National Commission for the Elderly hosts symposium

– elderly urged to continue building relationships

The Ministry of Social Protection through the National Commission for the Elderly is encouraging the elderly to put things in place to battle loneliness.
Addressing a gathering Saturday last at the Bath Settlement Mosque, West Coast Berbice, Pastor Randolph Williams noted that the elderly need to get someone to help them battle that emotion by finding innovative ways to deal with it.
The symposium was the final programme organised by the National Commission for the Elderly in observance of Month of the Elderly. It was held in collaboration with CIOG’s women’s arm, the National Committee of Sisters’ Affairs (NACOSA).
Pastor Williams urged the elderly to cherish lessons they have learned over the years, and to continue building relationships with people of all ages. “And when you do that, the young ones will grow up with an appreciation for the elderly. Old age is a blessing,” he said.

Williams noted that the Commission is focusing on improving the lives of senior citizens in Guyana. Among priority areas to be addressed are minimum standards for homes and facilities caring for the elderly, security, public transportation, access to services, and abuse of the elderly.
Emphasis is also being placed on social, educational and recreational programmes.
Meanwhile, addressing the seniors at the symposium, Commissioner Aleema Nasir, who is also Chairperson of the Rights of the Child Commission and who serves on the National Commission for the Family, noted that the National Commission for the Elderly was put in place by the Ministry of Social Protection and has chosen commissioners who care deeply for our elders in Guyana.
The Commission has been working closely with the Ministry to ensure that life gets better for our elderly. “For example; we are looking at ways of accessing medical treatment to be more comfortable. For those who live in homes, the ministry is looking at the minimum standard for such institutions. For those of you collecting your old age pension… we are trying to come up with ways of means of making your collecting easier. We know that there is usually a very long wait and a crowd at the beginning of the month,” she said, referring to the long lines at some Post Offices during the first two days of the month as pensioners go to uplift their pensions.

October was dedicated Month of the Elderly, which was observed under the theme; ‘Take a stand against ageism’.
During the month there were several programmes by the Commission which included radio and television programmes, a concert at the Umana Yana where elders were able to showcase their talents, being one of the highlights of the month.
Nasir said many of the programmes organised were aimed at bringing awareness: “It is hoped that this month would have brought to the Guyanese public the struggles that our elderly face in our communities and I encourage interventions to make their lives comfortable. We can all do our part in this effort for our elders who have no doubt contributed tremendously to our society. Our lives are enriched because of you!”
She concluded with: “You know the saying: What goes around comes around.”