Older. Wiser.

Empowering and Supporting the Elderly to Make Them Feel Valued

We live in a world where emphasis often falls on the young and the working, and the needs of the elderly population are sometimes cast aside and forgotten. As society moves forward, the accumulated wisdom of the old often finds itself ignored. In a study conducted by Age Scotland during the pandemic in 2021, it was found that only one in five older people (21%) feels "valued", while more than a third feel that they are a "burden to society". This survey paints a worrying picture of how older people may feel about the way they are regarded in society, perhaps not just in Scotland but in Singapore as well.

Many of us may be guilty of making the elderly feel like a burden. As we get caught up in the daily grind, we become much more focused on ourselves, our children and perhaps our peers, and we are less aware about considering the thoughts and feelings of our parents. This is not simply a question of loneliness; it is about the loss of a feeling of significance.

Making the elderly feel valued is crucial for their overall well-being. They bring a wealth of experience, wisdom and history that can enrich and inform our future decisions. There are different aspects to empowering and supporting the elderly so that they can feel valued in their daily lives. Let us take a look at how we can meaningfully enhance the lives of our senior citizens.

FIGHTING AGEISM 

Ageism, the discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their age, is the tenet that affects our way of thinking towards the elderly in society. It manifests in stereotypes, misconceptions and systemic biases that can contribute to the marginalisation of older individuals. Acknowledging and challenging ageist attitudes is the first step in creating an environment where the elderly are valued.