Invest in homes for the elderly
Mar 21, 2009
Even in old age people deserve a dignified life. The reality, however, is that most of the elderly in Uganda are struggling. They grapple with problems such as debilitating diseases, visual and hearing impairment, loneliness, inability to perform certain
Even in old age people deserve a dignified life. The reality, however, is that most of the elderly in Uganda are struggling. They grapple with problems such as debilitating diseases, visual and hearing impairment, loneliness, inability to perform certain tasks on their own, and poverty.
The pension system benefits only those who served in the civil service and these are a minority. Those who did not work with the civil service can only look to their children and relatives for support.
Yet, the traditional informal system in which the communities looked after the elderly is gradually dying out. Younger people are migrating to urban areas, leaving their parents lonely in rural areas.
With increased industrialisation, this trend is bound to continue. We should not wait to get stranded with large numbers of elderly people who have no one to look after them. The line ministry should immediately start planning to build homes for the elderly in all regions.
The ministry should also come up with a national policy that will enable the elderly to lead a more comfortable life, contribute more meaningfully to national development, have equitable access to healthcare and other social services, and respect from the communities.
The elderly should not be seen simply as people who need charity. These are people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience which, if tapped by the younger people, can help in national development.
The pension system benefits only those who served in the civil service and these are a minority. Those who did not work with the civil service can only look to their children and relatives for support.
Yet, the traditional informal system in which the communities looked after the elderly is gradually dying out. Younger people are migrating to urban areas, leaving their parents lonely in rural areas.
With increased industrialisation, this trend is bound to continue. We should not wait to get stranded with large numbers of elderly people who have no one to look after them. The line ministry should immediately start planning to build homes for the elderly in all regions.
The ministry should also come up with a national policy that will enable the elderly to lead a more comfortable life, contribute more meaningfully to national development, have equitable access to healthcare and other social services, and respect from the communities.
The elderly should not be seen simply as people who need charity. These are people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience which, if tapped by the younger people, can help in national development.