Daily Times

There is nothing more disgraceful than abandoning your own. Parents nurture you, provide the best for you and shape you into who you are today. While we strive for their happiness, others find excuses to run away from their responsibilities. It is more about our unconditional love for them. The idea of old age homes does not belong in Pakistan considering that its foundation is family unity. The term itself is a representation of weak human values. In 2017, a report concluded that 10 old age homes and 55 daycare centers are currently functioning in Punjab alone to cater to the needs of the elderly. Countless home facilities for ageing adults exist in Pakistan today; EDHI Foundation, Gills Shelter Old Age Home, Geriatric Care Foundation and VCARE.

Globalization and influence of social media are rapidly changing family structures, particularly towards nuclear families. Assimilation of western values in close-knit societies is also a major challenge. Progressive thinking is essential for human growth, however, liberal values can threaten family unity and cause intolerance. We make conscious choices in our lives every day, and it is inconceivable to contemplate a young married man living happily, while his parents endure emotional suffering. The irony is, they would still hope for the best for him. Disrespect is not a part of growing up. It only leads youth to the path of hate and ignorance. Empathy is what drives us all to care for each other but it appears to be dead now a days.

The idea of old age homes does not belong in Pakistan considering that its foundation is family unity. The term itself is a representation of weak human values. In 2017, a report concluded that 10 old age homes and 55 daycare centers are currently functioning in Punjab alone to cater to the needs of the elderly. Countless home facilities for ageing adults exist in Pakistan today; EDHI Foundation, Gills Shelter Old Age Home, Geriatric Care Foundation and VCARE

How can the young selfishly abandon their parents who selflessly sacrificed everything for them? Suddenly, they are a liability? Those who try to rationalize their talking points about old age homes should look up the word ‘humanity.’ Some things are to be condemned and this is certainly one of them. We rely on instinctual decisions if God forbid, caught in such a dire situation. It is not even a decision to begin with; it is a no brainer! Parents uplift us, guide us and bestow their blessings upon us, and to deprive them hastily of their freedom with one guilt-free decision is unjust. As they grow old before our eyes, we should be able to understand what their needs are. We are capable of change if we try to look beyond ourselves. It is a matter of intent. What you decide is a reflection of who you are. Choosing comfort over effort symbolizes weakness. Suffice it to say that decisions involving parents require no forethought. Afterall, love is humanity.

The writer is a model and an actor

Published in Daily Times, February 8^th 2019.