Opinions on whether old
age homes are boon or bane
Nila poll suggested that 90% of the
people think old age homes are bane.We tried to approach
people in different age groups and asked for their
opinion:
Jawahar(25)
- software engineer: When someone goes to the
extent of excluding their parents from his or her
family, I wonder what will happen to the aged, if
not for the old age homes. These are the people who
spent their life's fortune in their children's welfare,
left with none for themselves. They are orphans too,
sadly in their prime old age. Old age homes are the
orphanages where they find people with empathy. They
are certainly a boon to the society.
Stella(24) -software
engineer: As anything in this world has got
its own advantages and disadvantages so is old age
homes. It is advantageous in a way that the old
people get some attention in these homes and they
can atleast spend some time in peace rather than
being considered as a burden. But it's disadvantageous
in a way that b'cos of these homes many don't bother
to take care of their parents on their own. They
just give some money and get it done by these organisations.
Old people need lot of attention and they prefer
to be with their kith & kins. These homes make them
feel that they're the least wanted people in the
world and also lonely. I don't think aged people
will vote for old age homes. They would prefer to
stay at their sons' or daughters' place like servants
rather than spending the rest of their life like
orphans in an unknown environment. In that point
of view I would call it as a bane than a boon.
Jose Prabhu and Ezhil
- NRI couple(20+): We feel oldage homes are
a boon to the society. For those who are helpless,
it is definitely a better place to spend their life.
It turns to a bane, when the families start using
Oldage homes to shrug off their responsibilities
to care for the most valuable members, The Parents.
It is a curse if the society develops an attitude
that spending for the oldage homes for the parents,
is good enough to show their affection or gratitude
to them.
Gopal -Geetha- Working
couple ,Chennai(30+): WeI would rather classify
old age home as a Boon. · Gives the opportunity
of the Aged to be in the comfort of people of similar
age and experience. · Gives a sense of belonging
to the Old in the society where their so called
loved ones have either neglected them or have no
time for them. · For children of Aged parents who
seek career opportunities away from their hometown
or town they dwell and who do not have anyone to
take care of their old ones, can resort to such
homes to ensure that their loved ones are not left
alone and are taken care off. · For couples who
do not have any children nor any relatives , gives
a place to spend their last few years of their life
in company of old, · The culture in Aged homes tend
to refine some attitudes of the aged when in company
of the likes Viz. short temper, negative thinking,
empathy etc. · Enables the old to be participative
in some of the social service activities in the
Aged homes which in turn helps the society . · Helps
the Old to remain healthy with timely day to day
activities.
J.Nirmala
Devi (58),Chennai: Old age homes are required
in the present changed social scenario where children
had to go out and work. In this situation the parents
cannot go(in most cases) with their chidren wherever
they go.Old parents are feeling out of place in
the new situation. I feel that if children are not
staying with their old parents and if there is no
proper person to take care of them, it is better
they stay in old age homes, where they will get
proper attention and they can feel safe.
Sukumaran(63),Panruti:
Old age homes are started by some irresponsible
citizens that like to wash of the responsiblity
with money.The children are committing sin,if they
are not looking after their parents when they are
old. Parents sacrifice a lot while bringing them
up.These sacrifices cannot be compensated with money.senior
citizens are like kids.It is upto the children to
keep them happy and obviously one tend to live longer
when feel secured and happy.As far as I am concerned,I
like to live with my children in my old age and
would consider staying in old age home as a shame.No
doubt old age homes are bane.
