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Guyana observes month of the elderly

Oct 03, 2016 News

The centenarians in Guyana are blessed all across the ten regions. Indeed they have been promised long life, experienced good health, and peace beyond measure. They thank the good lord for keeping them safe; all thanks to the caregivers of the Senior Citizens’ Homes, private homes, relatives and friends, the government, non-governmental organisations for their care and concern for the elderly.
United Nation General Assembly designated October 1, as the International Day of older persons; Guyana has opted the entire month to celebrate and recognise the elderly.
The theme this year is ‘Take a stand against ageism.’ According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ageism is stereotyping and discriminating on the basis of person’s age.
Ageism is widespread; it is a negative practice which has harmful effects on the health of older adults. The WHO has also posited that older people who feel they are a burden may also perceive their lives to be less valuable, often putting them at risk of depression and social isolation.
Caring for the elderly has been a major concern to the National Commission for the Elderly.
While many of our elderly population are enjoying a fairly comfortable life, in the case of others much is left to be desired.
Unfortunately while many of them would have worked very hard during their youth to take care of their later years; sad to say, too many of them have to resort to homes because of circumstances beyond their control. Whereas those who remain in the care of children or relatives, are sometimes abused physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially and spiritually.
Life in Guyana has become so cheap that we are often confronted with the news of unnatural deaths among elderly persons who are parents, aunts, uncles etc. Members are killed, buried in shallow graves, locked in rooms to die, and are even sexually abused before death.
As we celebrate the Month of the Elderly let us bring back the dignity, respect, love, care and concern that have always been associated with elderly people.
There are many who give appropriate care to their elderly parents and relatives; we must commend and congratulate them.
We must encourage others who are not so inclined to embrace the commandment given by our Creator. “Honour thy father, and which promises long life.”
Do not forget ageing brings about both opportunities and challenges. Some opportunities include the continued contribution of older persons to local and national life, the transference of skills, knowledge and values from one generation to another.
Some of the hard challenges include loneliness, depression, frustration, anxiety and exclusion from groups.
We must encourage ourselves to demonstrate our recognition of our Senior Citizens’ achievements, and contributions to our society and salute them accordingly.

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