BARP at 30: ‘See ageing population as opportunity, not burden’

Barbadians must stop viewing their ageing population as a looming crisis and instead recognise it as a chance to harness the strengths of older citizens, the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) said on Wednesday.

At a church service at Hawthorn Methodist Church in Rendezvous, Christ Church, to mark the association’s 30th anniversary and the International Day of Older Persons, BARP President Marilyn Rice-Bowen said the country is approaching a demographic milestone, with projections showing that by 2050, half the population will be 65 and older.

“Some might view this as a challenge. Some might see it as a burden. But BARP sees it for what it truly is – an extraordinary opportunity,” she said. “An opportunity for our nation to benefit from the accumulated wisdom, experience, and perspective of a mature population.”

Rice-Bowen told the congregation that the country must reimagine what ageing means in the 21st century and take deliberate steps to include older people in national development, social transformation and digital progress.

“An opportunity to build a society where older people are not sidelined but are central to our national development, our cultural preservation and our social progress,” she added.

Her remarks come amid broader national discussion about the need to prepare for a rapidly ageing society, with officials warning that the country must act on the demographic shift.

BARP currently has more than 23 000 members, including 16 569 aged 60 and over.

The association is focused on helping seniors thrive, not just survive, by equipping them to navigate the digital world, remain socially connected and safeguard themselves against cyber threats, Rice-Bowen said.

“We recognise that the world is increasingly connected through technology, and no Barbadian, regardless of age, should be left behind in this digital revolution. Through our programmes, we are making our members digitally aware and teaching them how to navigate the digital space with confidence,” she noted, adding that the association is showing its members how to reduce isolation by staying connected with friends and family online, even when physical distance separates them.

“We are helping them discover and join online communities where they can share interests, experiences and fellowship with others around the world. And crucially, we are educating our members on how to be safe online – how to protect their personal information, recognise potential scams, and maintain their security in the digital world. Because with every opportunity comes responsibility, and we want our members to embrace technology not with fear, but with informed confidence.”

This year’s International Day of Older Persons is being observed under the theme Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights.

The theme aligns with BARP’s core mission of advocacy and inclusion, the president said.

“We have aspirations … we have well-being that depends not just on healthcare, but on purpose, connection, dignity … and we have rights – fundamental human rights that do not diminish with age,” she added.

She praised the organisation’s founders for their foresight in establishing BARP three decades ago, when the needs of older people were often overlooked.

Rice-Bowen said the best way to honour their legacy is to continue building a future in which older Barbadians are not only seen and heard, but empowered to lead.

“BARP will continue to be the champion of these aspirations, the guardian of this well-being, and the defender of these rights,” she said. (SM)