Sudarshan Adhikari (middle in photo above), Class 8, Saubhagyodaya Secondary School, Rainas, Lamjung, Nepal.
According to National Census of Nepal 2011, total population of Nepal is around 30 million. Among them 13.3% are Elderly. Elderly people are those who are 60 to 65 years and possess vast knowledge and wisdom.
They have worked hard to earn their respect in the society. They are a treasure of knowledge, but their physical and mental abilities gradually decline, making them more vulnerable to diseases. Family members play a crucial role in supporting them by spending time, listening to their concerns, and ensuring their healthcare needs are met
Chronic diseases refer to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, which usually remain in the body for a long duration. These conditions develop gradually over time; they cannot be cured but can be managed with proper treatment. There are various factors that contribute to chronic illness, such as smoking, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, fatty and oily foods, sugary products, and it can also be hereditary.
Chronic illness has a negative impact on emotional well-being. A person with a chronic illness may display a wide range of emotions, such as anger, guilt, fear, stress, anxiety, and so on. Their willpower diminishes over time, and they often live alone and isolated. As a result of their emotional instability, they may become easily agitated.
If a person is unable to perform any simple task physically or mentally, such a person is called a disabled person. Disabilities include conditions such as visual impairment, hearing impairment, speech impairments, inability to move hands and legs and inability to walk. People can be disabled either due to accidents or hereditary factors. Disabled individuals needs companions to assist them with their daily tasks.
Elderly and disabled people, as well as those with chronic illnesses, have their own unique sufferings. Although the number of elderly, disabled, and chronically ill individuals in my community is not very high, I have come to understand their sufferings.
They should not be left without support during these challenging conditions. Family members should allocate time for them, listen to their concerns, and engage them in activities that are of interest to them.
If they become irritated or angry, we should not react in the same manner. I also have an elderly grandmother living with me. I encourage her to practice regular yoga, meditation, and exercise, and I strive to be patient when listening to her and provide encouragement.
In my community, the care for chronically ill, elderly, and disabled individuals is not adequate. Neither I nor my community fully understood what kind of services should be provided to them.
However, ever since an awareness program called the Sunita Project was conducted at my school, I have started treating the elderly, the disabled, and the chronically ill individuals in my community with more care and respect.
Whenever an event is organized in my community, I ensure they are invited with honor and help create a comfortable environment for them. I also educate them about proper nutrition and encourage them to practice yoga.
Seeing my efforts, my friends have also started respecting and caring for the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill individuals in their own communities.
Together, we teach our community how to care for the elderly, the chronically ill, and disabled individuals. We provide timely advice and suggestions to their families and continue to share the knowledge gained from the Sunita Project.
We have made a promise to each other to keep spreading awareness and supporting those in need.
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ehospice is grateful to the Sunita Project for translating this winning essay for publication.
Photo caption: Sudarshan Adhikari (1st Position) – middle, Gayatri Pandey (2nd Position) – left, Puja Roka (3rd Position) – Right
It is heartwarming to read this article. The authors have gained so much from the Sunita Project in how to care for the elderly and disabled. How to offer empathy and understanding about the different needs of the elderly in their local communities as well learning to respect the wisdom older people contribute to society.
It is a model that we could benefit from here in schools the UK.