According to the United Nations General Assembly, the international day for older persons is celebrated every 1st of October. This year theme is Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations. The UN secretary general stated; “older persons are invaluable sources of knowledge and experience and have much to contribute towards peace, sustainable development, and protecting our planet”. Antonio Guterres.
Objectives of UNIDOP 2023:
- To increase global knowledge and awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and generate commitments among all stakeholders to strengthen the protection of the human rights of current and future generations of older persons around the world.
- To share and learn from intergenerational models for the protection of human rights around the world; and
- To call on Governments and UN entities to review their current practices with a view to better integrate a life course approach to human rights in their work, and to ensure the active and meaningful participation of all stakeholders, including civil society, national human rights institutions, and older persons themselves, in the work on strengthening solidarity among generations and intergenerational partnerships.
Older people are defined as those aged 65 years and above, and according to world statistics this number of people tripled from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. Between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the older population is projected to increase to about 17%. The purpose of the international celebrated day is to recognize the contributions of older persons, to examine issues that affect their lives, to respond to opportunities and challenges of the ageing population in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
In societies with aging populations, it’s crucial to adapt to the increasing number of elderly individuals with diverse functional capacities. Their ability to perform essential functions and participate in daily activities is influenced by their social and physical environments, with supportive environments playing a crucial role for them to maintain their independence.
Case Study: Missionaries of charity home Simbock-Yaounde, Cameroon.
The missionaries of charity home Simbock-Yaounde caters for the elderly, especially individuals whom have been abandoned by family members. There are a total of about 35 elderly, both male and female combined with majority being female. The Reverend Sisters of Mother Teresa congregation sorely rely on donations from private, governmental, and public institutions.
During our visit, some challenges experienced by these elders are disability, isolation, affective and anxiety disorders, dementia, and psychosis, and psychological trauma. “They easily get triggered emotionally if asked sensitive questions” said by one of the care givers. Most often, they are allowed to walk around their homes, participate in domestic activities to improve their relationships with themselves and others.
In addition, the government protect and enhance the wellbeing of these elderly persons by providing food and other necessities. They collaborate with social welfare services for accountability and transparency to the public. The community coordinate themselves to assist the elderly by washing off clothes, cleaning, and self-care.
Medications are strictly supervised by doctors; constant check-up and some medications are provided by donors. They have a fixed physiotherapist sessions in their homes.
In a nutshell, the elderly are very comfortable with their lifestyle. Everyone is involved in their welfare. This act improves on their mental health and the sustainability of a peaceful society.
Wem ‘Afrika is willing to implement another project by providing medical supplies to the home, provide books, food, bed spread, detergents, and other basic commodities for the elderly.
We will appreciate your contributions.
Contact us through wemafrika1@gmail.com
Whatapp: 0034602095480
Volunteers: Richard Mekwi Taku, and Fiona luma Tankoh.
Written By Fiona Luma Tank
