Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
30 July 2023 | 18:08 CAT

Image: The Senior

Elder alienation is becoming so common within our communities, and this could be due to various reasons such as children moving away, family issues and more commonly, it is also because of various factors. Homes for the elders or elder communities are shunned as a parent should be the child’s duty.

The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship with an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.’

How people have regarded old age throughout humankind has been contradictory: for example, older people have been appreciated for their wisdom and looked down upon because of their progressive feebleness.

While we have our elderly with us at home and provide for them a bedroom, meals and medication, the counsellor of Islamic Helpline, board member of khadijatul Qubra and Ahmed Mia frail care centres, Muneera, argues that we do not give the elderly the necessary intellectual and mental stimulation as well as excluding them from outings etc.

“Excluding the elderly eventually leads to loneliness which contributes to depression,” adds Muneera.

Older people commonly experience loneliness associated with health risks and negative well-being.

Reconciliation is one way of caring. Our society fosters alienation among older people, and the result is that we are all losers as we miss the unique contributions that older people can make.

Listen to the full interview on Elder and Grandparent alienation with Moulanan Sulaimaan Ravat on Sabahul Muslim.