The question of taking care of aged people has ignited a debate in recent time. While some individuals believe that it is the government’s responsibility, others claim that families should look after the elderly.
To begin with, it is difficult to deny the fact that the help of governments may be essential in some circumstances. It is important for retired individuals who don’t have relatives. For example, aged people can be incapable of looking after themselves and in this case, the intervention of the government is crusial to provide these people with a decent standard of living. However, if all individuals in their later years rely only on the government, it can be huge strain for the country’s budget and lead to financial problems. For example, living in a nursing home is not cheap, so in this case, all taxes will go to pay for that.
It is precisely for this reason that if vulnerable old people have a family, their members should be responsible for their comfortable life. Additionally, having relatives closely is essential for mental well-being of elderly individuals as it helps them to feel themselfs a part of their family and this is impossible to do in a nursing home. The other reason is that children should be responsible for their vulnerable parents, as they used to be looked after by their parents in their childhood. However, It can be impossible for poor relatives to provide vital things such as food and medical treatment. In this case, it is the government’s duty to pay benefits to aged people who are in need.
In conclusion, the solution to the problem should be combined. In other words, both the state and relatives should be involved in caring for the elderly because of the various circumstances. Sometimes the government is the only thing that can lend a helping hand, but at the same time, if the system is abused, it can have a harmful impact on the financial situation of the country.