The Straits times reported that about 6 elderly die alone every month (ST, 30 May 2011). When I read the article, I wondered how the statistics will increased as the aged population increase and what can we do more for these old folks who may or may not have family but are left alone in their old age. Apparently, after their death, some are left in the morturary for about three weeks if no one turns up to claim them and give them a decent funneral. Some are said to be used for further medical advancement?
What a sad story...couldn't much more be done to contact these old folks when they are alive and ask how they would like to be treated after death? Social workers or even volunteers via community outreach could do more for them, I sincerely hope so before the number increase drastically.
Everyone should be treated with dignity, whether alive or dead.
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