THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is planning to host an interactive session with senior citizens this month.

The aim of this session is to get the involvement of senior citizens in panel discussions that will aid in the drafting of laws for the protection of the elderly.

According to subject Minister, Ms. Jennifer Webster, it is “something that is really necessary in our society, because almost every day, on a daily basis now, there are complaints of the elderly persons in our environment being victims of abuse of some form or the other, either at the hands of their family members or persons that they do not know.”

DISCRIMINATION

Webster also said there is segregation as it relates to public transportation, and pensioners suffer discrimination on a daily basis. “They are often denied entry on buses by operators,” she said.

Additionally, she explained that children tend to neglect their elderly parents and they are subjected to harsh treatment, while their pensions and other benefits are taken away.
She noted that too often the elderly are taken to the hospitals on the pretext of accessing health care and subsequently abandoned there.
Her comments come against the backdrop of the murders of several elderly women recently. Webster referred to an incident where an elderly woman was forcibly tied to a bed by her daughter for several days.
The Minister stressed that Guyanese must protect the elderly, who are vulnerable, by learning to recognise the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and realise that the elderly need to be protected.
“Our elderly have contributed to the development of Guyana in many ways and it will always be a major priority within our Government’s remit to provide for the elderly and meet their needs,” she said.
Among the highlights of ‘Month of the Elderly’, now being observed; is the role of the media in the advocacy for the protection of the elderly, especially those who would have contributed to Guyana’s development.

(By Clestine Juan)