Activities for Senior Citizens

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is to host a Senior Citizens Open Market (September 24) and a Senior Citizens 3K Purple Run/Walk (September 27), as the nation continues to honour its elders.

The events are part of a series of month-long activities to commemorate Senior Citizens’ Month, which is being observed under the theme ‘Honouring a Golden Legacy, Shaping a Bold Future’.

They are being held in collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC).

The Open Market will be held at the NCSC headquarters at 11 West Kings House Road, while the 3K Purple Run/Walk, which coincides with the observance of National Grandparents’ Day, is to be held at University of the West Indies, Mona campus, beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Speaking at Wednesday’s (September 23) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., noted that the events follow on the heels of an Alzheimer’s Day sensitisation session, the National Senior Spelling Bee, and Park Walker and Ageing Fair, held earlier this month.

The Minister explained that the sensitisation session allowed the Ministry to raise awareness for families, communities, for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and other government employees that interact with seniors who have Alzheimer’s, dementia and other illnesses that may affect their ability to reason.

He noted that the Senior Citizens’ activities have combined learning, health experiences, recreation, culture, public education and economic participation.

Mr. Charles Jr. congratulated 64-year-old Veronica Richards-Whittaker, from St. Mary, who won the National Senior Spelling Bee, while noting that she spelt every word given during the rounds correctly.

“Her achievement, of course, is an example of lifelong learning,” the Minister emphasised.

Meanwhile, he noted that more than 2,000 seniors were involved in the Park Walker and Ageing Fair, held at Emancipation Park in St. Andrew on September 10.

The Minister further urged all Jamaicans to participate in the upcoming 3K Purple Run/Walk, noting that citizens of all ages are welcome.

Mr. Charles Jr. also urged citizens to participate in the weekly Pensioners’ Forums that are being held by the Accountant General’s Department (AGD) at its Head Office in Kingston, each Friday in September.

“You don’t have to be a senior citizen to be involved in the pension discussion because your conversation around pension should start the minute you start working, not the minute you are retired,” he said.

The Minister reiterated that the Government’s focus is on ensuring that seniors are happy, healthy and productive.

He encouraged communities to reject isolation, noting that even seniors living with families can feel isolated if they are not talked to, engaged, empowered and educated.

Senior Citizens’ Month began on September 1, and will culminate on October 8, with the Region 3 Awards Ceremony at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel honouring the outstanding contributions of senior citizens.