Minister Zialor’s message on the International Day of Older Persons   |01 October 2022

‘Let’s do better to take care of our senior citizens’

“Let us, as a society, do better to take care of our elderly men and women, just like they took care of us when we were dependent on them.”

This comes in a message from the Minister for Youth, Sports & Family, Marie-Celine Zialor, on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons being celebrated today, October 1.

The full text of Minister Zialor’s message reads: 

“This year’s International Day of Older Persons presents each of us with not only the chance to renew commitments towards the wellness and betterment of our older citizens but to take stock, applaud and give due appreciation to the contributions that they bring to our society and country as a whole.

“Since 1990, the world has been celebrating the contributions of older people, their roles and the impact that they have on their respective societies around the globe. The day also serves to bring to the fore the many impending challenges faced by elderly people in the world today.

“While this year’s theme calls for the celebration of the resilience and contributions of older women in our society, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family is calling for a national celebration and appreciation of all elderly citizens and their families in the country.

“In line with our ministry’s family theme ‘Mon Fanmir, Mon Leker - My Family, My

Heart,’ launched in May this year, let us, as a society do better to take care of our

elderly men and women, just like they took care of us when we were dependent on them. I call on all Seychellois, to spare no effort to ensure the care and protection of our senior citizens, let us be the ones to ensure they live their golden age, in dignity, in comfort with all the love and care they deserve.

“Let today be the day that we take time to reflect on the crucial and valuable roles and contributions that our elderly population play and bring to our communities and society. Be it as a mother, an academic, a professional, an entrepreneur, a volunteer in church or in civil society, an ardent supporter and promoter of our culture and heritage, a defender and protector of our islands and its environment, or a worker who despite bad times, bad weather or personal challenges has for decades taken your employment seriously and contributed to the growth of the country.

“We thank and commend the elderly population on what they have done in the

preservation of our cultural, moral and spiritual values as well as the endless efforts to build strong families within the Seychellois society: your strength and devotion as well as your wealth of experience and wisdom, is an inspiration to us.”

Press release from the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Family