Day of Older Persons commemorated: Govt urged to strengthen support system for aged

The International Day of Older Persons has been commemorated in Accra with a call on the government to improve and strengthen care and support systems for older persons in the country. 

The event, which was held last Tuesday, was on the theme: “Aging with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide.”

It was organised by Los Abuelos Foundation (LAF), an NGO, in collaboration with the Department of Population and Health of the University of Cape Coast.

The significance of the event aligns with the foundation’s mission and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) One-No Poverty; Goal Three—Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 10—Reducing Inequalities.

As part of the celebration, the foundation honoured some senior citizens and offered a free health screening for older persons.

The International Day of Older People is observed on October 1, each year.

On December 14, 1990, the UN General Assembly voted to establish the date in line with Resolution 45/106. The day was first observed in 1991.

Specialised centres

The Chief Executive Officer of LAF, Eunice Annan Afari, called for the establishment of geriatric centres since they play a vital role in addressing the unique health challenges faced by older persons, such as age-related diseases, cognitive decline and social isolation.

“By establishing and strengthening these centres, we can ensure comprehensive and age-sensitive care which will reduce health disparities and promote dignified aging," she added.

Mrs Afari, therefore, appealed to the government to integrate older persons into the country’s healthcare and social protection systems to fully achieve the SDGs.

She also urged the government to expedite action on the passage of the Aging Bill to protect the rights and dignity of older persons and also create a society that values and respects their contributions. 

Endowment fund

The General Secretary of the National Pensioners Association (NPA), Stephen Boakye, called for the establishment of a medical endowment fund to address post-retirement healthcare issues of older persons in the country.

He stressed the need for better healthcare systems for retirees, saying that post-retirement health issues have become a grave concern for many.

"It is not just about the size of pensions. More importantly, it’s about the health issues that arise after retirement.

“Kidney, liver, heart conditions, malnutrition and cancers involve huge sums of money that most 
retirees cannot manage alone,” he said.

Commendation

The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, commended the older generations for laying the foundation for the country’s progress.

He said MUSIGA had an Armworth Fund which supported elderly musicians with financial support for operations and rent.

Mr Simons, however, said that despite the challenges, the association was committed to continuing with its support for elderly musicians.

An official of the Finance Management of Fidelity Securities Ltd, Peter Emmanuel Vanderpuije, advised people to set up SMART financial goals, create a budget and establish an emergency fund as they prepare for retirement.

He said about 95.5 per cent of retirees received less than GH¢2,500 monthly, hence the need for careful financial management to ensure longevity in retirement.