In a heart-wrenching incident in Toa Payoh, Singapore, a 73-year-old woman named Madam Cheng Ah Imm lived alone after her brother moved to a nursing home, ultimately suffering a tragic fate in her flat. This incident not only saddens us but also raises our concerns. In this highly modernized society, are we paying enough attention to the needs of lonely elderly? Have the changes in family values led us to overlook the preciousness of kinship?
As society faces an aging trend, the issue of lonely elderly becomes increasingly serious. Many older adults have to face their twilight years alone due to children leaving home, the loss of a spouse, and other reasons. In Madam Cheng’s case, both her brothers had passed away, and she may have been out of touch with other relatives for a long time. This prompts us to consider how to care for and attend to these lonely elderly, which is an urgent issue in today’s society.
The government and communities bear significant responsibilities in this regard. They can carry out activities to care for the elderly, provide care hotlines, and regularly visit lonely elderly to ensure their basic needs are met. In addition, communities can establish mutual aid organizations for seniors to keep each other company and look after one another.
However, relying solely on the government and communities is not enough. The shift in family values has also led many young people to overlook the care for their elderly. In the fast-paced life, we often immerse ourselves in work, career, and social activities, neglecting communication and companionship with our family members. We need to constantly remind ourselves that kinship is priceless, and filial piety and caring for elders should not be forgotten.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for us. Let us learn from it, pay attention to the lonely elderly around us, and respond to society’s expectations with practical actions. At the same time, let us cherish our families, pass on the values of filial piety, and let kinship shine anew in this era.
