Poverty in Old Age

            I remembered one day when I was walking in the street when an old woman accidentally bumped me. She smiled at me while asking sorry, She says, “It’s only now that I am old that i realize to be old is useless”. I was shocked of what she said, but i let her talked while we were walking. ” I often times have to ask food from my neighbors and if I get a penny, then I get a can of sardines and we divide it for lunch and suffer. I worked hard when i was young but now I need to beg to eat. Sometimes I borrow money and if I have the money, I repay what i borrowed but most times people know I don’t have the money to repay them”.

           I felt so sorry of her while she was telling me her story, the fact that she was a hard worker during her younger age and maybe she had at least preparations on her older age but it wasn’t happen. I was trying to calm her down with what i saw on her face was really sign of hopelessness. I felt as i am on herself being neglected by the community that would care for me being one individual.

          It runs on my mind, if only the government look further for caring the older person in our country as U.S. and other progressive nations do to their elders, she surely not experiencing what she is now having today. Older persons should be cared of and are priorities in the country because they were the one who builds the community and what we are now is the fruit of what they do earlier in their lives.

         One institutions that could help, which i proposed to her was the Coalition of the Elderly Persons which I was once been a home care assistant,: is helping poorest of the poor but basically they can only reach those who membered the foundation.

        Some elderly members were neglected, forbidden with their rights as a member of the community. They are longing for the care of their loved ones. Even the government still deaf in hearing their cries for care and needs.

        Year 2004 when I became a home care assistant of three elderly persons in our community. I visited them trice a week, examining their Bps, educating their family members with the new tips on how to take care their bedridden elder. I also do some fund raising to help their need for medicines. It was really a hard voluntary work to do but I always think that what  I’m doing is for the sake of the needy and thinking also that I am already serving God. Not enough i could say of my little help.

        Few days ago, I was informed that the old woman died, at her age of 84, I said to myself thanks God you give her peace! But what she was hoping had never happened. A small amount that could help her with her finances, her wish to buy a new dress and a three time meal everyday. God I know she is in your Hands now,as the bible says in your powerful Words; “6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,  for they will be filled.  7Blessed are the merciful,  for they will be shown mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Mateo 5:6-8).