Concerned citizens have called for improved medical, financial and emotional support for elderly persons, stressing that neglect exposes them to avoidable health complications and worsens the challenges of ageing.
They identified hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, poor eyesight and muscle weakness as common health challenges among older persons, urging young people to prioritise the welfare of their parents and other vulnerable elderly people, particularly those without pensions or immediate support.
The residents made the appeals in separate interviews with our Reporter, Ulahaga Catherine, on the need to improve care for the elderly.
An Artisan, Daniel Iorshe, who said children have a responsibility to provide their ageing parents with adequate care and attention, noted however that the financial demands of medical treatment and daily support could be overwhelming for low-income earners.
He said ageing and untreated illnesses could shorten lives, stressing that proper feeding, mobility support and personal hygiene were also essential to protecting elderly persons from sickness and physical weakness.
Also speaking, a postgraduate student, Tersoo Mchivga, called on the government to provide free or affordable healthcare for vulnerable elderly persons, particularly those without regular sources of income, to help them manage age-related illnesses.
He also urged children to avoid behaviours that cause their parents emotional distress, noting that disobedience and disrespect could worsen their health. He called on young people to demonstrate love through respect, obedience and regard for parental advice.
A Nurse, Frank Abur, said ageing, prolonged stress, poor eating habits and occupational demands could increase vulnerability to illnesses, describing caring for elderly parents as a moral responsibility and an investment in the well-being of future generations.
The health worker also recommended regular, age-appropriate exercise, strict adherence to medical prescriptions, healthy diets, avoidance of alcohol and effective stress management to protect the health of elderly persons.
