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Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

Celebrating our elderly |03 October 2012

Celebrating our elderly

Minister Meriton addressing guests and delegates at the launch of the workshop yesterday

Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton said this at a workshop on ageing in Seychelles held at the Seafront Restaurant yesterday.

This took place in the presence of special advisor for community development Dan Frichot, chairman of the Association of Senior Citizens Jeanne D’Arc Gerry, guest speaker Ruth Littler, members of the Association of Senior Citizens and invited guests.

The workshop was organised to mark the International Day of Older Persons which was celebrated on October 1 under the theme ‘Older people, a new power in development’.

Mr Meriton stressed the importance for young people to encourage the elderly to stay active for both physical and mental health as well as social wellbeing and development in their respective communities.

“We are proud to say that our country has always put in a lot of effort to ensure the wellbeing of our elderly and the government has taken steps to prevent them from falling victim to poverty,” he said, adding that the government has also developed different programmes and institutions – such as the elderly club, a national council for the elderly and the carers programme to name a few.

Minister Meriton also made an appeal to all agencies and non-governmental organisations offering services to the elderly to come together and prepare a programme for those who are getting ready to retire.

“I want to reassure all our elderly that the government recognises and acknowledges your contributions in the development of our country and the people are thankful. This generation will continue to make it its mission to always assure your wellbeing,” noted the minister.

The workshop included a talk by guest speaker Ruth Littler from Perth and she shared her experiences and views on ageing in Australia.

Other presentations by other speakers included health needs of the elderly in Seychelles, a slide show on population trends in Seychelles, impact of the ageing population on social welfare provision in the country now and in the future, and an explanation on the function and description of the Association of Senior Citizens.

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