Giving the elderly some hope for the future and helping them discover their sense of purpose
After years of working, raising families and contributing to society, many people hope to live out their golden years in comfort; surrounded by friends and entertained by their favourite activities as they watch the world go by.
However, this is sometimes a pipedream that many old people never experiences, especially now that there is rising number of senior citizens neglected by their children due cruel parenting or poverty. Death of offspring also leaves ageing parents without family support system.
In other instances, young adults who are supposed to look after their ageing parents are in search of opportunities in urban areas, leaving the elderlies with no one to look after them.
Most elders die before their time because they have been abandoned, with no care, so, they feel depressed and lonely. And part of the ways we make them happy is to carve out programmes that celebrate and cheer them up.
It is against this backdrop that St John has set out to help older individuals discover their sense of purpose and give the elderly some hope for the future.
The charity is supporting existing eldercare homes by sending volunteers to give them company, making the seniors feel less alone.
They also prepare meals, clean clothes and provide ambulance transportation during emergencies. This care enables the elderly to not worry about the things they cannot do anymore and celebrate the things that they can.
Part of the reasons why St John’s volunteers like to care for the elderly is because it makes a difference in their lives and learn from their experiences while having fun. The volunteers are caring, compassionate, and they’re good listeners.
It is such a rewarding field to work in and, as the elderly population rises at an ever-faster rate, it is a vital one for our local communities and society.
It is such a rewarding initiative to the elderly population, which is rising at an ever-faster rate. Kenya has about 1.5 million old people, which is about 4% of the population of the total population.