Traditionally

Traditionally Indian society has revered parents. In fact, it has respected them the way it respects god. Children would shower their love and affection on them. But with modernization and the evolving ‘nuclear family’ concept, such reverence for parents seems to have registered a decline. The older the parents become, the lesser the respect they receive from their children. They are not only neglected and ignored but also deprived of their own property; they are sometimes ousted from their own home by their own children, leading to their loneliness. This is a new trend that has emerged in our society.

Unfortunately, American culture has become a very fast paced thing. We push aside the ugly things from our minds and don't want to consider where we came from. We try to forget things like the homeless or Vietnam. We  complain about the price of our occasional visits to the doctor but we never stop to think about the elderly among us who can't afford to buy the medicine that keeps them alive or who have to give up their homes and independence just to qualify for government help with their medical care. Nursing homes have become drop off points for the sick and elderly individuals, the breathing dead warehoused in less than adequate conditions. We think it is all important to fight for the rights of those in foreign lands but we forget the rights of those here at home who fought for our rights. We have all watched the advertisements on television where some formerly famous actor or actress begs you to send money for the aid of some child in a third world country and we say "I really wish I could help", but if we showed video of the conditions many of our elderly live in today, would you be as shocked and moved? Shouldn't you be?

Now we have reached that crucial point. We all ask just where we fit in and how we can help. Please help us to help others, please donate today.

For the next step, give of yourself. We all have an elderly friend or relative. Go visit them. Spend a little time getting to know their story. Visit a nursing home and volunteer. Help feed someone who can no longer feed themselves. Push a wheelchair up to a day room for a chat. You wouldn't believe the joy you can bring to another human being and yourself just by taking the time to visit them and truly listen to the stories they have to tell. Take a little time to get to know those who came before you and you will find yourself enriched as you improve their quality of life.