Family care for elderly people | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Get the Paper
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Saturday
July 19, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Get the Paper
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025
Family care for elderly people

TBS Ramadan

Dr Nasima Hasan
22 April, 2021, 04:05 pm
Last modified: 22 April, 2021, 08:46 pm

Related News

  • Dengue claims one more life; 114 hospitalised in 24hrs
  • Trump diagnosed with vein issue after leg swelling, hand bruising
  • 3 hacks to control your food cravings
  • Dengue claims 2 more lives; 337 hospitalised in 24hrs
  • Sustained funding essential to tackle hypertension in Bangladesh: Experts

Family care for elderly people

If our elderly relatives are able to fast, just consult a doctor and make sure they do not have any major illnesses that could be worsened by abstinence from food and drink

Dr Nasima Hasan
22 April, 2021, 04:05 pm
Last modified: 22 April, 2021, 08:46 pm
Photo: Salahuddin Ahmed Palash
Photo: Salahuddin Ahmed Palash

We are not meant to be islands, lonely and desolate. We humans thrive as a community. Which is why it is such a blessing to have the elderly in our lives. Parents, grandparents, in-laws add so much vibrance and quality to how we develop. They are a source of joy and Barakah for us and our children in this Duniya and Akhirat.

Elderly are our assets

Most of the elderly people have deteriorating health after 65. In addition their mental health often becomes vulnerable from the aging process. Allah says, "And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.' "(17:23-24).

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination. (31:14)

The Quran mentions about breastfeeding at least 11 times. The Quran also says "Paradise lies at the feet of your Mother.

So, one's own parents have the first and foremost priority to be taken care of.

The Quran also reads,"…Treat with kindness(Ihsan) your parents and relatives and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people ;be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity."..(2:83)

" Serve Allah and join not any partner with Him; and do good(Ihsan)to parents, relatives, orphans and those in need," (4:36)

Photo: Ahman Shabib Abdullah
Photo: Ahman Shabib Abdullah

Here Arabic word Ihsan is used in above verses for kindness and benevolence which covers many incredible meanings as performance of good deeds, charity, beautification, excellence, grace, kindness, etc. Thus the Quran urges us to take care of parents and elderly people with excellence.

Ramadan is the prime time to achieve Taqwa and self control. Doing any good deeds to please Allah, Zikr, and charity are increased in manifold in this holy month.

 What to do if they want to fast

If our elderly relatives are able to fast, just consult a doctor and make sure they do not have any major illnesses that could be worsened by abstinence from food and drink. If any of them have diabetes, the timing of their medication and the required type of food must be carefully noted.

If they are not fit to observe fasting but intend to offer Tahajjud, wake them up happily. Serve the same food in a hotpot to them that was prepared for Suhur as their breakfast, so they take it at their convenient time. For Suhur, less spicy foods are good for digestion, e.g chicken\fish curry with veggies and rice; or any unsweetened cereal\ oatmeal with bananas, honey (those who can take) and milk.

Then we can offer Fajr in a congregation led by our father/father in law/grandfather. Other prayers also can be done in the same way depending on their health.

Preparing healthful meals

Snacks like puffed rice, bananas, crackers can be served in between breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea break. Soft khichuri with different types of vegetables can be prepared for lunch for those not fasting. Duty of serving can be on you\your spouse\ children by turn. Soft khichuri, or chicken\ meat veggie rice can be cooked in large amounts for at least 3 days and kept refrigerated. We need to spend less time in the kitchen to focus on Ibadah in Ramadan.

Building togetherness at meal times

Before Iftar after setting the table, all of the members of the family should sit together. We can ask our beloved elders to lead a munajat for the best reward of Ramadan. They will feel honored and happy while lessening loneliness and Allah will create a strong bond among the family members. Children should serve food to them with a smiling face and should refrain from screen time.

