The elderly poor tend to be a forgotten demographic. Able-bodied poor adults and children can improve their lives with education and vocational training, but the elderly poor need special care in the last days of their lives. Sometimes, they do have caregivers in the form of family and friends, but they may not be enough to help these senior citizens who need special care. The lack of money and care can complicate matters. Here are some of the main challenges the elderly poor face.
Financial insecurity
The rising cost of living can take a toll on the elderly’s finances. Even if they have a source of income from pension or savings, their rising healthcare costs and other living expenses make them incapable of living for themselves. Many elderly poor are forced to beg if they cannot make ends meet.
Lost sense of purpose
The elderly poor feel lonely and marginalized, sometimes leading to depression and other health problems. This could be due to the death of their spouse, friends, and family or if they have no one to talk to. Sometimes, this results in them suppressing their needs as they look forward to the day they die.
Difficulty with everyday tasks
With age, motor skills, and other bodily functions deteriorate. If the elderly don’t have a support system, they are forced to cook, clean, and run errands themselves even if their body is unable to cope with this. These people desperately need help, many organizations help them in many ways. For example, Chesed clothing donation campaigns help the poor elderly in villages get comfortable clothes and other aid for their daily use.
Lack of access to healthcare services
The healthcare systems in developing countries is already stressed, and the elderly poor do not have the physical strength to access them without help. This results in many of their ailments going undiagnosed or not getting access to life-saving medication on time. Many suffer in silence as their health needs aren’t addressed in time.
How Breath of the Spirit is helping the elderly poor?
At the Breath of the Spirit Ministries, Dr. Corral and her team are doing all they can to help these people. They are providing the poor elderly with aid and also donating to old age homes. By daily providing food and medical supplies, Dr. Michelle Corral and her Chesed international organization are helping the elderly live with dignity, respect, and safety for the last days of their lives.
With this mission, Chesed is helping the disadvantaged life with a ray of hope. With the help of such interventions, Dr. Corral is making sure she does everything she can to help the elderly.
You too could contribute to this cause. Donate here and help Dr. Corral make a difference in people’s lives. By doing so, you get the immense respect and blessings of these people and God too. It is time we all join hands and do our bit to make this world a better place.
