Forde calls for better care of senior citizens

Former elder affairs minister Cynthia Forde has issued a passionate call to action, urging communities to unite in their commitment to prioritise the well-being and interests of the island’s senior citizens.

The heartfelt appeal came to the forefront during Forde’s address at the concluding event of Senior Citizens’ Month, organised by the National Assistance Board.

The month-long celebration, dedicated to honouring the elderly population, came to a close Sunday with a  church service held at Carrington’s Wesleyan Holiness Church in Welches, St Michael.

Forde underscored the pivotal role that each community member can play in cultivating an environment where senior citizens feel cherished, cared for, and actively involved.

She emphasised the imperative of fostering a genuine sense of community that transcends mere words, encouraging active participation and a sincere dedication to enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents.

“In the political arena, the Government, under the leadership of the Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, will implement measures outlined in the National Policy on Aging to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and address the challenges faced by the elderly,” Forde affirmed. She added, “We must strive to make essential services more readily accessible within our communities so that our elderly can gracefully age in their familiar surroundings.”

She added, “[We] must make services more accessible in the communities so that the elderly can age in grace in their familiar environment.”

Forde pointed to the importance of sustaining and expanding such initiatives, urging increased collaboration among government agencies, community organisations, and individuals.

This collective effort, she said, is essential to ensure that senior citizens are not only cared for but also continue to thrive as cherished, vibrant members of our society.

“This government and the governments previous to us, did what they had to do but it is more obvious now because our communities are broken,” she remarked.

Forde reminded those gathered that as a society, they hold the power and responsibility to enrich the lives of senior citizens through collective endeavours, acts of kindness, and a genuine sense of community spirit.

(RT)