Call for inclusiveness of older people in the country’s planning process

Toussaint wants older folks to be part of the country's planning process
Toussaint wants older folks to be part of the country’s planning process

President of the Dominica Council On Ageing Zetma Toussaint has called for the inclusiveness of older people in the country’s planning process.

She made the remarks on Monday at the start of the 3rd two-day Caribbean Conference On Ageing, Elder Abuse And The Rights Of Older Persons now taking place in Dominica under the theme: Building the Framework for a Regional Response to Elder Abuse.

She said during the two days the conference is taking place, participants will experience the warm hospitality and the vibrant culture of Dominicans, whilst at the same time focusing on an important sector of the population: the ageing and the aged.

“Ageing as we know is inevitable and, therefore, must be considered as a process of humanity and it is for this reason that in a nation’s planning process, one must ensure that the older persons are catered for and that no one is left behind,” she said. “Because in the next 15 years, which is by 2030, the population of older persons above 60 years, worldwide will peak to 1.4-billion, according to the statistics we have been given.”

Toussaint noted that in the Caribbean, the proportion of older persons is about 9.9 percent of the total population and Dominica falls within that same ratio, hence “we must be mindful of the place of older persons in tomorrow’s world.”

“Whether these older persons are looked upon as a burden, or a challenge to us or are part of the process of advancement, depends on how we treat them, sustain and include them in the nation’s policy formulation and deliberations,” she said. “Today we are experiencing a paradigm shift in the way we regard old age and the elderly.”

The President of the DCOA added ageing is no longer regarded as a decline in functions and social roles.

“Ageing is thus a lifelong phenomenon and what we should aim for is healthy ageing,” she noted. “These concepts must be incorporated into our discussion on ageing as we move forward in shaping the future for the elderly.”

The President argued that older persons contribute to the economy and the family in substantive ways and at any age, one can learn, improve and reshape their lives.

“Here in the Caribbean we must resolve to improve conditions which impacts on the lives of older persons in the region and reduce all forms of abuse and neglect of older persons,” Toussaint pointed out, adding that it is their hope as they deliberate on the various issues confronting older persons, they will be able to present recommendations which will help shape policies and programs in the region which will improve the social and economic wellbeing of older persons.

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4 Comments

  1. cameron
    December 1, 2015

    Nurse Toussaint continue the great work,will continue to support your initiatives.

  2. December 1, 2015

    Many dominican men shouldn’t get help from any one when they get old,because a large number of dominican women play the role of mother and father to their children..I am also asking some dominican children to open their eyes ,don’t be baffled by the so called love and care that you wanted as a baby growing up that your so called fathers want to show now..I know nurses,civil servants,masons that their so called fathers are now saying “my child” some fathers have no shame because you all are getting old you have decided to take care of your children,the gov’t should know exactly who needs help or not because they will simply encourage men especially to remain idle while they get old knowingly that the gov’t will be there to give them what ever they need when they get old..gov’t should not take care of people with wealth ,make them sell their wealth in order to support themselves ..this is questionable,the inheritance goes to the kids and the gov’t pays the bills?

  3. Shaka Zulu
    November 30, 2015

    Before you get old you must be young. All these lazy young men and women out there who choose to do nothing productive with their lives and when they get old expect society to burden your situation I say shame on you. It is not only selfish but it is downright wicked. To all the men running around not taking care of their children and when you get old expect good treatment I say shame on you. I believe in taking care of the needy and elderly, but sometimes how you make your bed is so you sleep. Let the young ones see how miserable the folks who waste their young life away end up so they can learn a lesson. If you live well with people work hard and take care of your home with love you will live a comfortable old age and not have to depend on the authorities. You live a life of laziness, crime, and dependency then you deserve what you get when you old. Plain and simple. Of course there are those in the middle.

    • Face the Facts
      December 6, 2015

      Some people want the government to legislate marijuana. Drugs have destroyed many lives. Those who consistently ingest it are incapable of working or keeping a job.
      Granted, there will always be poor people in the world but the government and other relevant authorities must teach the youths the value of an education, work and responsibility that when they grow older they will be independent and not be dependent on the government.
      If parents are unable to teach them, they should learn it at school as part of their curriculum, just as discipline, love and respect for others. These are important factors of life.

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