By Efua Taylor In the past the establishment has always assumed that the Black Community took care of its older members through the extended family. Traditionally the elderly are cared for by the family and the burden is not on the shoulders of one or two members. The Elders are an important respected part of the family group and the community. They are not cast aside to feel worthless. However, in modern day Britain, this is a myth. Family breakdowns can happen in any community. The limited size of family homes; the trend towards children moving away to find work and/or affordable accommodation; youngsters growing up in a Me society with little respect for age, is resulting in more of our Elders living alone. Many of our Elders came over with The Five Year Plan. Many were invited to help rebuild Britain after the war. They came to work as hard as possible, in as many jobs as possible and then to retire back home and start a little business. But times changed, things got harder, taxes and bills higher, health deteriorated and the dream faded further and further away. Some came over as students and for various reasons did not qualify - money running out, trying to work and study at the same time, working all night and trying to attend college during the day, too high expectations, these led to failure; shame and embarrassment prevented them from returning home. Others came as political refugees. Through fear they became cut off from their own communities, not sure who to trust. These people are also likely to have a distrust of officials because of their past experiences. All these groups suffered from the racist attitudes of society and they built a wall of protection around themselves. Their houses, flat, rooms become a cocoon. Within those walls they feel safe. Their only forays out are to work, shopping and maybe church. (It is no coincidence that the Black churches are the fastest growing institutions in the country). Take away work and, if they do not have church or family to rely on, then disintegration begins. Retirement can bring loneliness and isolation and then fear takes over. The cocoon becomes a prison. Gradually people become inward looking. At first social mixing becomes difficult and then impossible. Anyone who invades their space is a threat. In many cases, a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold or a friend to laugh or cry with could avert the crisis that leads to breakdown. Research carried out by MIND in l987 showed that Afro-Caribbeans are far more likely than other ethnic groups to be compulsorily detained in hospital and three times as likely to be diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia. White people get depressed but African and Caribbean people with the same symptoms are considered mentally ill. There is little evidence that the situation is changed. Patients recovering from breakdown or maintained on medication need support. Research carried out by Dr. Martin Prince and colleagues at Royal Free Hospital indicates that recovery is accelerated more with the support of friends than family. That outside interaction and stimulation is needed. Social Groups, Luncheon Clubs and Centres can prevent breakdowns and self-imposed isolation. The social environment can bring some Elders back from the brink of mental deterioration. A place where the Elders can take part in activities based on their own cultures, relax with people of similar origins, shared memories, backgrounds, and enjoy their own foods, is essential. Those who started as strangers become friends who grow into the missing extended family. At an Age Concern Conference it was said that When you get old you need a reason to get up in the morning All Social Centres and Elders Clubs provide this reason, none more so than those geared to the need and culture of its members. They no longer feel isolated. Their extended family is waiting to greet them each day, to call them when they are sick and visit them when they are in hospital. How can we help? A phone call to a distant relative, an invitation to a meal (not just at Christmas), a card when you are on holiday; all go to making our Elders feel that they are thought of and needed. Of course, donations, however small, can help in keeping these social centres running. If you have a little time, volunteer at a Centre or just smile and greet a neighbour. You would if you were back home so why not here? You will do good and feel good. Efua Taylor has more information about retirement and healthy living at www.effortlessaging.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Efua_Taylor http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Day-Care-in-the-Black-Community-in-the-United-Kingdom&id=363296 is it legal to order valium online
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