The Aged |
Honor
Thy Mother and Father that Thou Mayest Live Long on Earth The
fifth commandment is the only one of the ten commandments that includes a
reward. Apparently
it is not observed in our culture, since old agers, known as senior citizens,
are ignored, abandoned, and treated with disdain.
The honorable and very well thought of physicians are very much a part of
looking down upon their aged clients and do not extend themselves on their
behalf, except, of course, for the folks who are wealthy and can pay additional
fees for visits that sometimes are unnecessary and enrich the healer. Because
of their reputation and their stature, as well as the length of their schooling,
they are admired and “trusted,” regardless of their edicts or the sincerity,
or lack thereof, that they practice. The
physician, the healer, is believed to be capable of prolonging life, health, and
the “pursuit of happiness” because of the skill, the knowledge which they
have and with which they treat their patients.
Looking
at this through a mental telescope, we realize that these folk, in addition to
their knowledge, are people who want to make a very comfortable living
regardless of their Hippocratic oath. The
medical doctor's task is to use their learning, to be honest, and heal and or
assist the patients and better their health. In
our Jewish religion we are to honor elders; the people who have raised us,
nurtured us, and loved us. We do not
investigate them, nor whether or not they deserve to be honored.
It is enough of a struggle to be old and to suffer the various physical
and emotional problems that often accompany old age.
The aged person has lived on this earth a long time and has experienced
much, has seen the good, the stresses, and the day by day work, happiness,
disappointments, and more. To punish
the aged for their years on earth, their disabilities, their strengths or lack
thereof, is a “nevere,” a sin. Unfortunately,
they are frequently criticized, omitted from friendly visits, parties, or
happier times, and treated as pariahs, as nuisances, or as unwanted children. If
they are included, they are expected to be quiet and not to bring their “old
fashioned” babble to the situation. Recently
the chief allergist of a group decided to
close their practice to the elderly. One
after the other of the group's patients in their late seventies and upward were
told that they did not need their allergy injections any longer.
Among others, they told a ninety year old man, a very competent
professor, that he need not come any more since he has been treated with allergy
injections for many years by this group and that he can handle whatever
situation arises by himself. (This gentleman was told by the erstwhile, recently
deceased head allergist of that group that his treatment, the monthly injections,
are very important to his well being and should be continued).
Upon studying this situation, it was discovered that the new physicians
were informed and did delete all aged people from their practice. This is one example of situations that are faced by the old ager who is ignored, not cared for, left to be abandoned, and mistreated. It is very unfortunate that the medical profession and some of its members are as guilty as the uninformed uncaring citizens. As
Jews we must honor the aged and call attention to prejudicial practices, because
we are all aging, and what happens to our fellow humans today will happen to us
tomorrow. Lehitraot. Dr. Ursula A. Falk is a psychotherapist in private practice and the author of several books and articles. |