Since I am an Orthopaedic Surgeon and dealing with the Geriatric problem of Post-Menopausal / Andropause osteoporotic problems and fragility fractures, I would like to bring to the notice, a very important and crucial socio-emotional and socio-economic issue for the entire generation of present and future elderly and very elderly senior citizens and Kudos to the networking of many dedicated and sincere Social Service workers for bringing up the same serious issue of Society of coming generations i.e Lonely senior citizens going in a stage of loneliness and then depression after staying far away from their children, Who are mostly settled abroad. The problem has worsened many folds during covid times.
In their young days, the same parents encourage their children to study abroad, supporting them financially. Over some time, children take up lucrative jobs and settle down abroad permanently. The excited proud parents in their hay days make frequent trips to visit them and to be with them and later mostly for baby-sitting. But later, the same parents are reluctant to visit their children due to the tiring long air travel and children also do not encourage their elderly parents to visit them due to unaffordable medical expenses. At such times, children visit their parents for short periods.
Everyone is happy with this arrangement until they (parents) are physically and medically fit.
Once their health starts deteriorating, the parents start feeling the necessity of being near their children. Then it is too late to make a compromise from either side. The irony of the situation is, that the same parents who looked after their elderly parents sincerely, do not have the same kind of support from their children.
Unfortunately, most of the parents when they become very elderly senior citizens with comorbidities, they are left to tend to themselves mostly in old age homes.
Western trends are replacing a Rich culture of high moral values.
How do we solve the problem of migrating diaspora?
Doesn’t the present generation owe some moral responsibility towards their parents?
Emotions, attachment, and sense of responsibility are taking a back seat in today’s materialistic world?
Can long-distance video calls kill Parents’ loneliness?
Is the empty nest syndrome a permanent reality in the life of the elderly?
Should the parents be selfish enough to refuse to fund, or discourage their children in settling down foreign countries?
Should the government of India make certain laws ( like in China ) to ensure Indian citizens return home after a stipulated period and serve their native country as well as their proud parents, when they are in need, indeed?
The problem is very complex and needs quick solutions at the end of the hour before one entire generation of senior Citizens became mentally unstable. A strong debate, discussion, and the ultimate decision are required and the whole generation of present and future senior citizens needs a platform for this controversial but important issue.