THE YOUTH AND THE WORKING POPULATION have been urged to design and implement appropriate programmes and activities for the elderly.
The call came from Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development Steven Blackett, who said the increasing older population needed structured and developmental programmes.
Speaking yesterday at the Grande Salle of the Central Bank during the opening ceremony of a three-day exhibition of craft produced by the seniors at the island’s 15 recreational centres, Blackett said an effective policy of healthy and active ageing needed to be fast-tracked.
Blackett said that despite its accomplishments, Barbados could not be complacent because chronic non-communicable diseases, forms of dementia, elder abuse, estrangement of the youth and growing materialism were factors that threatened to reverse gains made.
However, recreational activities could be “a greater plank” in overcoming some challenges, he said. (LK)
