Teaching Children to Care for the Elderly: Today's Greatest Responsibility

A common scene in Malé's small apartments sees elderly grandparents sitting alone while children remain glued to smartphone and tablet screens — a heart-wrenching sight that has become all too familiar in today's society, writes Muhammad Asif (Mondhu) in a column for Sun Online. The columnist argues that teaching children to care for older people is one of the greatest responsibilities of our time. While much effort goes into preparing children academically for future careers, he says, teaching them to be compassionate and caring towards others — especially the elderly — is equally important. Asif highlights how modern, fast-paced life has narrowed the space for meaningful intergenerational connections. Children's daily schedules leave little time for relaxed conversation with grandparents, and many young people find it difficult to speak with elderly relatives — not for lack of kindness, but because they have not been exposed to such environments. Regularly spending time with elders helps children learn to accept different perspectives, respond with patience, and develop empathy, the column states. Recalling fond memories of school holidays spent with grandparents, the author says such experiences played a vital role in shaping family bonds, values, and appreciation for the sacrifices of previous generations. Caring for the elderly is not only about financial or material support, Asif emphasises. Sometimes it is a telephone call, a visit made without haste, or patiently listening to an elder's stories without interrupting. The columnist stresses that the true measure of education is not exam results, certificates, or career advancement, but the kind of person a child grows into — someone who understands the needs of others, values relationships, and recognises that success achieved without compassion holds little worth. Families must create deliberate opportunities for children to connect with grandparents and other older members of the community — through regular conversation, shared meals, family stories, preparing food together, and looking through old photographs. Schools also have a role to play, through storytelling initiatives between generations, visits to care centres for the elderly, historical information projects, and community service activities. Most importantly, adults must set the example, because children closely observe how their parents speak to and spend time with older people. 'The most valuable and enduring gift we can give our children is the opportunity to experience the richness of relationships between generations,' Asif writes. 'The way we treat the elderly today determines how our children will treat us tomorrow.'