Govt calls for revival of extended-family values
Govt calls for revival of extended-family values
JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono has
called on everybody to revive the positive values of the
traditional extended family structure.
Addressing a symposium on the health of the elderly attended
by over 100 medical experts here Saturday, Haryono said most
modern nuclear families are unfamiliar with the benefits of
extended families.
Included in the benefits is the strong support system usually
provided by members of extended families consisting of at least
three generations.
Haryono conceded that changes in values have taken place
rapidly, affecting especially the elderly.
"Elderly people are becoming increasingly reluctant to mingle
with modern families because of the lack of relationship between
generations," said Haryono, who chairs the National Family
Planning Board.
"Now, parents don't live with their adult or married children
the way they used to," he said.
He pointed out that there are negative aspects to nuclear
families. Among these are the fewer shared-experiences despite
today's elderly -- with better health, educational levels and
welfare -- usually still being capable of participating in many
of the younger people's activities.
Indonesia defines elderly people as those over 60. The
official retirement age in the civil service and many private
companies is 55. Retirement age in the military is 48.
According to a University of Indonesia study, elderly people
accounted for 5.5 percent of the population in 1990. The ratio is
expected to grow to 7.4 percent in 2010, and by 2015 it is set to
reach 10 percent: a staggering 24.4 million people.
President Soeharto launched National Day for the Elderly for
the first time on May 29 this year, which marked the country's
appreciation of its senior citizens. Soeharto put the
responsibility of looking after the elderly on their children and
family. He also vowed there would be no neglected parents in the
country.
The one-day symposium, titled Toward a healthy and productive
old age, was organized by Trisakti University's School of
Medicine. Also present were Trisakti's rector Moedanton Moertedjo
and the dean of the medical school, H.A. Prayitno.
Another speaker, psychiatrist Tony Setiabudhi from Trisakti
University, discussed the common ailments usually suffered by the
elderly, especially men.
He said cardiovascular problems topped the list, followed by
digestion and respiration problems, and diabetes.
Tony suggested that elderly people change their lifestyle, by
improving their diet, losing weight, exercising, and by not
smoking. (ste)