The numbers of older persons above 60 years are growing across the world as well as in Myanmar day by day. Most of the older persons are expecting sympathy as well as warm care to be provided by new generations.
The long longevity is acceptable for the aged if they are sure to have assistance from providers. Otherwise, the needy aged persons do not dare to face the consequence of the long longevity for various reasons on the deficiency of aid.
Myanmar starts the aged care activity in 1915 with the establishment of homes for the aged. So far, more than 70 homes for the aged established by various charity organizations scatter in various parts of the nation to provide care to over 3,000 older persons.
Generally, the homes for the aged admit the older persons above 60 regardless of race and religion and provide care to them. The supervisory bodies of respective homes emphasize the basic needs of the older persons such as food, clothing and accommodation as well as health care services for the aged.
As such, new generations who would come out more and more need to give warm care and sympathy to the older persons for enjoying the peace and tranquillity of their lives on the remaining sunset days.
So far, the Department of Social Welfare has recognized 58 homes for the aged: one in Kachin State, two in Kayah State, one in Chin State, two in Sagaing Region, two in Taninthayi Region, nine in Bago Region, five in Magway Region, nine in Mandalay Region, three in Mon State, two in Rakhine State, 11 in Yangon Region, four in Shan State, six in Ayeyawady Region and one in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.
The Institute of Social Welfare conducts the aged care course with attendance of caregivers, home wardens and volunteers serving at the homes in regions and states, aimed at systematically providing care to the aged at the homes for the aged by spending the State budget.
The UN Economic and Social Council adopted resolution 1997/18 dated 21 July 1997 to celebrate the International Year of Older Persons in all global countries every year with the approval of the 52nd Session of the UN General Assembly and the 35th Session of the Commission for Social Development.
As such, new generations who would come out more and more need to give warm care and sympathy to the older persons for enjoying the peace and tranquillity of their lives on the remaining sunset days.
