MESSAGE
As we look towards the next five years, we believe that a renewed focus on the diverse and evolving needs of our older population is paramount. The Senior Citizens Council is proposing new and innovative ideas, projects, and activities that can be implemented to enhance the lives of older persons across Mauritius.
We believe that older persons are not a homogenous group, but a diverse population with a wealth of experience, skills and wisdom that should be harnessed for the benefit of our society. Our recommendations would have to be structured around key areas of concern and aspiration:
1. Leveraging the Untapped Potential of Retired Professionals:
• Volunteerism Programs: Develop structured volunteer programs that match the skills and experience of retired professionals with community needs, including mentorship, skill-sharing, and support for social services.
• Consultancy Services: Create a platform for older professionals to offer consultancy services to small businesses, NGOs, and government agencies, fostering economic participation and knowledge transfer.
2. Fostering Intergenerational Solidarity:
• Mentorship Programs: Establish intergenerational mentorship programs pairing older and younger individuals for mutual learning and understanding.
• Joint Community Projects: Encourage the design and implementation of projects that bring different generations together, such as community gardens or arts and crafts initiatives.
• Intergenerational Storytelling: Facilitate platforms for older persons to share their life stories with younger generations, promoting cultural transmission and empathy.
3. Addressing Key Challenges:
• Combating Social Isolation and Loneliness: Implement community-based programs like peer support groups, social clubs, and befriending services.
• Combating Elder Abuse: Reinforce existing laws and create public awareness campaigns about elder abuse and its reporting mechanisms.
• Tackling Drug Addiction: Recognize older persons as opinion leaders within their communities to advise and discourage the younger generation from drug abuse through community engagements and awareness programs.
4. Promoting Healthy Aging and Well-being:
• Accessible Healthcare: Prioritize access to affordable healthcare services, including specialized geriatric care and timely medical intervention for conditions like Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
• Physical Activity and Recreation Programs: Organize regular programs for older people to keep physically fit and active through various activities they enjoy.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: Implement affordable digital literacy programs to enable older persons to access information, connect with loved ones, and participate in the digital economy.
• Mental Health Support: Provide easily accessible psychological counseling for older persons to address mental health challenges.
5. Engaging Older Persons in Environmental Stewardship:
• Community-Based Climate Change Initiatives: Involve older persons in environmental conservation, planting initiatives, and promoting sustainable practices.
• Education and Awareness: Develop programs for older persons to learn about climate change effects on their communities and empower them to advocate for more responsible practices.
• Environmental Preservation: To educate how to conserve and preserve the environment.
6. The Fight Against Ageism:
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiate national campaigns to challenge ageist stereotypes and promote the value of older persons within society.
• Policy Reform: Implement and strengthen anti-discrimination laws related to age in all sectors of employment and service provisions.
7. Sponsorship and Funding:
• Public-Private Partnerships: Explore opportunities for collaboration between the government, private sector, and NGOs to fund programs and projects for older persons.
• International Funding: Seek to explore international funding opportunities to support initiatives aimed at improving older persons’ lives.
We believe that by implementing these recommendations, the Republic of Mauritius can truly create a more inclusive and supportive society where older persons can thrive and contribute their wisdom and talents effectively.
Sincerely,
R. Patpur
Administrative Secretary