It is deeply painful to witness the growing disrespect and neglect of elderly parents. Parents devote their lives to raising their children with love, care and sacrifice, providing good health, education, housing and every possible opportunity. Yet, when they grow old, some are treated with cruelty, neglected, or even forced out of their own homes. Modern expectations and a sense of entitlement can sometimes make children forget the sacrifices their parents made while bringing them up. Continuous parental support should never be mistaken for an obligation or a licence to behave selfishly, rudely or abusively. Marriage and outside influence should also never become excuses for abandoning one's responsibility towards ageing parents.
We must remember that protecting elderly parents is not merely a family duty but a reflection of our values, culture and humanity. They deserve dignity, security, respect and gratitude in their later years. As the saying goes, “Never put your parents in a position where you will regret their absence. Honour them while they are still alive and treat them with dignity, respect and gratitude.”
GASTON DIAS, Sarzora
