Ageing of the population is a phenomenon

AS WE celebrate Senior Citizens’ Week 2018 under the theme ‘Forging Our Future: Embracing the Participation, Contribution and Talents of Older Persons’, I join the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) in its mission to promote the value of our seniors to society, between September 23 to October 1, 2018.

Globally, the ageing of the population is a phenomenon, and has become a focal point for debate in jurisdictions worldwide. Through the advancement of technology, the expansion of health services, social and welfare measures, and the adaption of better lifestyle, there is an increase in life expectancy. Jamaica is no exception in this dynamic environment, as over the years, life expectancy continues to trend in an upward direction.

It is worthy to note that we have

several seniors exceeding the 100th year on earth and there is no doubt that Jamaica will once again be acclaimed as the country with the oldest living person in the world. In August of this year, Stephen Wright celebrated his 117th birthday. This is a tremendous achievement for us, as Jamaica is on par with developed countries in celebrating persons living up to 117 years. Currently, we have approximately 198 registered centenarians and this figure is expected to increase over time as we endeavour to have all of them registered in our National Registry.

NATIONAL POLICY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is mindful of the challenges that accompany an ageing population. We recognise also that a longer life brings with it opportunities not only for older people and their families, but also for society. While we are proud to be experiencing increased longevity in our population and the corresponding prospects of old age, it is critical that we ensure that as our seniors’ transition into the different stages of their sunset years, that adequate provisions are in place to guarantee their well-being and welfare. It is against this background that every possible steps are being taken to ensure that the National Policy for Senior Citizens become a reality in the imminent future. This policy, when implemented will, in an inclusive way, make accessible, the programmes and activities available to our seniors through a structured framework with mechanisms for effective implementation and monitoring.

Our theme, ‘Forging Our Future: Embracing the Participation, Contribution and Talents of Older Persons’, convincingly redefines our seniors in modern-day society, as it focuses once again on our relationship with older persons, and the foundation they have laid and more so, the valued contribution they continue to make to society. It is of importance as a nation that we value this theme by identifying the repository of knowledge and wisdom in our seniors and in a meaningful way, use them in enhancing our prospects for social and economic gains.

LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCES

Senior citizens are those who have crossed their majority of life path. Their résumé of lifetime experiences indeed makes them seniors as they abound with tolerance, the ability to love, care and share. Jamaicans continue to be empowered through the imparting of skills, knowledge and the volunteerism offered by our seniors, and their commitment to participate in the various spheres of national development. Today as we move ahead into the future, we do so knowing that the groundwork for doing so was laid by our seniors.

While it is worthy of recognising their worth, in the same breath it behooves us to appreciate the need for their continued empowerment. Through ongoing workshops, our seniors are educated on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. At the same time, we ensure that they benefit from the various social-protection programmes inclusive of healthcare through the National Health Fund.

VULNERABLE GROUP

We recognise that older persons in Jamaica remain one of the most vulnerable groups. It would be negligent of me, therefore, not to encourage all Jamaicans to protect them from abuse of any kind. Abuse meted out to them is a clear indication of our disregard for their priceless contribution and indeed their rights, pride and dignity. Additionally, it disrespects the great legacy they have bequeathed to us and presents a missed opportunity in honouring and preserving our heritage.

I wish to use this opportunity to invite all Jamaicans to join with the ministry and the NCSC in celebrating with our seniors during the designated week of activities. This is in recognition that they are the templates of the achievement of successive generations, and without them there would be no foundation to predict the future.

God bless you as we strive to build a better Jamaica. SHAHINE ROBINSON Minister Of Labour And Social Security

We recognise that older persons in Jamaica remain one of the most vulnerable groups. It would be negligent of me, therefore, not to encourage all Jamaicans to protect them from abuse of any kind.