Isn’t it ironical we turn our back on those in old age who brought us to this planet; bore our troubles right from our birth keenly and selflessly? If they had not been there, it’s impossible to think what our way of life would have been like.

As humanity is moving further on, the values and morals are losing ground. Disapproving it is, degenerative would be a better expression, to disown our parents for a single fault of theirs i.e. old age. Well, in fact, is it a fault? If it is, then we should start preparing ourselves to join them when our physical strengths would start ditching us. There is an old proverb: As you sow so shall you reap. Accept as true, life is like a circle which is not complete sans that age of dependence. So, if you think about exceptions, none are there. In a flash, when we will take over their place, reality would be appalling for us. Then, would we be in a position to defy our stance what it was like? Probably no is the reply. May be, we trust our kids, as our parents did, and hope they’ll always be there with us. Did you say yes? Then it means you expect them to be more prudent and sane than you are.

Though it may appear to be awkward, but is there any difference between orphans and our forlorn parents (elders) in those Old-age homes? While the former were fated to be there, we have forced our elders to be at a place that was never meant for them. We never relate ourselves to those orphanages because our parents never let us spend a night there. What we’re doing? Why selfishness crept in where it should have been compassion and understanding?

Now, someone may consider me against old age homes. Nevertheless, the coin has the other side as well. Old age homes are boon to those who have none to look them after, but surely a curse to those who have everyone to take care of. Why should they be there? Before one thinks over to send their elders to old age homes, they should also give a second thought whether they’d love to be there when it’s their turn?

I really don’t know whether we care for our elders or have we abandoned our characters? I seriously believe we need them more than they crave for us – be it guidance, moral support, blessings, or what not. Provided you feel the way it’s with me, their presence makes a family an institution to be a part of. They’re definitely not bothersome, a burden, or a stumbling block, but the pillars of our existence. It’s far better for us to realize it as early as possible, lest we regret later on.

Moreover, westernized set-ups have just unsettled our deep-rooted systems in particular and society in general. No doubt, we are living in an age where nuclear families are in fashion, and perhaps the need of the hour. Are we so busy (or pose to be) that finding a chance to make them feel we care for them is impractical? To some degree, it can be but impossible doesn’t seem to be an explanation at all. It’s perversion and an adulteration over teachings of our parents. It may sound a bit harsh- we’re selfish. We can’t be true to anyone, if our parents and elders are nonentity for us. I’m sorry to say that we have just cast our souls off; we never had one.

To cut this long story short, it depends on the way one sees the things. The crux of the whole lot is in the answer of a simple question: Would you like to be respected, and love to be at your home or prefer to be dejected? Answer is on your conscience. Opt for the way you’ll love to be treated in your old age.