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Rediscover the Elderly

Gradient Ocean

Brian Otieno

Feb 27, 2024

Kenya

Categories:

Elderly, Social Connection, Health, Community Resource

Economic and social exclusion affect elderly people worldwide, and it can lower their quality of life and shorten their lifespan. This article spotlights a program in Migori in Kenya designed to help. Some of these elderly persons live in abject circumstances.


Eve Otieno, a Kenyan woman and her family started the program in 2020 after seeing first-hand the conditions many elderly people endured. Together, they run an elderly feeding program and provide friendship to a small group of five elderly people, including one that is 102 years old. The family has a deep-rooted faith, and an unshakable belief that they can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.


Their program is supported through donation from faith-based institutions, friends, and individuals who have been touched by their project. They provide the much-needed resources to buy food, clothing, arrange hospital visits, and even offer shelter for those who have none. Proper nutrition and social connection to the community is critical. They also provide faith-based, spiritual support. The small group of seniors is thriving, and the experience has been a positive one for the founding family too.


Elderly people are often marginalized in our society, yet they have so much to offer society, particularly their collective experience and wisdom of a lifetime. Working alongside senior citizens can help us deepen our compassion, humility and tolerance, which, in turn, benefits humanity.


Cherishing our elderly as an asset and not a burden is within our power, and we have so much to gain from it. There are many things you can do to make a difference in the world. Here are some general approaches that can be scaled to whatever the need, and your expertise and interest. Working with one elderly person can be just as rewarding as working with many. The key is to get involved.


Community Engagement:
• Identify elderly members in your community who may be in need.
• Conduct outreach programs to understand their challenges and concerns.
• Encourage local community members to participate in activities that involve and support the elderly.

Resource Mobilization:
• Reach out to faith-based institutions, friends, and individuals to gather resources.
• Establish partnerships with local businesses willing to contribute to the cause.
• Set up donation drives for food, clothing, and other essentials.

Education and Awareness:
• Organize workshops and seminars on the challenges faced by the elderly.
• Promote awareness campaigns to debunk stereotypes about aging.
• Collaborate with local schools and universities to involve the youth in understanding and addressing the needs of the elderly.

Volunteer Programs
• Recruit volunteers from the community, especially youth, to actively engage with the elderly.
• Set up regular visitation schedules to combat loneliness and isolation.
• Encourage intergenerational activities that foster bonds between the youth and the elderly.

Health and Wellness Initiatives:
• Establish health check-up camps for the elderly, focusing on preventive care.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide accessible medical assistance.
• Educate the elderly on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition.

Advocacy and Policy Engagement:
• Advocate for policies that support the elderly in terms of healthcare, social services, and financial aid.
• Collaborate with local government officials to ensure the inclusion of elderly-friendly policies.
• Engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders to address systemic issues affecting the elderly.


Remember, small acts of kindness can collectively make a significant impact. By implementing these recommendations, you can contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for the elderly in your community. Let's join hands to make a positive change, one step at a time.


Together, we can provide not only food and shelter but also mental and emotional support, giving these remarkable individuals the respect and dignity they deserve. By doing so, we help our senior citizens smile again, and in the process, we enrich our own lives with their wisdom and experiences.


So, are you ready to embrace this transformative journey and be a source of hope and encouragement for the elderly in your community? Let's fire it up and make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.


Photo by Kampus Productions on Pexels.

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Catalog #:

0224.1013.01.022724

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