In Search of Love and Security

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Sr.Esperanca Gracias S.F.N (Centre) Sr.Lydya D’Sa S.F.N(Right) with residents of Nazareth Home
This Christmas, Spare a Thought for the Elderly
When I visited the Nazareth old-age home in Navelim one recent afternoon, I was pleasantly surprised by the lucidity of one of the residents, a well-spoken woman who asked, “Are you a reporter?”
When she heard that my specialization was in psychology, she shot a sharp question my way: “What can you say about us inmates? How would you judge us?” Caught off guard, I simply smiled at her.
In this nation of the young and younger, where people start considering you old well before you hit 50, Christmas is a good time to pause a moment and reflect on the elderly among us – these veterans of life in their twilight years who’ve been around the block and from whom we have much to learn. Unfortunately, in our fast-paced, frenzied world, too many of these folks are being forgotten and neglected.
During my afternoon at Nazareth, I met a 77-year-old woman who spent seven years in a psychiatric facility after being traumatized by her husband’s death 14 years ago. She’s lived at the Nazareth Home for the past seven years. Today, she can’t feed herself or take medications on her own, but she’s one of the more beloved residents at the facility.
Another 84-year-old woman I met is still quite independent, doing most things on her own. She’s been living at the Nazareth Home, run by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Sancoale in South Goa, for the past six years after her relations cut her off following her husband’s death.
India has about 100 million elderly people aged 60 and above and is said to be one of the worst countries to grow old in. The Global Age Watch Index – 2013 (released by HelpAge International) ranked India at the 73
rd
spot out of 91 countries on the basis of social and economic well-being of its elderly. India scored poorly in all the four domains – income security, health status, employment and education and enabling environment.
According to the Census 2011 data, 11.2% of Goa’s population is aged 60 years and above, giving the state the second largest aged population after Kerala as a percentage of the overall population, as per the last Census. According to U.N. figures, India’s life expectancy at birth is 65, compared to a world average of 68 (these figures take into account all those who die young, so, happily, if you’re 67 that doesn’t mean you should be making funeral arrangements). A Helpage India report from 2010 places life expectancy in Goa at 70 years.
Of all the challenges faced by Goa’s elderly population, perhaps none is more acute than depression – a common malady among the old here, according to a research study by V. Patel et al in 2001. The reasons cited were family conflict, financial difficulties, worries about children, neglect and abuse, loneliness and boredom.
Sr.Esperanca Gracias at Nazareth Home
The study revealed a widespread feeling among the old that they were given little public respect and that young people did not enjoy their company. Another common feeling was a desire not to be dependent on their children. The study said Goa’s elderly were in need of moral support, love and affection – and that families needed to be educated about their needs and desires.
Gonzaga da Gama, in his paper presented at the Eleventh Canadian Congress on Leisure Research in 2005, concluded that death was not characterized by fear or anxiety, rather a natural passage among aging individuals in Goa. Despite many challenges, the elderly displayed will and determination in how they lived their lives.
Still, happiness often eludes the seniors among us.
One woman over 80 years old, a grandmother of 14 who like other older people interviewed for this story did not want her name used, had this to say about her life at her son’s home: “I don’t wish to stay here. I feel so lonely. None of my grandchildren sit and talk to me. I have requested my children to respect my wish to stay in the
Alberque
(old-age home).”
An observation worth taking note of: All the nuns running the Nazareth Home seemed immensely satisfied with the missionary work of serving the old and the needy.
Psychologist Clifford DeSilva says, “The trouble with old age is that all of us will get there one day unless we die young. The aged feel helpless due to their diminishing physical abilities, stamina and economic dependence. This is what makes them cranky and cantankerous. A positive attitude that they are still individuals of worth can stop them from feeling like second class citizens.”
Like most people, I am close to a number of elderly folks, including my 76-year-old father Fideles Pereira. He enjoys spending time with people his own age, but laments there aren’t more facilities available for him and his friends. “We would like a clubhouse or some premises reserved exclusively for us senior citizens so that we can meet up regularly for recreation. I am quite sure it’s a worthy exercise, but nobody seems to be taking note of it.”
What measures has our government implemented for the elderly? This year in October, Minister for Social Welfare Mahadev Naik announced that his department is working on strengthening schemes for senior citizens and will increase the number of recreation centres.
The Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS), which provides a monthly dole of Rs 2000 to senior citizens, was introduced in 2002 by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar during his first term in office. Goa has a total of 1,18,000 DSSS beneficiaries and the monthly financial outgo for the scheme is 23 crore.
Though Goa was rocked by a DSSS scam as some bogus beneficiaries were milking the scheme, it is still in force and it benefits many seniors.
The National Old Age Pension Scheme (sponsored by the central government) provides a pension for the elderly who live below the poverty line.
Village Panchayats in theory also dole out some amount for the welfare for ‘needy elders.’ But the process is usually so cumbersome that few older persons avail themselves of it.
The elderly can avail of bus travel concession when travelling in KTC buses or commuting by trains, too. Air India offers concession schemes for senior citizens (50% of normal economy class fare for those meeting the criteria).
A few pharmacies in Goa also give concession for senior citizens on purchase of medicines. Goa needs more of these health care facilities, schemes, retirement homes, concessions and clubs exclusively for our old.
What’s most important, however, is our love. We need to give more of it, and not just on Christmas.
Looking for something truly meaningful to do this Christmas? Why not visit the elderly at the Nazareth Home in Navelim. Phone number – +91 832 2711004