Just some time back we couldn’t have remotely thought of anything like the current pandemic. It would even be difficult to think of it as fiction plot. The way it has engulfed the whole world, and sent our long established systems of healthcare, trade, travel, and governance into a chaotic spin, one doesn’t know how we will finally be out of it. As a human we are overwhelmed by the impact of this pandemic, but at the same time we are trying our best to put up a fight. To survive, to save lives, and to save the systems and societies from crumbling, we cannot give up on this fight. But while we are engaged in the bigger battle to fight out this pandemic, there are smaller, but not insignificant, battles to be fought, and won. Those are not less of a challenge. Among them is to take care of our elderly people in our families. Even in routine days our elderly people need care and attention. This is a vulnerable part of our society. In terms of their health condition, their economic dependence, and their psychological imbecility, they are always on a receiving end. Come this pandemic, and their vulnerabilities have exacerbated.
They now are a more vulnerable lot than others in medical terms as this disease can target them more than the younger ones. So in this situation, while we stay home, and observe the advisories, we need to be very caring towards our elders. We not only need to take care of their health and other material needs, but most importantly meet their emotional needs. This is time to deepen our relationship with them. One of the benefits of this home-stay can be the strengthening of bonds within a family. If we do that it will boost our psychological self, and also elevate us spiritually. In this time of anxiety getting together in a family, talking to each other, and taking care of each other is a way to overcome anxiety. In fact, in this situation, our elders can be a great source of strength, and a repository of experience to the younger ones. So take care of them, and learn a few lessons from them.