Author: Nun Dositeea Savin (Christiana Monastery)
Keywords: elderly, faith, fulfilment, happiness, care, devotedness, philanthropy, Christiana Monastery
Abstract:
Most of the elders nowadays are far from being happy. We are all equally responsible for their misery, because together we form a society that is indifferent and blind to the needs and wishes of an elder. This is most obvious for the elders, who do their best to become part from a society that „politely” rejects them. This grim reality also becomes obvious for us, the monastics serving a retirement home, when we receive our new residents. The elders bring with them al this spiritual agony, all the pain they have accumulated in a lifetime, all their deceptions, anxieties, and sad memories. For a better understanding of this grim situation for the elderly, we must undertake a short review of the evolution and transformation of human society. The old world was preoccupied with the spirit and found the answers to the great questions about life in eschatology, philosophy, and theology; so, there was a projection into the future. The best lifestyle back then was that of the wise elder. The current postmodern society emphasizes the moment too much. Its sole preoccupation is the body, and this leads to fear and anxiety, generated by the passing of time and the unavoidable march towards death. The origins of the elder’s drama are therefore generated by these traits of our postmodern world. Modern culture generates aging, and it also tends to isolate it. It follows its course, politely despising the elders and, although Humanism is measured by society’s attitude towards women, children, disabled and elders, the modern world has no need for the elderly.
Pages: 46-57