Dear Editor,

MY fellow Guyanese, members of the diplomatic corps, and visitors, it gives me great pleasure and joy to address you on the occasion of the observance of the “Month of the Elderly”, observed in Guyana every year in the month of October.The month of the Elderly observance stems from the 1990 United Nations General Assembly designating October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. Guyana has adopted the entire month to celebrate and recognize the elderly.

The theme for this year is “Take a stand against ageism.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ageism is stereotyping and discrimination on the basis of a person’s age. Ageism is widespread; it is a negative practice which has harmful effects on the health of older adults.

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. We in Guyana are blessed with several centenarians across the ten regions of Guyana. Indeed, we have been promised long life, good health, and peace beyond measure. We thank the good Lord for keeping the elderly; we thank caregivers of senior citizens’ homes, private homes, relatives and friends, the Government and non-governmental organisations for their care and concern for the elderly.

Care of the elderly has been of major concern to the National Commission for the Elderly. Many of our elderly population are enjoying a fairly comfortable life, while, in the case of others, much is left to be desired. Many elderly people would have worked very hard during their younger age to take care of their latter years. Sad to say, too many of them have to resort to homes because of circumstances beyond their control.

On the other hand, some of those who remain in the care of children and/or relatives are sometimes abused physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially and spiritually. Life in Guyana has become so cheap that we are too often confronted with the news of unnatural death among elderly persons who are parents, aunts, uncles and so on. 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. However, there are many who give appropriate care to their elderly parents and relatives, and we wish to commend and congratulate them. We also wish to encourage others who are not so inclined to embrace the commandment given by our Creator: “Honour thy mother and thy father”, and which promises “long life.”

Let us not forget that ageing brings about both opportunities and challenges. Some opportunities include the continued contribution of older persons to local and national life, and the transfer of skills, knowledge and values from one generation to another. On the other hand, challenges include, among other things, loneliness, depression, frustration, anxiety and exclusion from groups.

In concluding, I would urge us to encourage ourselves to demonstrate our recognition of our senior citizens’ achievements and contributions to our society, and salute them accordingly.
Regards,
EVERETTE DE LEON,
Chairperson for the National Commission for the Elderly