We have heard many stories of parents who uprooted themselves from their hometowns and followed their children to the cities when the need arose. Many sacrificially gave up their own businesses or preferences just to help their children, especially when the next generation came along. However, when the old folks were no longer as needed, they were often sent back to their hometowns to stay with their other children. This has actually created tension among siblings who are not close especially when a family had to suddenly cope with extra expenses and the change involved.
Baby-boomers are brought up with the idea that one has to provide for their parents. There is no law, but an unwritten expectation. I would say that it is a fair expectation if parents do not make demands on how much allowance or what must be given. However, if parents make demands that are beyond their children’s budget, then I would say that it is unfair. Times have changed and today’s lifestyles and demands on young people have also changed. Parents must appreciate whatever allowances their children give them. They cannot demand for what their children cannot afford. I believe, all children who love their parents will give them the best they can afford too.
When we consider putting a law in place to make sure that the welfare of the aged is seen to by the children, we must also realize that not all children have good relations with their parents. This may be due to various factors like favouritism shown to other siblings or bad growing up experiences. In such a situation, the child may not be willing to contribute much towards elderly care. Using the law to get children to be responsible for estranged parents may actually deepen their resentment and increase stress in the family.
Of course, there are horror stories of the elderly being abandoned or mistreated. Similarly, there are also horror stories of how irresponsible parents treated their children.
To me, the answer lies in LOVE. Parents who love, respect, understand and sacrifice for their children with do so without expecting to be repaid. They will receive all that their children give them as a bonus from God. In the same way, children who have loving parents will reciprocate with love, caring for their parents without question as they advance in years. They will not need a law for that as their actions towards their elderly parents flow out of a heart of love.
The government may come up with a law to make sure the elderly are not neglected. It is a good move but how fairly or effectively can it be executed?
In my opinion, the government must also take measures to ensure the welfare of her aging population. After all, the elderly retirees or pensioners were once part of the workforce, building the nation to what she is today. Is Malaysia (her people and government) prepared to take steps to enable her aging population age with grace and dignity?
God bless Malaysia with wisdom and love.
Mei Wong (mwrejoice@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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