According to the WHO, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over by 2030. (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health)
As the birth rate decreases and life expectancy increases, the pace of population ageing is much faster than in the past. As every country in the world is experiencing growth in the proportion of older persons in the population, the demand for social and financial support is on the rise, calling for a global response. Many say that we should identify the difficulties the senior citizens experience in the community in real life and provide practical help.
ASEZ members in Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S., have continued to serve the senior citizens through partnerships with the Mayor of Elmwood Park and the City Council for many years. On November 27, 2022, students from Passaic County Community College, Bergen Community College, Rutgers University, Montclair State University, and William Patterson University hosted a leaf cleanup at the homes of senior citizens in the community. Fallen leaves on the streets are one of the causes of falls, fire outbreaks, and drainage problems for senior citizens.
Councilwoman Lorraine Pellegrine, said, “I just want to say on behalf of the borough of Elmwood Park; we’re so grateful that you’re here once again to help our senior citizens and residents in need.”
Brielle LaFortezza, a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University, said, “The love in the world has grown a little cold especially after a prolonged pandemic, but so many university students came out and the residents were surprised and thankful.”
The problems that senior citizens are having now may be things we all have to go through in the future. The expansion of elderly-friendly social systems and welfare infrastructures are very important at this point in time, but a new awareness and approach to the elderly are also required.
The communication between generations, understanding and having empathy through volunteer activities will induce interest and action for the elderly, and bring change to the community.
