By Francis Quamina Farrier
TODAY, the fourth Sunday of July, in many countries around the globe, “World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly” is being observed. If you are unaware of this annual event, please do not feel in any way embarrassed, since it is just the second year of this special celebration in which we are encouraged to focus a little more on the elders in our families, our communities and in the wider society.

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was established by Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, who is himself an elderly person, being in his 80s. He was born on December 17, 1936, in Argentina, South America, where the life expectancy of citizens in that Spanish-speaking country is 73 years for males and 80 years for females. As such, Pope Francis is already beyond the life expectancy of Argentinean men.

Here in Guyana, the life expectancy for males is the established three score and 10-70 years-while females are expected to survive until they are a little over 80 years of age. That, of course, are those who die of natural causes. I mention that because quite a number of Guyanese are dying due to unnatural causes such as traffic crashes and murder. In recent years, there have been public outcries against reckless driving on our public streets and roadways, as well as against domestic violence in which women so often are murdered. It is already a known fact that there is also a growing incidence of murder by friends on friends who become engaged in arguments, which in some cases escalate into deadly fights in which weapons such as knives are used, and those who could have lived to a ripe old age, are cut down in their youth and gone too soon.

Grandparents and other elders who have gained the respect of their relatives and the extended community in which they live also gain special places in society: some are invited to sit on boards of schools and other public and private institutions.

The radio programme series, “Salute to Senior Citizens” is a prime example of the way society lifts up our elders. There was also the radio programme series, ” The Eighty Plus Club,” in which elders from all 10 Regions of the country, as well as some abroad, were interviewed and spoke of their experiences in life and the  contributions which they had made to society when they were younger.

One unfortunate aspect of the Guyanese culture in relation to the elderly is the fact that their complaints and suggestions for improvements are not always readily accepted. During a survey, it was discovered that elders are considered as being “baderation.” Many of their ideas are classified as “old time” and “out of date.” However, on the other side of the equation, elders need to recognise that time keeps moving on, and things do change. There comes the time in many cases when it is prudent to either step down, step aside, walk away or write a book. In the latter case, an autobiography can prove to be another valuable chapter in the history of the country. A book can record important aspects of Guyana’s development over the decades.

For those who have now graduated to being grandparents and even great-grandparents, a grateful nation must be anxious to give them their well-earned rewards and say to them, “Well done, good and faithful citizens.” In so doing, the elders of tomorrow, who are youngsters today, will work with patriotic dedication in all their fields of endeavour.