World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed annually on June 15. This observance was created to shed light on the abuse and neglect that many older people experience. On this day, the focus is on highlighting how our cultural, socioeconomic, and demographic processes can lead to elder abuse and neglect. The abuse may occur in many forms including physical, sexual, financial, psychological, and social.
The number of Saint Lucians who are 65 and over represent 9.5% of the total population. This means that we have an ageing population and can expect to see a larger number of seniors in the upcoming years.
Living longer, however, does not necessarily mean living better. Our older population is particularly vulnerable to neglect and abuse, with members being often unable to defend themselves or get help, as fear, illness and infirmity can be major barriers for them. The Prime Minister established the Elderly Affairs Unit in our Ministry, to coordinate the delivery of services to older persons across all sectors, and to develop the policies and programmes that will empower and protect our older population.
Our Ministry will continue to strengthen our current services, such as Universal Health Coverage and the Golden 80 Plus programme, while working to expand and improve other services, in collaboration with all stakeholders and to integrate health and wellness into our national strategies. We will promote healthy and active ageing, by reframing our view of ageing and ensuring that every older person thrives. The Elderly Affairs Unit will coordinate the development of evidence-based programmes, work with private and public sector organisations to develop new programmes and services for older persons; and most importantly involve our seniors in the decision-making processes which will enable them to contribute positively to our communities.
We recognize the work of the Ministry of Equity, The National Insurance Cooperation, the National Council of and for Older Persons (HELPAGE-Saint Lucia), the Saint Lucia Pensioners Association and other community-based organizations such as the Club 60s and the Mothers and Fathers groups over the years. These organizations continue to play an important role in the protection of our senior population. The theme for World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day, is “Age with Attitude”. I ask you to join us in celebrating and protecting our seniors by volunteering some of your time to visit an older person in your community. Support them where possible and of course, report any incidents of elder abuse or neglect to the relevant authorities.
Let us honour those who paved the way for our success.