Take a stand against ageism

The Trinidad and Tobago Association for Retired Persons (TT ARP), as a representative of over-50 seniors in TT , salutes and congratulates our senior citizens and our members for the valuable contributions they have made in all spheres of our society which have moved our society through all stages of development and made us what we are today in terms of our social, economic, political, cultural and sporting achievements.

The World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) resolution of May calls on countries to “develop in co-operation with other partners a global campaign to combat ageism and achieve the ultimate goal of enhancing the day-to-day experiences of older people and to optimise policy responses.” Ageism is discrimination on the basis of a people’s age.

Of deep concern to TT ARP is the recent discrimination of citizens of over 50 years from accessing Government Assisted Tertiary Education funds. This act is a violation of the World Health Assembly resolution of May.

Another grievance of TT ARP is the inhumane treatment of older people at public institutions and private nursing homes across the country.

Research by the WHO has proven that these discriminatory practices shorten the lives of senior citizens by some seven and a half years.

TT ARP in observing the International Day of Older Persons calls on our Government, the private sector and other organisations in our country to adopt a policy of respect and humane treatment towards senior citizens, deserving of their past and current contributions to our society.

The provision of decent and dignified facilities must be provided to older people, taking into consideration that senior citizens have laboured under adverse conditions, providing the benefits, stability and standard of living now enjoyed by the young who will in time be older people hoping for humane treatment in our society.

Mayling Younglao honorary secretary