Interview: Ihsaan Justin Shameem

Ihsaan Justin Marzuq Shameem is a 15 years old boy who currently resides in Suriname. He is ethnically Indian, but he grew up and lives in Suriname. Being the son of an ambassador, Justin used to live in Indonesia. He has observed the cultures in both Indonesia and Suriname, but is yet to develop a better understanding of elderly treatment outside of the countries he's lived in.

How is your relationship between you and your grandparents?:
"I'd say my relationship with my grandparents is pretty good; I think I'm pretty close to them."

What is your favorite memory of you with your grandparents?:
"I would have to say my favorite memory of me with my grandparents was going fishing with my grandfather."

Do you often meet your grandparents?:
"I meet my grandparents very often. My grandmother lives right next our house. My grandparents don't live together, so every weekend my family visits my grandfather."

What is your parents' relationship with your grandparents?:
"I would say they're pretty close with each other."

Are you aware a lot of grandparents/elderly people in other countries are not treated well?:
"Well I've heard about it, but I've never been so sure."

What do you think about the way Western grandparents/elders are treated in other countries?:
"To be honest, I don't really have an opinion on it. I don't live there, so I don't really know what the situation is like there."

Why do you think grandparents/elders are treated that way in those countries?:
"Again, I'm honestly not so sure. Until now, I've never really given the topic much thought."

If you had the power to change this, what would you do?:
"Well if I did have the power I'd arrange family reunions for the people. I wouldn't force their relatives to come, but I'd at least set something like that to bring them together."

What advice would you give people who have bad relationships with their grandparents/elders?: 
"From my experience, I've found older people to be quite nice. I know that isn't the case everywhere, but generally older people are nice. I would suggest try to know them. Some of them will be reluctant at first, but they'll appreciate it eventually."