I REFER to the commentary, “Think before dumping parents in home”, by Mr Ronnie Poon (my paper, Feb 11).

Regardless of circumstances, children must shoulder the responsibility of taking care of their elderly parents.

We must not forget that our parents have gone through thick and thin to raise us.

An elderly friend of mine lamented that many children lack filial piety these days.

They do not care for their parents as they grow old.

It is disturbing that young adults would place their parents in old folk’s homes because they find them a burden.

Apparently, the number of such adults is increasing. It is a sign of fundamental change in our social values.

The old folk’s home is a contentious issue in our Asian society.

Stories of abandonment and loneliness make sending a parent to such homes an unfavourable choice.

Children should consider all options carefully before sending their parents to old folk’s homes. It should be done only as a last resort.

We are a fast-ageing nation.

By the year 2030, one in five Singaporeans will be 65 years old and more.

The young should not forget that they, too, will grow old one day.

Mr Sebastian Tan

For more my paper stories click here.