An insight on elders and abuse in Guyana

FRIDAY, April 12 the Ministry of Social Protection (Probation Department) in collaboration with UGBC social work students hosted an Elderly Fun Day for the older adults of Berbice. It was done under the theme; “A future of fun without abuse; living life at its fullest.” I participated in this event and I must say I am glad I did because it opened my mind to a lot on our senior citizens. It was blissful to see older adults finding joy in kite flying and dancing as though they were children once again.

While Easter is a time when most Christians reflect on the resurrection of their Lord Jesus Christ, the activities that surround Easter, perhaps every other holiday and event excludes our older adults. Now, did you note the word ‘abuse’ in the given theme above? Well, it stood out to me the most. As a Social Work student, I am aware that abuse is prevalent in all many forms but the term, ‘elder abuse’ was always subtle in my vocabulary, until now that is.

Elder or Senior Abuse happens to adults over the age of 60. Physically, mentally, emotionally even financially and sexually; whatever the case of abuse may be, no matter what age a person is, abuse is never right. Neglect and abandonment are quite prevalent amongst caregivers towards elderly people; neglecting them by not responding to their needs and abandoning them by leaving them along to tend to their needs. In Guyana, there are many cases of financial abuse towards the elderly.

It might be in the form of stealing their money, using their bank or credit cards, cashing and spending their pension money without them knowing and even tricking them to sign over lands/houses. Majority of the reported cases of elder abuse globally are women. Most of the elders that are abused are those who struggle with dementia, long term physical disabilities and memory loss.

The sad part about all of this is we all have to age and become ‘old’ one day. Ageing to some is a disease that no human can escape. In recent years, Guyana has an increasing number of older adults compared to younger adults. Apart from abuse, our senior citizens also are vulnerable to poverty which eventually equates to poor health. There are even cases where the pensions of senior citizens have to take care of grandchildren and entire households. Ageing should be graceful as believed by many but reality suggests otherwise.

Ageing comes with many illnesses, physical and mental setbacks. I believe we should not see old age as the end of life, it is a continuation of life. We should continue to live as long as we’re alive and always do things that make us happy. As I was sitting, watching over the seniors present at the Elderly Funday, the saying ‘once a man, twice a child’ is very true. They received pure joy by playing dominoes, dancing to music, showcasing their hats and flying kites. It is the Easter season and we might want to go to the beaches and forget that our grandparents even exist.

We fail to understand that they are human beings full of life.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” While I do not agree that our elders are weak, I would say they need assistance and a little more patience than an average aged adult would. Our policies, the amount of money given to their pensions and health care services for elders all reflect how seriously we are about this topic.

I salute all those elders who have helped pave a way for youngsters like us to be where we are today. I am grateful for my grandmothers Claudette and Maria and my grandfathers Hilbert Spence and Ronald. Who are you grateful for? And will you forget to invite them to go out for Easter? To care for those who once cared for us is an amazing honour. I hope you believe the same.