Government bonuses a boost for seniors
SINGAPORE has one of the fastest-ageing populations in the world.
Long-term care for the elderly is a problem, and we potentially face being overwhelmed by a wave of dementia sufferers.
The elderly who are frail and ill tend to be temperamental. This puts stress on caregivers.
Many of the elderly folk also face social exclusion and neglect, as their families either do not have the time to visit them or do not want to.
This causes such folk to feel unwanted and may lead to depression.
But, thanks to bonuses given by the Government, such as the Pioneer Generation card, many elderly folk have more help and ways to enjoy life.
I hope these measures will improve their well-being.
Jeremiah James Seah Kang Hao, 13, Secondary 1 student
Be the one who saves a life
I NEVER knew about the Bone Marrow Donor Programme (BMDP) or the process of bone marrow donation until I worked with the BMDP last year.
Generally, people do not realise the important role bone marrow donation can play in saving other people's lives.
Most have misconceptions about the bone marrow donation process, and many feel they have nothing to gain from becoming a donor. We have to put a stop to these notions.
A patient has just a one-in-20,000 chance of finding a bone marrow match from a donor.
People have to open their hearts and minds, and understand that they may just be the one a patient is waiting for.
It is not about what there is to be gained or the time lost from becoming a donor. It is about humanity, compassion and the sanctity of life.
I hope more people will realise how important individual effort is to the community of bone marrow patients, which is constantly growing.
I hope everyone will better understand the cause and then ask themselves if there is anything more important and urgent than saving someone's life.
To me, there isn't.
Ng Jun Wei, 18, JC2 student
Give maids time, space to unwind
WE ARE very fortunate that no Singaporean woman needs to leave her home to work in a foreign land as a maid.
Not all women in the region are so fortunate.
With maids already facing such a situation, employers should treat them with more respect.
Of course, maids should be humble and willing to learn, and do their work to their highest ability.
Employers should be benevolent and give the maids their rightful freedom.
For example, employers should give maids a day off on Sundays to let them relax from their hard work.
Throwing money at the maids is not the answer.
Too many maids feel compelled to accept the offer of a day's wage in exchange for their day off.
Employers should also provide their maids with a room and, if possible, a television set.
People work better when they have time and space to unwind.
Shane Elliot Dawson, 13, Secondary 1 student
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Do include your age, school level and contact details.