During Iftar time, nutritionists suggest avoiding fried items. Cooked gram with puffed rice, flat rice with natural yoghurt and banana, seasonal fruits and dates can be added on hot days' Iftar. Soft khichuri is also a source of nutrition, water and fiber. As self control is an important teaching of fasting, extra care should be taken not to overeat during Iftar.

As the days will be long and Iftar will be late, soup (chicken/meat/fish with veggies) will be perfect for elderly relatives including us. Then the body will be light which will add more concentration in Isha and Tarawih prayer.

Our elders are like special assets, like a book of culture and history. Allah loves those people who take care of elders. Prophet SM said," He is not of us who does not honor the elders.."

The Quran magnificently says, "Is there any reward for good (Ihsan) other than good (Ihsan)? Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?" (55:60-61)

Features

Ramadan / TBS Ramadan / Ramadan 2021 / Care for the Elderly / Elderly / care / health / Wellbeing

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Logo of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Photo: Collected
    Jamaat set for its first-ever Suhrawardy Udyan rally today
  • BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed. Photo: Collected
    One party trying to fish in troubled waters through misleading politics: Salahuddin
  • The formal announcement came during a press conference held today (18 July) at a city hotel in Dhaka. Photo: Jahir Rayhan/TBS
    Starlink top management officially inaugurates service in Bangladesh through kit deliveries

MOST VIEWED

  • Obayed Ullah Al Masud. Sketch: TBS
    Islami Bank chairman resigns
  • Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and SpaceX Vice President Lauren Dreyer after a meeting at state guest house Jamuna on 18 July 2025. Photo: Focus Bangla
    SpaceX VP Lauren Dreyer praises Bangladesh's efficiency in facilitating Starlink launch
  • GP profit drops 31% in H1
    GP profit drops 31% in H1
  • Around 99% of the cotton used in Bangladesh’s export and domestic garment production is imported. Photo: Collected
    NBR withdraws advance tax on imports of cotton, man-made fibres
  • Governments often rely on foreign loans. Russia’s loans covered 90% of the Rooppur Nuclear Power plant project's cost. Photo: Collected
    Loan tenure for Rooppur plant extended 
  • Representational Photo: Collected
    Railway allocates special trains for Jamaat's national rally in Dhaka

Related News

  • Dengue claims one more life; 114 hospitalised in 24hrs
  • Trump diagnosed with vein issue after leg swelling, hand bruising
  • 3 hacks to control your food cravings
  • Dengue claims 2 more lives; 337 hospitalised in 24hrs
  • Sustained funding essential to tackle hypertension in Bangladesh: Experts

Features

Jatrabari in the capital looks like a warzone as police, alongside Chhatra League men, swoop on quota reform protesters. Photo: Mehedi Hasan

19 July 2024: At least 148 killed as government attempts to quash protests violently

6h | Panorama
Illustration: TBS

Curfews, block raids, and internet blackouts: Hasina’s last ditch efforts to cling to power

11h | Panorama
The Mymensingh district administration confirmed that Zamindar Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury built the house near Shashi Lodge for his staff. Photo: Collected

The Mymensingh house might not belong to Satyajit Ray's family, but there’s little to celebrate

11h | Panorama
Illustration: TBS

20 years of war, 7.5m tonnes of bombs, 1.3m dead: How the US razed Vietnam to the ground

1d | The Big Picture

More Videos from TBS

Why is the Japanese 'extremely exposed' to foreigners?

Why is the Japanese 'extremely exposed' to foreigners?

8h | Others
NCP’s arrival turns Munshiganj vibrant with festivity

NCP’s arrival turns Munshiganj vibrant with festivity

12h | TBS Today
How did Pakistan shoot down India’s fighter jets?

How did Pakistan shoot down India’s fighter jets?

12h | TBS World
Bangladesh's Lower and Middle Classes Under Pressure from High Prices

Bangladesh's Lower and Middle Classes Under Pressure from High Prices

13h | TBS Stories
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net