This special day on the calendar is celebrated annually on 1 October after it was designated by the United National General Assembly in 1990 as the day to promote the dignity, independence, rights and participation of older persons.
In South Africa, we observe Older Persons Week from 30 September to 6 October.
Recent global events have meant services have undergone a transformation and while we have learned how to present our offerings in a new way, it has been our elderly who have had to adapt to a changing world.
However, the City’s health screening services for older residents continue.
The older persons’ health screening services are available at all City clinics and is aimed at improving access to health services for everyone aged 65 and older.
While we encourage our elderly to make use of these services, we would remiss if we don’t also request that they remain conscious of health protocols and adhere to what has become our new normal.
If they can, they should stay at home as much as possible; wear masks and social distance when they have to be out in public.
While visiting with family is now allowed, hygiene remains a priority and handwashing should be done as often as possible.
The elderly remains one of the most vulnerable groups as they are most likely to have underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or respiratory illness.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the daily routines of our elderly, including their ability to stay socially connected, the care and support they receive and their access to basic services.
They have been challenged by stay at home requirements, less or no physical contact with friends or family members, a halt to activities; and added fears of illness and death.
It is therefore important that we create opportunities to foster healthy ageing during the pandemic, while ensuring our elderly are not put at unnecessary risk.
We usually celebrate the lives of our elderly with special events, but this year we will create awareness of elderly neglect and abuse through our social media platforms.
I want to encourage them to make use of our services, which include free annual health screenings, fast-tracking at health facilities, which is now more important than before, and facilitation of referral to other health professions and community based service providers.
2020 is the 30th anniversary of this special day and the start of the promotion of the next ten years as a Decade of Healthy Ageing as observed by the World Health Organisation.
The City of Cape Town will continue to raise awareness of the special health needs of older persons and work to improve their health and access to services.