In the contemporary era, there has been an alarming increase in the number of the lonely elderly. This essay will elucidate the underlying causes of this phenomenon and propose effective strategies to ameliorate the situation.
A significant factor contributing to loneliness of senior citizens is their health problems. Specifically, with the health deterioration of the elderly like alzheimer requiring dedicated care at all time to avoid unforeseen situations like being lost and injured, impeding others’ working time. Especially, their children who are responsible for caring their parents will suffer financial strain and work stagnation. This, in turn, leads to a common belief in impious children to let old parents live solitarily for their career prospect. Furthermore, the escalation of this phenomenon stems from senior citizens who choose lonely lifestyle not to become the burden for their children, suffering a lot of life pressure. A case in point is Japan, where the old chooses lonely lifestyle, enabling their children to concentrate their own life without worrying their sick parents. The confluence of these factors has collectively catalyzed the increase in the number of the lonely elderly.
In order tackle this pressing issue, comprehensive measures must be taken. Firstly, the government must alleviate employees’ workload and official working time, and compel corporations to approve these innovative regulations. This, in turn, facilitates children to invest more time in caring their old parents, limiting senior citizens’ loneliness. Concurrently, the construction of community houses will empower the solitary old people to be connected with other counterparts through community activities like dancing, singing and doing exercise. These are not only instrumental in improving the old people’s physical health but also enhancing their mental well-being. A pertinent example of this is Vietnam, where the emergence of traditional houses facilitates the elderly to engage in health-related activities, helping them to make more friends as well as mitigate loneliness.
In conclusion, the increase of the elderly suffering from the loneliness is directly attributed to their decision and health deterioration. Sustainable solutions lie in government intervention regarding reducing workload and working time, and the construction of community houses.