Old Age Homes: A Sanctuary for Abandoned Senior Citizens

Farhat Fatima

Islamabad: In today’s fast-paced world, where family dynamics are undergoing profound changes, many elderly individuals find themselves abandoned by their loved ones, seeking solace in old age homes.

While these institutions provide a sanctuary, they also shed light on a growing issue—the neglect of our senior citizens.

As societal values evolve and the traditional family unit weakens, old age homes are increasingly becoming a necessity. Parents who once dedicated their lives to raising children are now finding themselves in need of care and attention.

Yet, too often, they are left in isolation, with children shying away from the responsibility of caring for their aging parents.

This troubling trend raises questions about deteriorating ethical values, a lack of commitment, and the financial strain many offspring face in supporting their elderly relatives.

The issue is pervasive in both rural and urban areas, with elderly parents lamenting the disregard of Allah’s commands in the Holy Quran about the duty to care for one’s parents. Despite these divine instructions, many elderly individuals are left to fend for themselves, without the support they had once given their children.

A Life of Betrayal

Rehana Ashraf, in her late 70s, resides at the Bint Fatima Foundation, where she has found refuge after a series of personal tragedies. Her story encapsulates the pain of abandonment and betrayal. “My life has been a journey of both heritage and hardship.

I lost my husband years ago, and after his passing, my son took control of the family assets. He sold the house I once lived in and left me homeless,” she recounts.

Two of Rehana’s children have passed away, and her surviving son’s actions have left her in despair. “Despite earning significant income from the properties, he never once contacted me or checked on my well-being. I raised him with love, yet in my old age, he abandoned me,” she says, her voice heavy with sadness.

For many elderly individuals like Rehana, the pain of being left alone by the very people they once cared for is a harsh reality. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, Rehana maintains a sense of resilience, accepting her fate without bitterness.

Her story is a poignant reminder of the emotional and physical toll that abandonment can have on elderly parents, especially in a society where they expect their children to support them in their later years.

Finding Peace in Old Age Home

Rashida Bibi, another elderly mother residing at Heaven Homes in Bani Gala, shares a similar story of isolation and struggle after the loss of her spouse.

For her and many others in similar circumstances, moving into an old age home has become the only viable option, providing not only basic necessities like shelter and meals but also a sense of peace and contentment.

These homes offer religious education, leisure activities, and opportunities for outings, creating an environment that fosters emotional stability.

As society continues to evolve, it is increasingly evident that the responsibility for caring for the elderly is shifting from the family unit to the state. Recognizing this changing dynamic, the government has taken steps to address the needs of the aging population.

The Pakistan Baitul Mal (PBM) Act was enacted to establish old homes across the country, beginning with pilot projects in provincial and regional headquarters for senior citizens above the age of 60.

These homes provide essential services, including boarding, lodging, food, medical care, and recreational activities, aiming to create a family-like environment for the elderly.

The first old age home was established in Lahore by the Social Welfare Department, followed by the establishment of six more homes in Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Narowal, Sahiwal, and Toba Tek Singh.

Each facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 50 residents, with a total of 300 residents across all homes. These homes are open to all senior citizens above the age of 60, regardless of gender, caste, creed, or religion.

Intervention for Progress

Saba Sadiq, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Human Rights, emphasized the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by senior citizens.

“The challenges faced by older citizens highlight an urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions and innovative solutions,” she said. “The government and stakeholders have begun addressing these needs through various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for senior citizens.”

However, Sadiq also acknowledged gaps that still exist in the system, such as the need for specialized wards for elderly citizens in hospitals and enhanced facilities at old age homes. Additionally, she called for a revival of the noble tradition of caring for the elderly, which has historically been a hallmark of Pakistani society.

Aging Population Strategy

As the elderly population is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades, a cohesive national strategy is essential to ensure that their needs are met. This strategy must prioritize healthcare, legal protection, and societal support to ensure that senior citizens can lead dignified and fulfilling lives, even in their later years.

The challenges faced by aging citizens in Pakistan reflect a broader societal shift, where the traditional values of family care are increasingly being replaced by institutionalized care.

While old age homes provide vital support, it is crucial that we continue to emphasize the importance of familial responsibility and work together to ensure that our elderly population can live their final years with respect, dignity, and love.

The feature story was released by APP on December 22, 2024. 

All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter as well as APP.