Thursday, Oct 1 marked the observance of International Day of Older Persons as designated by the United Nations.
Minister in the Nevis Island Administration with responsibility for Seniors, Eric Evelyn delivered a message on Nevis Television to mark the occasion.
“The celebration this year is quite significant as the year 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) and the 30th Anniversary of International Day of Older Persons.
With the emergence of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, greater consideration has to be given to older persons as they are confronted with the higher risks of being infected, ” said Evelyn while noting that the theme for this year observance was ‘Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing”.
The Minister said International Day of Older Persons 2020 promotes the Decade of Healthy Ageing (20202-2030) by helping to bring experts, civil society, government and health professionals together to discuss five strategic objectives of the global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health.
” As a society one has to be mindful of not engaging in ageism, which is the stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination against a person based on their age. By creating inclusive societies, the barriers that may exist will be eroded bringing into effect a society where all persons are allowed to live dignified lives, ” the Minister said.
Nevis is also observing October as Seniors Month and the minister outlined changes to the traditional calendar of events due to the risks posed by COVID-19.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our month of activities have been drastically curtailed this year as we stay in line with the protocols that must be observed.
On Friday, October 16th, World Food Day, the Department of Agriculture will be hosting its Taste of Nevis food fair at the Cultural Village and the Seniors Division will participate.
On Sunday 18th, seniors will worship together in their respective parishes. So instead of the usual one big island-wide service that we are accustomed to, seniors will remain and worship in their parish.
Tuesday 20th is dubbed Seniors Day when seniors will get an opportunity to be part of a two-hour programme on VON Radio from 9 to 11 a.m. They will get an opportunity, among other things, to call in and participate in a reading competition.
Thursday 22nd is Community Day when the focus will be on the housebound seniors. On that day, the Seniors Division will visit and take lunch to those seniors who are housebound.
The following Thursday, the 29th, the activities will conclude with an awards luncheon. During this activity, a few of our seniors will be honoured.”
