In the serene landscapes of Bhutan, nestled within the folds of tradition, an age-old adage echoes through the valleys and resonates within the hearts of its people: “Pha geba ta, bhu so” – knowing you will age, you raise your child. This profound saying underscores the inescapable truth of aging and the profound responsibility it bestows upon the younger generation to care for their parents and grandparents. For generations, this cultural imperative has been a pillar of Bhutanese society, ensuring that elders are cherished, respected, and looked after with unwavering dedication.
In Bhutan, the concept of filial piety goes beyond familial ties; it extends to the broader society, where societal pressure reinforces the duty to care for the elderly. Whether driven by love or obligation, taking care of the elderly has been a fundamental value woven into the fabric of Bhutanese culture.
However, times are changing, and Bhutan, like many nations, is undergoing a transformation in how it cares for its aging population. The demands of jobs, financial pressures, and shifting priorities are reshaping the traditional approach to elder care. Many are finding themselves caught between the pursuit of success and the timeless responsibility of looking after their elders.
The International Day of Older Persons offers a moment of introspection. It prompts us to ponder how we can ensure that our senior citizens enjoy a tranquil retirement, free from undue burdens, and how we can acknowledge their vulnerabilities even when they choose not to voice them.
It would be a misconception to assume that all grandparents and senior citizens in Bhutan are well taken care of. While many families still uphold their duty, changing priorities often lead to the neglect of the elderly. As Bhutanese individuals strive to build careers, businesses, and compete in a fast-paced, materialistic world, the interests of senior citizens can become marginalized.
Although many Bhutanese believed that formal policy documents were unnecessary to emphasize the importance of respecting and caring for older generations, the International Day of Older Persons serves as a necessary reminder. It highlights the actions needed to ensure the well-being, dignity, and rights of senior citizens and to create a more inclusive and age-friendly society.
One crucial step towards ensuring the welfare of senior citizens is to challenge the notion that old-age care centers are solely for the abandoned or those without children and grandchildren to care for them. These centers offer professional care that can sometimes be superior to what can be provided within the family. For example, many elderly individuals require regimented medication to manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs). At old-age care centers, nurses ensure that they receive their treatments promptly, which may not always be the case when they are with their busy families.
NCDs are a common ailment among Bhutan’s senior citizens, and adhering to a medication schedule can be a challenge. Old-age care centers play a vital role in maintaining their health and well-being. It’s time to recognize that these centers can provide essential support and services that might be difficult for families to deliver consistently due to their own commitments.
More than just acknowledging the contributions that senior citizens have made to society, it is imperative that we recognize their evolving needs in this rapidly changing world. Bhutan’s unique cultural values must be adapted to accommodate the new realities of modern life while preserving the essence of caring for the elderly. Balancing tradition with modernity is the key to ensuring that the elderly are not left behind and that they continue to be cherished, respected, and cared for as they deserve.
