Ministry of Human Services and Social Security offering…
– services include blood pressure testing, blood sugar testing, dental check-ups, HIV/AIDS testing, cholesterol testing and Body Mass Index testing
ELDERLY persons from various regions across Guyana are in for a treat throughout this month from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

In an effort to honour these persons, the Ministry has organised a number of activities to provide assistance to them so that they can feel much needed and appreciated.

The activities planned would also facilitate group discussions and would allow for them to socialise with people their age.

In an invited comment, Assistant Chief Probation Officer Mr. Deendayal Singh told the Chronicle that, as part of the activities planned, a medical team was in the Ministry’s compound, Cornhill Street, Georgetown.

He said the team, which will also be there today, are providing services free of cost such as blood pressure testing, blood sugar testing, dental check ups, HIV/AIDS testing, cholesterol testing and Body Mass Index testing.

According to Singh, a team from the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) would also be doing services relating to foot care.

For the two days, Singh said about six collaborating agencies are directly involved in coordinating these activities.

He said Banks DIH, Rent-a-Tent and DDL have cooperated with the Ministry in donating various things so as to have the event pulled off successfully.

It starts at 8:30 hrs and seating accommodations under a large tent would be available for the elderly who visit.

Singh said the activities throughout the month differ from region to region but the main focus is on the health and well being of those advanced in years.

In other some regions, he noted that senior citizens would receive hairstyles, hair cuts, makeovers and pedicure while in other regions, focus will be placed on television and newspaper feature articles honouring centenarians.

He said some districts would also have tours, church services, interviews, health talks, luncheons, distribution of hampers, etc, so as to help enhance their social, emotional and physical involvement.

According to Singh, the Ministry is also focusing on other aspects of dealing with the elderly such as the level of care that they receive from their households and others.

Singh mentioned, too, that all the districts have been asked to ensure that family members and friends take their elderly ones to health centres so that they can get the kind of attention they need, medically.

Some elderly don’t ever go to the centres for check ups either because of neglect or not having anybody that is interested enough to take them. Communities are encouraged to be pro-active in terms of ensuring this,” he lamented.

He also said it is imperative for senior citizens to exercise regularly and ‘eat right’ so as to minimise the chances of ailments which tend to show up with age.

Singh also mentioned that the Ministry is very concerned about the recent reports of the elderly being abused.

“In the same way we’re asking you to protect our children and assist with domestic violence, we’re appealing to the community to take care of the elderly,” he remarked.

“Reports have indicated that some of them were raped, killed and robbed hence we must pay attention to them because some people out there take advantage of them”.

Singh said it is his hope that the relevant authorities would pursue these cases and bring justice to the elderly.

Singh also highlighted the need for senior citizens to be careful when they ‘Will’ their properties to their children.