With more than half the population of this country being classed as 'elders', it is time that special attention is focused on the welfare of all senior citizens. Even though a majority of them have served the nation well, and fulfilled their duties in whatever roles they played: as responsible parents, guardians or citizens, the treatment meted out to them by society is far from wanting. Many elders languish on the streets or in elders homes either because they have been abandoned by their kith and kin or because they are poor and have no one to turn to.

Should this be the fate of our elders who have given us so much in their own way? Definitely NOT. In a nation where family bonds and traditions are highly valued, it is disheartening to note that more and more elders are ending up in elders homes today. It is a fact that nuclear families are getting smaller unlike in the past and as a result, there are only one or two children at the most to take up the responsibility of careing for their aging parents. Even they may be either living abroad - gone in search of greener pastures for their own children, or facing economic constraints and in-law problems, making it virtually impossible for them to be caregivers to their aging parents, uncles or aunts.

It was in the good old days that not only the nuclear family but also the extended family, all lived under one roof in the Maha gedara or the main house which belonged to the parents. Today when even the nuclear families are struggling to survive, who can expect them to provide for extended family members?

However, no matter what constrains one faces in life, elders, especially one's parents should never be abandoned by children. Even if the circumstances are such that you cannot personally care for them, make sure at least that they are well cared for wherever they may be. Do not 'dump' them in elders' homes and turn your back on them. If you have no choice but to leave them in such a place, ensure that you keep them in a happy frame of mind, by providing not only just material comforts, but also your time and love. All the material comforts and even the care showered by strangers taking care of them in the elders' homes will not make them happy, if you turn your back on them. Do not let them die with a broken heart after all what they have done for you.

As it is evident that Sri Lanka has an aging population and most children are finding it hard to take care of parents at home due to economic constraints, the State and the private sector must focus attention on setting up more elders homes. There is already a severe dearth of such places and many of the homes in existence are not providing the best of care due to various reasons.

If it is difficult to prevent elders and aged parents ending up in homes, why not take action to do the next best thing? Ensure that there are good, well maintained and managed elders' homes that would be like a 'home away from home' to all those who live there? But remember, no child should take the easy way out and abandon aging parents to the confines of such homes. They deserve better, always. Make providing and caring for them your duty. Never let elders fade away from this world, unloved, unnoticed and uncared for.