find a job. Most of them are qualified and have had stable jobs, but have somehow hit rock bottom and lost everything.

My question is, where are these people’s children and family? Surely you wouldn’t want your mom or dad begging on the street. Have people forgotten their parents or is life tough enough without having to care for elderly people?

It truly breaks my heart. Seeing my parents on the street would kill me and I would never allow it.

I know not all the elderly people on the street have children or family and that’s why I think this country should be able to assist more in taking care of our elderly. Yes, you can get a government pension, but I think more needs to be done to make sure these people have a roof over their heads and a hot meal.

What do you think?