International Day of Older Persons |01 October 2019

Minister Larue

‘Let us all pay tribute to our elderly citizens’

“On this International Day of Older Persons, let us all pay tribute to all our elderly have given and continue to give to our lives.”

This comes in a message from the Minister for Family Affairs, Mitcy Larue, on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons being celebrated today, October 1.

The full text of Minister Larue’s message reads:

“Today, we join with many other countries around the world to observe and celebrate the contributions that our elderly citizens have made to the development and advancement of our society.

“Our elders represent key figures to the foundation of the Seychellois culture: they were once the active mums, dads, nurses, teachers, cooks, fishermen, carpenters, masons, doctors, postmen etc…who once got up in the mornings, to go serve in their respective roles and significantly contribute to the development of our country.

“They have faced life's challenges with courage and conviction to create the Seychelles that we are proud to call home today.

“Our elderly have so much experience, wisdom and knowledge to offer us as a growing population, that we should always allow their voices to be heard and equally value their contribution.

“This year’s theme for the International Day of Older Persons is “The Journey to Age Equality”. It is aligned to Sustainable Development Goal 10 which focusses on ways to cope with, and prevent and mitigate against old age inequality. This theme signifies first and foremost, the recognition that life is itself a journey from birth, to adolescence, to adulthood, and to old age.

“It signifies recognition to be equally valued and to have individual needs met across the human developmental lifespan.

“Consequently, the Seychelles government embraces this vision to ensure that our older citizens have a wholesome living where the added (twilight) years are lived in comfort, with dignity and reverence.

In that respect, the government continues to strive towards the development of policies that establish just that for our valued older citizens.

“On this auspicious day let us all pay tribute to all they have given and continue to give to our lives.

“I would like to wish all of our valued older citizens a blessed and joyous day.”