Young People Urged to Care for the Elderly

Northern Caribbean University student, in the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Shamoy Hajare, is pleading with young Jamaicans to do their part in ensuring that the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of Jamaica’s aging population is maintained.
“We need to preserve the mental, physical, and social well-being of our seniors, because they are the ones who will transmit the traditional and cultural norms and certain moral values,” Shamoy told JIS News.
Miss Hajare was one of a group of NCU students who interfaced with seniors at a ‘Senior Citizens Day’ meeting at the Irish Scarlet Activity Centre in Mandeville on September 19.
“I think they are a rare and unique population, in that, as the saying goes, ‘once a man, twice a child’, if they are not properly nurtured, they will become outcasts of society and will be practically helpless. It’s very important for us as young persons, to nurture their development, to continue their contribution to society, and not only preserve their mental health, but to also make them feel a part of society. Empower them to empower themselves, because without seniors in society, we would be basically in the present without looking forward to the future,” she added.
The day’s activities were designed to facilitate the visitors, engaging the seniors, mentally and physically. Presentations were made by the NCU students on diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension, three of the medical issues which generally plague persons who are at an advanced age.
Ruth Maxwell, 86 year old member of the Litchfield Senior Citizens Club, has been involved with the group for the past three years. She has, for some time, played some of key leadership roles, and continues to be very concerned about issues currently faced by the elderly. In an interview with JIS News, she disclosed that the need to positively impact the lives of others is the motivation that keeps her going each day. Her sustenance, she said, comes from God, whom, she added, daily empowers her.
September is generally observed as Senior Citizen’s Month. Several activities, which commenced on September 14 and will continue until the 26th of the month, are being held to highlight the invaluable contribution of the elderly to nation building.