Growing Older, Staying Connected: Celebrating Multicultural Ageing in Perth
Birth, ageing, and death are natural phenomena of life. While people get together and share emotions during birth and death, ageing shouldn't be a part of disconnection, detachment from the people, culture and community around us. Elder people bring valuable experiences, traditions, and cultural preservation together. Disconnection of the elderly directly affects the demolition of Perth's diverse multicultural values from the society that's passed from generation to generation. At AfCAS, we believe in the respect, dignity and sense of belonging of this respected age group, who plays crucial roles in cultural preservation in Australia.
Celebrating Culture at Every Stage of Life
One's identity is represented by their culture. It is believed that the person following their culture have their own identity and are respected by other people. For older people from multicultural backgrounds, the sense of connection with their culture and society can provide comfort and familiarity. Sharing traditional food, celebrating cultural festivals, valuing our traditions, valuing others' opinions, and exchanging stories and experiences can help create strong social connections and a sense of belonging.
In recent years, people have forgotten that they too will age someday and treat the respected generation with social isolation and reduced opportunities to participate in community life. These challenges are further exacerbated by people from diverse cultural backgrounds, language barriers, unfamiliarity, and the attitude of separation from family in the name of freedom.
Building a More Inclusive Community
AfCAS is committed to supporting older people within Perth’s multicultural community. AfCAS encourages social participation, cultural connection and community engagement to elderly people. Organisations like AfCAS can help older people remain active and connected to society.
A disciplined community is one where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. In the present scenario where older people are treated with detachment and abandoned, older people should be understood as important members of the community with knowledge, skills and life experiences to share.
Family members and community members also have an important role in treating the loneliness of older people. It doesn't take much to make one feel homey- a simple phone call, shared family meal, conversation or invitation to a community activity; hearing of their ideas and experiences can make a major impact to treat loneliness of older people.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Supporting multicultural older people is not only about providing services but is also about creating opportunities for connection, participation and belonging. When communities celebrate each other’s culture together and include older people in everyday social life, everyone benefits.
At AfCAS, we envision a community where ageing is a part of joy rather than loneliness and abandonment; accompanied by friendship, cultural pride and meaningful connection. Together, we can ensure that Perth remains a place where people from every diverse culture can grow older feeling respected, supported and included.
AfCAS is open for all possible kinds of help an individual could provide to keep the house of hundreds of older people running. The general public can help financially via the AfCAS Donation Page, become a part of our journey by becoming a member via the AfCAS Membership Portal, and volunteer in our aged care via direct visits to the on-site location.
Donate: https://ow.ly/1KTV50ZP0jl�
OR
Volunteer: https://ow.ly/Sntp50ZP0jm
Student ID: 10716969
Disclaimer: This content is for teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University and has not been endorsed by AfCAS.
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