2016 world day for the elderly:

Elderly persons told to report cases of Stigmatization

By Boris Esono in Buea

Elderly persons in the SWR have been told to report any form of stigmatization and discrimination invited on them in the society. The call was made by the inspector number two at the SW Governor’s office, Edung Lillian, while presiding over a ceremony to mark the 2016 World Day of the Elderly, in Maumu village near Buea, on Tuesday 4 October 2016.

                According to the representative of the elderly in Maumu, Mr. Godlove, old people are stigmatized in the society because of age and fragile physical appearance. 

                “Most people associate old age to which craft, thereby abandoning the old in the villages with little or no assistance,” he said, noting that the rejection becomes more disturbing when the health of these elderly persons deteriorate.

                However, according to an elderly person, Mr. Peter, not all elderly persons suffer stigmatization; some are well respected.

                “I do not suffer any form of stigmatization in my community. I think I am well respected, and this is perhaps because of the integrity I demonstrated during my working age.”

                Celebrating the 26th edition of the world day for the elderly, under the theme: “take a stand against ageism”, the SW Regional Delegate of Social Affairs, NimbomEyong said: “people should be proud of their old age which is a symbol of wisdom. We should condemn all forms of discrimination, marginalization and prejudice linked to age.”

                Statistics indicate that by 2050, the population of people above 60 years will exceed the number of young people. That is why elderly persons are calling on the government to provide them with adequate socio-economic facilities and amenities so that they can be useful to the society.