International Day of the Elderly Citizens |01 October 2014

‘Our elders need a loving family environment

“We all have a duty to care for our parents and elderly relatives as they cared for us. This is part of Seychellois culture. While there is a place and need for elderly homes and institutions, we must recognise that such settings can never replace the loving environment of a family.”

This comes in a message from the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton on the occasion of the International Day of the Elderly Citizens being celebrated today.

The full text of the message reads:

“Today, October 1, we commemorate the International Day of the Elderly Citizens.

“As we reflect on the theme chosen by the United Nations on this 24th International Day, we recognise the role and contribution of the elderly in our personal growth and the development of Seychelles.

“The theme – ‘Leaving no one behind: Promoting a society for all’ -- should not be a novelty in Seychelles. Our people-centered policies promote the inclusion of every man, woman and child in the development of our country. Through its policies, actions and programmes, government ensures that no one is left behind because of age, gender or disability. We are proud to have developed a solid legal and social framework as well as required structures and institutions to ensure that our elderly enjoys a life of dignity, security and comfort.

“The theme is still relevant. Today’s elderly population is living much longer than before. They are healthier, more active and stronger. This has important development as well as demographic implications for Seychelles. It is a fact that our population is ageing as a result of declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy.

“This is not just a demographic challenge but it is linked to the wider issues of development and sustainability. It is a challenge facing all developed countries but which Seychelles, on account of its high human development, has to confront.

“Innovative policies related to employment, retirement and community development, will need to be considered to ensure that the many active and healthy elderly people in Seychelles remain a relevant and constructive part of our population. We are presently developing the next Population Plan of Action. This Plan will define how we face the future. It will define how we view retirement and ageing. It will define the new role for the new generation of elderly Seychellois. Where our elderly can still participate and contribute in building our economy, educate our youth, share their views and not be just isolated passive recipients of care. Our elderly are prepared for the tasks at hand. Many are already playing a more active role in their communities. We need to strengthen local structures to sustain this noble cause.

“We also need to ensure that we address the negative consequences of ageing. Living longer sometimes means living with many health complications. Many families have experienced the devastated impacts of Alzheimer for example. Health is thus another area where we need to educate our population, respond to emerging needs, train our service providers and introduce the required services to better address the situation at hand.

“We must also remind families that they still have a role to play. We all have a duty to care for our parents and elderly relatives as they cared for us.
 
This is part of Seychellois culture. Whilst there is a place and need for elderly homes and institutions, we must recognise that such settings can never replace the loving environment of a family.

“On behalf of government, I thank all elderly people in Seychelles for their hard work and contribution in the development of our country.

“I wish you good health, happiness and peace on this day.”