Forum: Encourage independence while offering support to seniors
I refer to the letter '
Forum: Let seniors know it's OK to need help ' (July 1). The writer's concern about the emotional needs of seniors and the fear of becoming a burden is sincere and well-argued.
As a senior myself, I would like to offer a slightly different perspective.
While it's true that many older people may hesitate to accept help – sometimes out of pride, sometimes out of fear of being a bother – I believe there is also value in encouraging gradual independence, especially when the circumstances allow for it.
Having cared for elderly family members, I've observed that doing everything for them can unintentionally make them more dependent. In some cases, it even diminishes their confidence over time. With gentle support and patience, many seniors can be empowered to do simple tasks on their own again.
This isn't about ignoring their emotional needs or labelling them as a 'burden' if they need help. Rather, it's about striking a healthy balance between care and encouragement, ensuring they retain dignity not just through assistance, but also through self-worth that comes from doing what they still can.
As a society, we should of course continue nurturing empathy and interdependence. But at the same time, we must not underestimate what seniors can still achieve when we believe in them.
Encouraging independence is a delicate balance – but one worth the effort.
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