ON Monday Guyana joined with the rest of the global community in the observance of International Day of Older Persons, under the theme “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions”.

Initially adopted on October 14, 1990 when the United Nations General Assembly, via Resolution No.45, designated October 1 as International Day of Older Persons, this auspicious day has its genesis in a series of steps that dates back to 1982, when the Vienna International Plan of Action was endorsed by the UN General Assembly.

Progressively, in 1991 the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons; then towards the culmination point, as stated above. From the demographics, it is quite clear that we live in a world in which its human resources are fastly aging. It is said that the number of elderly persons will double to the vicinity of two billion by 2050, with a projection of their being more elderly people than children.

This statistic undoubtedly illustrates a sustained growth of the elderly, which demands a response for preparation for the challenges that such a signpost will inevitably bring. It is commendable that there is a special day, enshrined by the premier world organisation of nations, the United Nations(UN), and subscribed to by all its member states, that pays full recognition and due respect to this category of human beings, who are well deserving of all the accolades and comfort that can be found to shower them.

And it is only humane, thoughtful and just, that this homage unequivocally be paid to a category of people who would have given so much of their lives to the service of myriad causes, that have made life so much bearable for all of who are present at this moment; especially the younger segment of the population who will one day arrive at that juncture of life’s pathway, life permitting.

But it is painful, that despite their sterling contribution which would have laid the foundation for those of this time to stand on, and benefit from what for many would have been sweat, toil, and untold sacrifices, that they are often perceived and treated as a category of nuisance, and a burden. And this is a scenario that is concurrent across our world of today.

Many are the stories of elderly persons who would have once contributed to the growth and development of their individual families, but who because of age, are now treated with shameful and shocking disdain of all forms, even, suffering physical abuse in their own homes; being made to feel as a pariah, and in so many instances are finally driven out, joining the pavement dwellers. The fortunate few are sometimes placed in homes of refuge, but are deliberately neglected and forgotten. Such degrading treatment has often hastened these well-deserving seniors to their final resting place.

Such cruelty to the elderly occurs because of a narrow and ignorant perception held by so many, of what it means to be aged: The end of any meaningful participation in productive life and its activities; and as a result, their obligatory retreat from socialising. This is clearly a denial of their human rights, to which all of us are entitled.

It explains why this year’s celebration and theme that coincides with the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is both a reaffirmation and a poignant reminder that there must be commitment to, “promote the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons”.

Particularly, this speaks to two of the four highlights that underline this year’s theme: Promoting the visibility of older people as participating members of society….” and …ensuring full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons”.

In Guyana, there have been initiatives taken by the government in ensuring that the human rights of our elderly are properly observed, and sustained. For example, the National Policy on Aging has as its objective, the social and cultural integration of older persons into the mainstream of society. This is definitely timely, given the debate as to the still relevance of the elderly to daily mainstream life. In fact, the First Lady Sandra Granger, delivering the address at the second Care for the Elderly Workshop, planned and executed by her office, reiterated that seniors “are not just objects to be discorded once they have [retired]. Senior citizens are important and they have experience and knowledge…that the young people can benefit from…”

Another significant demonstration of the government, in ensuring the human rights of the elderly, is the partnership of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Protection in seeking to implement PAHO/WHO guidelines, for the minimum international standards for health care intended for institutions which offer care services to Guyana’s elderly. This is particularly important, since the elderly are very prone to health challenges which often demands specialised attention and care.

There is also the National Commission of the Elderly, under whose aegis there are 20 New Dawn Clubs. These are social hubs that offer the elderly opportunities at socialising, recreational facilities, and interaction with fellow oldies. Recently, the commission in its Budget 2019 discussions requested an increase in its subvention for increased services such as snacks for at least 500 pensioners at the Bourda Post Office; in addition to securing an office for better services to senior citizens.

Despite their age, so many senior citizens still continue to serve this nation in endeavours that add great value to, especially the socio-economic development of Guyana and, by extension, its people. And though it may be said, that they are long past their physical and mental capacity, they give service that contributes to the human rights of so many of their younger counterparts. It is only right that they are given every opportunity to not only foster theirs, but also uphold them in a sustained manner. They deserve every human right that is enshrined. They have earned them.