In the mountain area of Tibet, an 82-year-old man sat in a doorway. He was blind and so disabled from arthritis that he could barely move. His house was so cold in the wintertime that he came out to sit in the weak rays of the sun to try to warm himself. Imagine yourself in his circumstances. Dr. Keyzom Bhutti was so moved by his plight that she gave him as much money and clothing as she could, but there were so many people like him. Nearby his friend, a 75-year-old woman, was totally paralyzed by arthritis. Dr. Bhutti put her coat around the woman’s shoulders because the woman’s arms could not bend to put the coat on.
Tibetan culture developed over thousands of years in a land rich in resources and proud traditions. In recent times, the way of life of the Tibetan people have changed.
Life is especially hard for elderly Tibetan people living in the countryside and the high mountains with no one to support them. They need food and health care, but they have very little to no income. They often lack the basic necessities of life, such as clean water and sanitation, to help them stay healthy. Their lives are very poor and unhappy.
For many years in Darjeeling, India, Dr. Keyzom Bhutti offered a portion of her salary at each Tibetan New Year to help elderly Tibetan people in need. Since coming to the United States, she has continued this practice. But the need is far greater than one person’s ability to help.
You can make a difference in the lives of these elders by giving generously to Tibet Elderly Help. Any contribution you make will go a long way in communities where many elders struggle to get by on less than one dollar per day.
