Being a burden

In most countries all over the world there are many more socially active, productive and healthy elderly people, especially under 80 years of age, than those who fit the out-of-date stereotyped notion of older people who are sick, passive, unproductive and serious burdens to their families and communities. In most societies the elderly are regarded simply as people necessitating more or less health and/or social care. Their indispensable role in policy-making, social movements, voluntary organizations etc., is often neglected or forgotten. Younger generations should change their attitude towards the aged, most of whom are not a nuisance or burden but a useful and integral part of society.