Alienation and reconciliation: caring for the elderly

Reconciliation is one way of caring. Our society fosters alienation among the elderly, and the result is that we are all losers as we miss the unique contributions that the aged can make. To bring about the reconciliation that God desires, health care institutions must join together in calling for public policies that protect the elderly's human rights; ensure that care systems and structures help to integrate the aged as a vital part of the community; and work to change attitudes (among both the young and the old) about old age's role, meaning, and purpose. Most important, those who care for the elderly must rely on God to strengthen them to make in their own lives whatever changes reconciliation requires.