The elders of Patentia

By Shaniya Harding

SEVENTY-year-old Vidya Sanichar has called Patentia her home since she was married in 1975 so she has seen the village transform from a thickly forested area to what it is now. “From the time I first came here, this place has changed. It was all forest. And we had a lot more small houses,” Vidya says. Her 30-year-old daughter, Ranuka, was born and grew up in the village. Their beautiful home has stood on the same land for more than 50 years.

The family openly shared their struggles over the years, especially their battles with health. Ranuka has had her fair share of health issues, including brushes with cancer and sickle cell. Today she pays keen attention to her health. But it is clear that just as much attention is paid to her mother, who has many health problems as well. And as Ranuka states, caring for both of them is neither cheap nor easy. “I was a dental technician. And because I am not able to be on my feet 24\7, I stopped, and I started my own business. And I have to maintain her and it is not easy,”Ranuka shared.

However, the family is still finding it well and says that the only thing they would like to see is the addition of a health facility in Patentia. This is a shared thought among many villagers, particularly the elderly.

A changing demographic

A large part of Patentia’s population is made up of elderly people. This is further emphasised by the fact that not many more new or young people are moving into the area. “Almost everybody has lived here for a long time. Everybody has grown up since childhood and lives here now. And as every-