The aged are the key to our future
Many people tend to neglect their parents when they advance in their years.
Many reach the point where they require around-the-clock care and attention, but some of their children feel like dropping them off at an old age home will solve all their problems.
This is not the case, they become very lonely and they hardly receive visits from any family members.
It is sad that the elderly are becoming one of the most marginalised sectors of the population who have to contend with illnesses, abuse and abandonment during the time in which they should be enjoying their grandchildren and be surrounded by family.
The Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC), councillor Fazel Jaffer and the Eldorado Park SAPS hosted a week filled with entertaining events for the elderly.
On October 23, which was the official opening day, the coordinating team and all stakeholders visited the Senior Citizens Village in Eldorado Park Extension Three.
On October 24 and 26 they conducted home visits and found were horrified to find that some of the seniors in our community live in abject poverty with a few reported cases of assault by children and grandchildren intent on having unrestricted access to their pensions.
This is a practice which can be seen on payout days when the aged are accompanied to payout points by family members who use this as an opportunity to use the monies on binge-drinking and substance abuse.
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The LDAC chairperson, Cheryl Pillay said, “We celebrated the aged as well highlighting the abuse and neglect of the aged in the community.
On Wednesday, October 25, at the Eldorado Park Stadium, the elderly were treated to a demonstration of self-defence tactics as well as participating in other sporting activities.
Friday, October 27, was the final day for celebrating the elderly of the community.
At the Andries Meyer Old Age Home in Eldorado Park Extension Three, they were treated to a luncheon for the 76 senior citizens at the home with other senior citizens.
Charlotte Bosman, the centre manager, expressed her gratitude and said, “We are overjoyed, excited and privileged that you chose our institution for such a remarkable adventure, thank you so much.”
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