The Vatican this morning remembered the 2.3 million elderly people worldwide who have died of Covid-19. It also denounced that most of them lived residential care homes.
MSGR. VINCENZO PAGLIA
President, Pontifical Academy for Life
“It's a massacre of the elderly.... We don't know how to help them in their own homes nor in residential care homes, where, we all know, they die sooner.
The president of the Pontifical Academy for Life noted that this is not the case in every residential care home, but he did propose using the pandemic to completely rethink how society cares for the elderly.
With this new document he proposes making society more welcoming and inclusive so the elderly can enjoy this stage of life in a familiar environment and surrounded by friends.
MSGR. BRUNO-MARIE DUFFÈ
Secretary, Dicastery for Integral Human Development
“Mutuality, mutual hospitality. I think we have to develop this point because I think it's very very important. Not to look for something for the old people, but in mutual consideration.”
MSGR. VINCENZO PAGLIA
President, Pontifical Academy for Life
“One of the most beautiful solutions we can hope for is to invent experiences of coexistence between young people and the elderly.
Love and passion are the most important elements. The true vaccine, especially for the elderly, is called love. It's called passion.”
A retried nurse in Japan launched the “Toyama Day Care System,” in which the elderly, adults and handicapped children live together.
ETSUO AKIBA
Professor, University of Tokyo (Japan)
“Elder persons and handicapped children live together in the Japanese traditional big house designed for a three-generation household situated in the rich natural grounds, supported by family members and various care persons. The remarkable case that the condition of children with ADHD turned better in the house could be reported.”
The Vatican's proposal is about showing how the elderly demonstrate the value and beauty of fragility.
That's why stripping society of their help and memory would be a tremendous loss for humanity.
JMB
Translation: CT
