The Fridaus Mubarak Yussif Foundation is of the firm believe that caring for the aged is the most important thing to do within a community or society; most people fail to understand the importance of elderly people in society. They are the ones who preserve the traditional and cultural values present in any ethnic group or community. Without them teaching the younger generations about their culture, the diversity of traditions and cultures in Ghana would have been long lost during the time of colonization.

Moreover, elders are like the roots of the tree. They hold the family firmly at all times and make them strong. They are the ideal mentor. From all the experiences they have accumulated over the years, they can judge a situation and give constructive advice to their children. They also play an important role in solving disputes among the family members. Elderly people play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. They spend time with them, play with them, and teach them important rules and values of life in the form of stories. The stories that they tell have a positive impact on the young minds of children. They also provide a safe and loving environment for children to grow in, which is something that no child care center can provide.

The aged can be helped by;

• Treat depression; – Depression affects more than 6 million people over age 65. This can be caused by stressful life circumstances such as losing a spouse, retirement, being unable to live at home, or clinical symptoms. Depression can be the leading cause of suicide, heart attacks, and cardiac diseases.
• Encourage social interaction; – Seniors can often feel isolated as they age, especially if they have limited mobility. These seniors are at greater risk for dementia or shorter lifespans. Schedule regular visits and family outings to decrease isolationism.
• Exercise regularly and spend time outdoors; – Create a green space for your loved one to grow a garden and interact with something natural. These activities can be calming and promote further exercise.
• Exercise mentally too; – Trivia, crossword puzzles, and Sudoku can help improve overall cognitive functions. Asking your loved one to share stories of their past can help combat cognitive impairments of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, asking for their wisdom can help them feel valued and important.

Make them feel useful; – Older adults may sometimes fear they are becoming a burden or are unwanted. Asking for their help in menial tasks such as folding laundry, preparing dinner, or running errands can make them feel worth.