By Dr. Pravinkumar R. Patil – Founder & Director Kalaza Care
Reflecting on my career shift—from 15 years in adult and geriatric health services to a decade now focusing on pediatric care—I’ve noticed a striking contrast in how we respond to the needs of different age groups. During early morning rounds with our multidisciplinary team, I couldn’t help but observe that when children cry, it triggers immediate concern. We rush to comfort them, offering hugs and soothing words. Yet when older adults show signs of distress, they are more often met with medications and therapies rather than the same instinctive emotional care we provide to children.
This observation raised an important question: why aren’t we giving elders the same compassionate attention that we so naturally offer to children? Here’s why it’s vital to rethink how we approach elder care and why emotional connection is as essential as clinical treatment for our aging population.
1. Emotional Connection is a Lifelong Need
Both children and elders thrive on human connection. Children’s cries naturally draw affection and care, helping them feel safe and supported. Elders, who face a unique set of challenges—loneliness, loss, and declining health—also need that same level of emotional support. Attention, conversation, and physical presence can significantly improve their emotional well-being, combating depression and anxiety that often come with aging.
2. Enhancing Cognitive Health Through Engagement
Just as children’s minds are nourished through attention and stimulation, elders’ cognitive health benefits from social interaction and engagement. Loneliness and isolation can accelerate cognitive decline, but simple acts like talking with them, listening to their stories, or engaging them in daily activities can keep their minds sharp. This kind of attention can slow the progression of memory loss and offer a buffer against dementia.
3. Restoring Self-Worth and Dignity
When a child cries, we instinctively reassure them, reinforcing their sense of security. Elders, too, need to feel valued and important. Often, society sidelines older adults, treating them as patients to be managed rather than individuals with wisdom and lived experiences. Providing them with attention—through listening, touch, or simply spending time—helps restore their dignity and affirms their ongoing value within their families and communities.
4. Emotional Care Supports Physical Health
The emotional attention we give to children doesn’t just calm them; it plays a crucial role in their physical development. Similarly, providing emotional support to elders has tangible health benefits. Studies show that social connections and emotional care can lower stress, reduce the risk of heart disease, and even improve immune function. By offering our elders emotional care alongside medical treatment, we help their bodies heal and thrive.
5. Fostering Respect Across Generations
Attending to our elders with the same compassion we give to children builds intergenerational respect. Children learn by example, and when they see adults nurturing elders with kindness and patience, they learn the importance of empathy and respect for all ages. This not only enriches family dynamics but strengthens the social fabric by valuing the contributions of every generation.
6. Combating Loneliness and Isolation
While children often have caretakers or guardians to provide attention, many elders face long days of isolation. Loneliness is a growing problem in older populations, leading to serious health consequences. Offering elders consistent attention—whether through visits, calls, or simply holding their hand—can help alleviate the emotional pain of loneliness and improve their overall quality of life. At Kalaza care we have designed care plans to overcome loneliness and isolation to boost their morals and live life fullest.
Conclusion
Children naturally receive attention, love, and care when they express their needs. But elders, who may not cry out in the same way, often go without the emotional connection they desperately need. Just as children require nurturing to grow, our elders need that same attention to maintain their emotional and physical health. By recognizing the importance of emotional care across all stages of life, we at Kalaza Care ensure that our elders are treated with the love, respect, and dignity they deserve—just as we would for a crying child.