The place of the elderly in Kenya

  

Date Posted: 11/17/2012 6:24:40 AM

Posted By: Mrs kihara  Membership Level: Silver  Total Points: 543

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Age had always been highly respected in Kenya.The elderly,bent almost double towards the ground or limping around on 'three' legs,the third leg being the inevitable walking-stick were regarded as a symbol of the community's ability and power to survive and endure.The elderly were trusted and consulted as keepers of the society's knowledge and wisdom.The elderly were totally respected by everyone in the society.The society felt secure in its elder's guidance.

The society believed that where there were elders,nothing went wrong.In return,the elders were served,obeyed and loved by all the other members of the society.The elders were given all the assistance that they required.They were protected from harsh and uncomfortable situations.For example,in a crowded place,the elders were given right of way.At gatherings,they got the places of honour.

The society felt that these citizens had earned their special status through their contribution to its development and well-being.The most endearing image of the respected,beloved elders were the grandparents.Grandparents were the giver and receiver of the warmest forms of affection in the society.The grandparents were fully trusted by their grown-up children because,after all,they brought them up.The grandchildren regarded grandparents as cherished companions and even,playmates.

The grandparents were likely to take the side of their grandchildren in case of conflict between children and their parents.Grandchildren visited their grandparents and they treasured those moments.It was all about adventure.Grandfathers showed the youngsters all the trees,shrubs,grasses and weeds of the fields.They knew which plants produced good fruits,which were good for feeding livestock and which were medicines for curing various ailments.Grandmothers were full of exciting stories,both real-life and fiction stories.Their cooking was out of this world.

Old was gold.However,those days are fast disappearing behind the facade of modernity.In the modern Kenya,few people have any time for their grandparents.The most notable culprits are people who live in urban areas and towns,the urban dwellers.

The urban dwellers hardly ever visit the countryside.They claim that the elderly are dirty,backward,ignorant and a nuisance.The elders are no longer treated with respected or addressed with politeness.They are insulted as if surviving into old age is a crime.These elders are a valuable resource from which our societies can greatly benefit.

The mere fact that they have lived that long is a testimony to their survival skills.Living long means seeing much. Our elders are walking encyclopedias and libraries of knowledge.If we ignore them,we are the losers.Every old person who dies with his/her wisdom is a treasure house buried with all its contents.The elderly should be accorded the respect they deserve.The sooner we learn to accept our elders and live with the elderly in mutual respect and cooperation,the better it will be for everyone.

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