Accra: Our culture is not elderly-friendly anymore. Life is often described in the Bible as one of the signs of God’s blessing. One of God’s promises to Abraham was that he would die at a ‘good old age.’ Old age, therefore, should be a crown of honour and dignity. Yet, we live in a time when it is becoming dreadful to grow old. This is because our society today seems to value youthfulness over wisdom, beauty over experience, and speed over patience. The potential contributions of the elderly are often ignored, leaving them isolated, disrespected, and in many cases, despised.
According to Ghana News Agency, the situation for elderly women is even more severe. The proverbial ‘Old Lady,’ once revered as the family counsellor and custodian of wisdom, is now branded as a witch or burdensome dependent, whose death is sometimes secretly wished for. What used to be a pillar of family guidance has now become the subject of ridicule and suspicion. Children are being raised to fear their grandparents, with their stories and counsel dismissed as old-fashioned. This neglect breeds a culture that sidelines the aged, forgetting that everyone will eventually grow old.
In ancient Israel, honouring one’s parents extended even to their mortal remains. As Christians and as Ghanaians, there is a need to reflect on these values to reverse the troubling trends of neglect and ageism. A truly elderly-friendly culture offers companionship, support, and opportunities for the aged to continue serving God and society. Leviticus 19:32 reminds us to honour the elderly, a command that is both a social and spiritual responsibility.
The elderly possess valuable experiences that can benefit younger generations, offering lessons that no textbook or technology can replicate. However, contemporary Ghanaian culture, influenced by Western ideals, often glorifies youth while undervaluing the aged. Youth and old age should not be seen as competing stages of life but as complementary. Both the young and the elderly have unique roles to play in society.
While Ghana has some constitutional protections for older persons, Reverend Dr. J.K. Futagbi emphasized the need for deliberate planning at both the individual and community levels to prevent ageing from becoming a societal burden. He noted that older people play a vital role in life, embodying continuity amidst change and serving as stabilizing forces in uncertain times.
In traditional Ghanaian society, elders were regarded as living archives of knowledge and customs, respected for their roles as bridges between generations. However, modernization, urban migration, and individualism have eroded these bonds, leaving the elderly facing loneliness, poverty, and neglect.
If society continues in this direction, the intergenerational gap will widen, disconnecting young people from their roots and values. It is crucial to return to a culture that honours elders through practical actions – caring for them, listening to them, and involving them in decision-making. The future of society depends on the treatment of its oldest members, for one day, everyone will hope to be honoured by the next generation.