Mama said,“Stop Complaining and Just Do Something Constructive”!  Day 47 -ADC 24  Respecting Our Elders and What They Have Contributed and What They Still Have to Contribute to Our Country and to Our Lives.

I don’t know if it simply a Western cultural value but in our indigenous cultures we hold our elders in high esteem.  Maybe this is why Kamala has taken an interest in how our seniors, because in our Caribbean culture, our elders are a central part of the family unit.  We teach our children to be respectful and loving to their elders.  We see our elders as holding gifts of life experiences that can be of value to us throughout our own life.  In fact, we don’t use the word “seniors”.  Somehow the word “elders” carries a different vibration to it.  The word “elders” seems to give a sense of connection and grounding that only seasoned elders can give. 

We owe them so much gratitude for the work they put into contributing to the development and sustainability of our country and our families.  I feel like they have paid their dues, and that we owe them more compensations and benefits than we give them.   Housing is a real issue for so many of our elders.  Think about the fact that many of them probably had homes and families and are now in a position where their kids are grown, they might be surrounded by grandchildren, but they are faced with downsizing their life style.  In our culture grandparents help in raise the grandchildren and are central figures in the midst of the family.  Elders deserve so much love and consideration.  I would like to make a couple of suggestions on what I feel we need to do for our “Elders”:

1. Elders do not pay taxes after the age of 65.
2. Regardless of income, elders should have health care that is expanded beyond the usual benefits of Medicare.  They should not have a deductible and not need a supplemental health insurance because their Medicare does not cover all their medical needs.
3. Housing that is done on a sliding scale and special accommodations are provided that make them feel cared for and safe.  There should be resources available so that they can access the things they need independently for as long as they can.
4. Opportunities for engagement that will keep them active and stimulated. 
5. Elders should be able to draw down their 401’s etc. investments and not have to pay taxes on the money if they draw down funds after 65.
6. Life needs to be less complicated and stressful. 

There are so many other things I could come up with but perhaps if you have any ideas please share them in the comment section.   I am so happy that our candidate Kamala Harris has the wellbeing of our elders on her radar.