Bangladesh
A silent challenge amid poverty and lack of care
Usually, we in the Western world are used to hearing about abandoned children, street children, but no one talks about how many elderly people are on the streets without assistance, forced to beg in order to eat.
The elderly population of Bangladesh is growing rapidly, thanks to increasing life expectancy, but faces severe economic, social, and healthcare challenges.
Currently, around 16.5 million people (10% of the population) are aged 60 or older; this figure is projected to reach 40 million by 2050.
Life for the elderly in Bangladesh is very difficult, as they receive no support from the government.
In daily life, many elderly individuals struggle to afford the food and medicines necessary for their treatment.
Some elderly people are forced to beg on the streets to survive and purchase food; they can be encountered near markets, supermarkets, stations, and mosques.
The commitment in Satkhira between healthcare and closeness
For these reasons, we at the Niroshon Association have launched a program dedicated to the elderly in wards number 4 and 5 of Satkhira.
It can be said that the elderly constitute a vulnerable group in Bangladesh.
The Niroshon Association made this reflection before embarking on this journey with the elderly.
If we think about it, the beginning of life and the end of life are two periods in which people must be accompanied and need care and attention.
From this idea, we started the project in Satkhira. We assist and accompany thirty people by providing them with medicine every month, as well as medical check-ups, physical therapy, and socialization opportunities.
Encounters and testimonies of hope
A week ago, I was in Satkhira and visited some of the elderly. I met a teacher who taught for 38 years at the mission school and remembered all our Christian students, calling them by name.
I was deeply touched by his serenity and desire to continue living.
During our visits, we were also accompanied by the President of the sub-committee, an elderly man himself who suffers from severe tremors. Initially, he could not leave his house or get out of bed. With our help, he now leads a normal life with great energy and enthusiasm.
These are small miracles, but they bring hope to these elderly people who still have so much to teach and pass on.
Photo by Father Giovanni Gargano
