October 1st is celebrated as the United Nations International Day of Older Persons and in Belize, like so many countries around the world, this date is acknowledged by creating greater awareness of the concerns and needs of Older Persons. It is a day when many organizations in Belize that work with and for Older Persons focus on providing activities as a mark of respect and to make them feel special in their community.
This year marks the 22nd Anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons and the UN theme is “The Future we want – what Older Persons are saying”. As the population of older persons is growing in Belize the country needs to focus greater attention to older persons and listen to what they are saying.
In celebration of this day, the National Council on Ageing collaborated with PAHO, the Ministry of Health and the Mercy Care Centre on Monday 30th September to organize a training workshop entitled “Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease”. The NCA recognizes that this is a growing concern within Belize since, as the population of older persons increases so does the incidences of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The theme of the workshop was also chosen to acknowledge World Mental Health Day on October 10th, which this year has the theme “Mental Health and Older Adults”. The workshop was attended by health educators, community health workers, community police officers, residential home workers, psychiatric nurse practitioners and Alzheimer’s disease care givers. Issues covered related to the social and clinical aspects of dementia, strategies for working with an Alzheimer’s patient and the provision of proper nutrition.
BEL Employees Host Tea Party at HelpAge Belize
Employees of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) hosted a Tea Party at the HelpAge Center in Belize City this afternoon in support of Senior Citizen’s Week being observed September 27 to October 4 under the theme “Older Persons Deserve Respect and Protection”.
BEL employees served tea while coordinating games and activities for 70 residents of HelpAge Belize and Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly. The Company also contributed 50 patio chairs to HelpAge Belize.
The most recent statistics from HelpAge Belize show that 7 per cent of our population is over 60 and in the next 30 years, persons over 60 will more than double to 18 per cent of the total population.
BEL will continue to demonstrate care and respect for the elderly in our communities by implementing a Golden Citizen Priority Service at its Corporate Headquarters in Belize City later this year. Holders of Social Security Golden Citizen Cards are also encouraged to register their card on their electricity account so that they may be eligible for participation in BEL’s ongoing Golden Citizens Program.
“We are enthusiastic about these initiatives that are catered specifically for those who have already paid their dues to society,” said Mrs. Celina Gill, BEL’s Manager, Customer Care. “BEL is consistently finding ways recognize our Golden Citizens and by registering with us, they can benefit from any upcoming programs.”
BEL congratulates HelpAge Belize other partner organizations for their sustained support and care for the elderly across the country.
