My letter to The Straits Times on the above matter is
published today, Monday 18th December 2017
It is such a sad state of affairs that some of the
elderly sick are being neglected by their own families and have to find solace
in dedicated and compassionate befrienders (Volunteers who ensure no one dies
alone; Dec 10).
The volunteers who befriended Mr Tay Cheng Tian and
committed to spending time with him till the end are heroes and a rare breed.
Feelings of loneliness and being unloved can have serious
health consequences for the elderly.
It can shorten the lifespan of
seniors who live in isolation. According to a study by the University of
California, San Francisco, loneliness among the elderly increases the risk of
an untimely death by 45 per cent.
It was also troubling to read reports of how the elderly
in Japan have resorted to committing crime because of poverty and loneliness
(More seniors taking to crime in Japan; Dec 10).
Those who neglect their elderly sick relatives need to do
some soul searching. They must ask themselves whether they are making the
effort to visit their elderly loved ones regularly.
Everyone, irrespective of their
status in society, should be allowed to die with dignity and be remembered by
their loved ones.
Attitudes need to change, and our schools, religious
organisations and employers have to reinforce the message that filial piety
should be observed at all times, and that taking care of our elderly should be
part of our culture.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
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