The letter, “Any old people’s home for me?” (June 26) has left me very sad. I shivered imagining what the writer would be feeling at age 87. Loneliness itself is suffocating, especially when he has children but far away from him.

One could only imagine the misery and ordeal that he is going through.

I am also a grandfather and could feel Mr Ali’s deep desire to love and pamper his grandchildren, to take them to school, to play with them.

The writer may contact Tariq Rasheed, secretary, Pakistan Senior Citizens Association, F-43/1 Block 4 Clifton, Karachi 73600. The telephone number is 021-35653261-3.

S. SHAMIM AHMED Karachi

Progeny’s responsibility Mr Shahid Ali’s letter made me shiver and I was left with no choice but to shed tears.

When parents get older, they deserve more and more respect, and as they age, their dependence on the progeny grows.

It became possible for them to enjoy the greener pastures of the US and Canada just because their father worked hard in sweltering heats all his life.

This letter is a wake up call, and a reminder to our youth of their responsibility towards their parents.

M. SHAHAB KHAN Peshawar

Victims of migration My heart broke as I read Mr Shahid Ali's letter. One of the major sufferers of migration are aging parents left behind to fend for themselves in a community not yet geared up for geriatric care.

The writer’s note was just a reminder of this reality and a warning that we as a community will need to cater to the elderly.

FARAHNAZ HAIDER SHAIKH Karachi