Under the shade of an old Morung in a quiet village, Omotsu
(78) and Otsu (75) sit on a weathered wooden bench, watching the world go by.
Their conversation meanders through the struggles and joys of growing old,
touching on their physical pains, emotional longings, and hopes for community
and church support.
Omotsu: (sighs) You ever feel like the world just keeps
moving forward without us, Otsu? Some days, my body feels like it’s giving up
on me—my knees ache, my hands tremble, and even a short walk leaves me winded.
It’s frustrating, knowing I can’t do what I once did so easily.
Otsu: (nods) Oh, Omotsu, I know. My back pain keeps me up at
night, and my eyesight is getting worse. But you know what hurts more? The
silence. My kids have their own lives, and most of my old friends… well,
they’re gone. Sometimes, it feels like I’m just waiting for time to pass.
Omotsu: (pauses, lost in thought) It’s not just the pain or
the loneliness. It’s this… emptiness. Like I’ve lost my place in the world. I
used to be active, part of the community. Now, I just feel like a burden. Do
you ever feel that way?
Otsu: (softly) Every single day, Omotsu. And it’s not just
about being needed—it’s about feeling connected. Even my faith, which once gave
me so much strength, feels distant. I wonder if God still has a purpose for me
at this age.
Omotsu: (leans forward) That’s the thing, Otsu. We’re not
just old folks with aches and pains. We still have thoughts, feelings, wisdom
to share. We need care, sure, but we also need purpose. We need to feel like
our lives still matter.
Otsu: (smiles faintly) You’re right. But who’s there to
remind us of that? Our families try, but they’re busy. The community… sometimes
it feels like they’ve forgotten we exist. And the churches—oh, they talk about
love and compassion, but where are they when we need them most?
Omotsu: (thoughtful) I believe churches and communities
could do so much more. They could start by just showing up—visiting, listening,
asking for our stories. We’ve lived long lives, and there’s wisdom in that. Why
not create spaces where young and old can connect?
Otsu: (eyes lighting up) Yes! And churches could go beyond
Sunday services. Support groups for seniors, spaces where we can talk, pray,
and lean on each other. They could offer rides for those of us who can’t drive
anymore, help with groceries, or just check in. Small acts of kindness mean the
world.
Omotsu: (nodding) And dignity—that’s what we want most. We
don’t need pity. We don’t need to be treated like children. We just want to be
recognised for the lives we’ve lived, the lessons we’ve learned, the battles
we’ve fought.
Otsu: (smiling) You know, this talk has given me hope. Maybe
if we speak up, someone will listen. Maybe people will realise that one day,
they’ll be in our shoes. How they treat us now will shape how they’ll be treated
later.
Omotsu: (smiling back) You’re right, Otsu. The golden years
shouldn’t be about loneliness and neglect. They should be about reflection,
connection, and love. And if our communities and churches step up, they can be.
Omotsu and Otsu’s conversation highlights the reality of
growing old—it’s not just about physical decline, but also about emotional,
social, and spiritual struggles. Many elderly people feel forgotten, even as
they carry a lifetime of wisdom and experience.
Need and importance of old age care
Historically, old age care was primarily family-based. In
many traditional societies, elders were respected for their wisdom and for
roles in family decisions. However, with the rise industrialisation,
urbanisation, and modern family dynamics, institutional care systems began to
emerge, especially in the West, leading to the development of old age homes.
No one can live young forever; he/she will get old when the
time comes. Old age care is essential in ensuring that senior citizens lead
healthy, dignified, and fulfilling lives. As individuals age, they face unique
challenges, including health issues, financial security, social and emotional
isolation.Governments, communities, and
religious organisations play a critical role in supporting the elderly through
polices, care services, and social activities. In India, both central and state
governments, including Nagaland, have introduced measures to address these
needs. Understanding the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of the elderly
is crucial for their well-being and a critical aspect of societal
responsibility.
Reasons for old age care include: 1. Aging brings a higher
risk of chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and mobility issues. Proper care
ensures that senior citizens receive medical attention and physical support.
2. Loneliness and depression are common in older adults due
to loss of beers and social networks. Emotional care from family and the
community helps combat isolation.
3. Many elderly individuals may no longer have a steady income.
Old age care provides financial support through pensions, subsidies, and
affordable healthcare.
4. Proper care ensures that the elderly maintain their
dignity, independence, and are treated in their twilight years.
5. Faith and spirituality often grow stronger as people age.
Older individuals tend to seek meaning, comfort, and hope through religious or
spiritual practices. Old age care encompasses this area.
Old Age Care Policy in India and Nagaland: India introduced
the National Policy for Older Pension in 1999, focusing on the health,
financial security and well-being of the senior citizens. The Maintenance and
Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 mandates children to care for
their parents and penalise for neglect. Under this act, senior citizens can
seek legal recourse to claim maintenance.
In Nagaland, old age care is largely community driven, with
the government facilitating pensions, healthcare benefits and welfare programs.
The state government works alongside NGOs and FBOs to extend old age care
initiatives, although there is room for more targeted and accessible policies
that cater to the state’s rural and tribal populations.
Responsibilities of the Community and Church for Old Age
Care:
1. Community can
provide emotional and social support to the elderly by visiting, spending time,
and engaging them in community events. Assisting with daily activities like
grocery shopping, medication, or even personal care. Ensuring the safety and
welfare of elderly neighbors and advocating for policies that improve their
quality life.
2. Church can offer spiritual guidance, prayer support, and
fellowship to ensure that older adults remain connected to their faith
community. Organising support groups, care giving services, and volunteer programs
to cater to elderly members. Conduct regular outreach programs like food and
health camps for senior citizens.
Studies and reports on old age care:
“India Aging Report
2021”(published by UNFPA, 2021). This report focuses on the rapid increase in
the elderly population in India, highlighting the urgent need for robust
healthcare systems. It emphasises the importance of family support and the
growing demand for long-term care services.
“World Population Aging 2020”, published by the United
Nations, 2020.This report highlights
global trends in population aging, emphasising the increasing need for
comprehensive healthcare, social protection systems, and long-term care
solutions for the elderly.
“Aging in Asia: Findings from New and Emerging Data Initiatives”
(2012)- National Academic Press, focused on Asian countries, including India.
This study emphasised the rapid aging population and the critical role of
family-based care systems. However, it highlighted the increasing strain on
families due to modernisation, urbanisation, and migration. It recommended that
government invest in formalised elder care services, including healthcare,
social protection, and community care models.
“Aging and Elderly
Care in North East India” (2020)- published by Institute for Human Development.
This study covers various northeastern states, including Nagaland. It
highlights the challenges faced by elderly populations due to migration,
shrinking family structures, and limited access to healthcare. It also examines
the role of traditional community-based care and the rising need for
institutional support system for the elderly.
“National Program for the Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE)-
Nagaland Implementation”- The Nagaland government has implemented the NPHCE, a
national initiative, which focuses on providing specialised healthcare services
for the elderly, including geriatric clinics and health camps. However, reports
from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (various years) note that the reach
and impact of the program in rural and remote areas of Nagaland remain limited
due to infrastructure challenges.
These reports indicate that while traditional family care
systems still play a crucial role in Nagaland, there is a growing need for more
formalised healthcare services, social security measure, and community support
mechanisms to address the evolving needs of the elderly population. The later
years of life should be filled with purpose, companionship, and dignity. By
embracing and supporting our elders, we can ensure no one feels forgotten.
Let’s honor their journey, cherish their wisdom, and create a world where every
stage of life is celebrated.
