NCSC to Host Ageing Conference June 25

The National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), in association with HelpAge International, will host its Ageing Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on June 25, under the theme: ‘Ageing and Development, Ensuring an Enabling and Supportive Environment’.

Speaking with JIS News, Executive Director at the NCSC, Angela Toyloy, said the purpose of the conference, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m., is to create awareness in society about the issues that affect the ageing population.

“We want to get all parties on board, including Government and non-government organisations, faith-based organisations and volunteers, because we are living in an ageing society and as such we want to make sure that the information is out there and that we, as a country, are prepared to deal with our older persons,” she said.

Guided by the United Nations Political Declaration and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, the conference will seek to: build awareness and provide information on the ageing process, the demographic shift and the opportunities it will provide for the country’s development; highlight how the strengthening of existing regulatory framework and other structures of Government may assist in furthering a supportive environment; outline financial and other opportunities for national development created by this demographic shift; and to enhance collaborative actions with stakeholders for national development.

Mrs. Toyloy is hopeful that coming out of the conference there will be partnerships with organisations to assist the elderly.

“We want them to partner with us by creating opportunities where these older persons can continue to give back to society and also for those who can invest in business to do that. We would also like to see the private sector developing retirement villages for the elderly,” she said.

Mrs. Toyloy cited the need for an inclusive Jamaica, where older persons are involved in contributing to the growth and development of the country.

“We need to have this kind of society where our older persons can continue to live active lives. Use them to provide consultations or be mentors. We must embrace ageing and the ageing population, because eventually, we will be having more older persons  than younger persons,” she said.

In the meantime, the Executive Director said a major issue affecting the elderly in Jamaica is abuse, as the majority of reports made to the Council are about the mistreatment of the elderly. She is urging Jamaicans to discontinue this practice.

“We do receive calls about persons being abused, especially financially. What we find with these abuses is that they are mostly done by family members and not strangers,” she informed.