By: Zeela Shoaib
Loneliness is a disease that can succumb humans at any stage of life. But mostly, the people who are prone to it are the elderly, old aged people. These people would turn away riches and all the wonders of the world just to be close to their children and grandchildren while they wither away.
But what makes this such a worrisome issue to talk about? Don’t they spend their old age snuggled in a comfy couch, feet propped against a cushion in front of a heater, surrounded by their grandkids who constantly ask for bonbons? Well, as appealing as it sounds to the mind, it is a sad reality that the real image is quite opposite to it.
These days, people who are heading towards old age have to face serious problems which did not exist perhaps, a century ago. Rather than envisioning a warm, lively future, they dread loneliness and depression. Why is that so?
This loneliness and the reality of being deserted by your family is fueled by the growing trend of kids leaving their homes and countries for their career or academic pursuits. Now there is nothing wrong with studying abroad or choosing another country to live in. But often, kids are blinded by their lust for success that they often overlook their parent’s loneliness or their desire to be with them.
This aspect of our society is extremely tragic because loneliness is one of those diseases that can only be cured by being with your loved ones. And it’s acceptable that older people should maintain social relationships and have their own social circle, however, none of that can replace the company offered by the family.
It is very necessary to acknowledge loneliness because emotions are directly linked to the functioning of the body. Often, the elderly people become a target of mental illnesses and other deadly diseases because their brain has been engulfed by loneliness which gives birth to depression too.
What is worse is that when two elderly people live in a house together, deprived of children and grandchildren, they are possessed by thoughts of death and hopelessness because it is, after all, the way of nature. We can’t stop them from getting these thoughts but we can surely make their last days count by offering them our time, love, and attention.
The question that remains unanswered Is that how do we stay with them while exploring new opportunities side by side? Well, the answer is simple. Our first priority should be choosing good opportunities that allow us to reside close to our parents. However, if the situation calls from living away from them, we should visit them often and do all that is possible to fulfill their needs and maintain their comfort.
But if, somehow the circumstances require sacrifice, then don’t you think we can sacrifice one opportunity for people who made countless sacrifices just so that we could sleep safe and soundly. People who worked hard endlessly so that they could buy us that toy that seemed like a life or death situation. Or people who had stayed awake the whole night when you were shivering with fever.
They never did it for money. Their love was so vast and unconditional that it was just a genuine response. So, don’t you think that giving them our time when they need it the most is the least we can do? Because trust me, watching them smile is something that no prestigious university or a highly-paid job can buy.
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