NASSAU, The Bahamas — For persons age 60 and older to continue playing a vital role in the development of the country, they must be assured of adequate levels of health as well as financial and educational resources to meet their needs, the Director of the Department of Social Services in the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Melanie Zonicle said.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday to announce plans for Older Persons Month Ms Zonicle said, “It is evident in Spain, Africa, the United States, the Caribbean Islands and of course The Bahamas, many older persons are primary care-givers for younger children whose parents have left their home in search of a better livelihood or have died.
“This has great financial implications on older persons and families as a whole.”
The Director said in its commitment to ensuring that older persons continue to live as productive citizens, the Department of Social Services, which serves as the Government’s agency with responsibility for the affairs of older persons at risk, wishes to call attention to excerpts of two principals put forward by the United Nations General Assembly.
First, older persons should remain integrated in society, and participate actively in the formation and implementation of policies that effect their wellbeing.
Second, older persons should have access to spiritual and recreational resources.
She explained that since the 1970s, the Department has increased its efforts to address challenges facing older persons.
“More recently, the focus has included empowering them via computer classes in order for them to become abreast of modern technology and assist their offspring if the opportunity presents itself.”
While the Department of Social Services does its part to provide services for older persons, it needs the help of private institutions and families to make the ageing process a positive rather than a negative experience, Ms Zonicle said.
“The UN has concluded that by 2050, people of 60 years and over will consist of a quarter of the population. Therefore, it is encumbering of us all to ensure older persons are empowered in order to embrace all opportunities possible.”
Treasurer Edith Powell of the National Council on Older Persons explained some of the objectives of the organisation. The Council works with the Department of Social Services in addressing the needs of older persons.
Mrs Powell said the Council is there to facilitate access to credit as well as training programmes to start or maintain businesses regardless of age. It also provides solutions to the challenges met by a growing and more active older population by ensuring that they are able to stay healthy and meet their basic human needs.
Ms Powell said some of the achievements for the Council include pharmaceutical discounts at leading pharmacies and the addition of a special desk at the Princess Margaret Hospital to facilitate citizens; a Residential Care Establishment Act 2004 passed to regulate and Licence all Older Persons Homes in The Bahamas; agitating for no service charges in banks for seniors, senior citizens cards distributed by NIB and special bank lines for seniors in commercial banks.
The Council also works with the Department of Social Services in arranging visitations and speaking engagements to various schools to try and bridge the gap between the youths and older persons.
During the month of October, the Council and the Department of Social Services have planned a number of activities celebrating Older Persons.
There will be a church service at St Anselm Catholic Church on Monday, October 3; a graduation ceremony for older persons who have completed computer classes at St Agnes Parish Hall on Thursday, October 22, and a reception for Older Persons who contribute to the building of the nation at Government House on Monday, October 31.
By Llonella Gilbert
Bahamas Information Services
