Increasingly, a disproportionate number of senior citizens are being abused by caretakers. The same hands who are suppose to care and feed them, are the same hands who gruesomely beat them. What's worse? These caretakers often get away with the abuse because as we all know, society often forgets the decrepit...
Senior citizens are often viewed as crazy and delusional. Though this may prove true for some, this is not indicative of the majority. Now, I understand that ones memory becomes faded, vision becomes blurred, and movements become progressively slower- but what is that an indication of, other then some wear and tear associated with age? If we are to look at senior citizens as inferior beings because of the attributes associated with aging, then surely we can view the world as crazier and in worse shape. For instance, society today is overly medicated- shall we ignore this fact? Unfortunately, the world will say yes simply because they can think faster, walk faster, and even talk faster. This speed gives many the illusion of grandeur, and their superior strength leads to mistreatment.
There are many elderly who are stuck in their ways, meaning they are stubborn and want things done in a particular fashion. Did I mention there are many children and adults who are like this too, except society chooses to ignore this fact. Elders are seen as a burden to many, and as burdens are talked down to and abused. Elderly living with family members, in assisted living facilities, and nursing homes are target to the wrath of a caretaker. A wrath which may leave a small bruise on the arm, profuse bedsores, broken bones, and in many instances: death.
I suppose it's up to us to do something about it. As an institution, as an individual we MUST stand up for those who are too afraid or too frail to stand up for themselves.
Let us not forget we will be walking, maybe rolling in the shoes of an elder one day.
