As most dictionaries show, ‘senior’ relates to older, superior, higher or over or above. This could be in age, rank, standing, class or many other sequential grouping. A senior citizen therefore, would be the oldest by age. Many of them are mature, responsible and stable in terms of wisdom, deportment and guidance. Some others may not be quite as alert.
However, I shall attempt to simplify the situation by suggesting that these individuals would have climbed the ladder of life from childhood to adulthood and have now begun the downward climb back to childhood stage. Due to ‘wear and tear’ to their bodies and mind, just like machinery and everything else, they become frail and sometimes, helpless.
As we seek to remember our senior citizens during the month of September, we should note that having served society and sometimes, many generations in communities in many and varied capacities, many of them did not get a chance to replenish their own systems and so fail to have healthy bodies that can withstand all the rigors of old age and still be comfortable. Some will have lost health wealth and mental stability.
This is a profound reason why they need special care, love and attention. They may not be your own parents or relatives, but they are somebody else’s and that is what makes it right for any and everyone who is able to assist senior citizens, to do so. If the effect of everyday conditions can weigh so severely on the mind and body of younger people, just think of how devastating it must be for the older ones who have weathered many storms of life.
Like a new baby has to be nurtured into good health and habits and proper training, the same kind of care should be extended to seniors. This is the stage at which children and other relatives make a tremendous impact; but it should be remembered that some seniors never got or bore children so these would become wards of the state if there is no one to take care of them.
Outside of those who develop mental disabilities, many seniors remain “beautiful” people right to the time of death. They are full of wisdom, knowledge and good advice, so make them a part of your life. When last have you conversed with a pleasant old man or woman looking through a window or standing at a fence? They make good conversation and will readily and freely share with you. Oh, don’t forget some of them are a bit cheeky!
