Network calls for mindset shift on elderly issues

As Malawi joins the rest of the world today in commemorating the United Nations (UN) International Day for Older Persons, Malawi Network of Older Persons’ Organisations (Manepo) has called on the nation to change their mindset in dealing with the elderly.

In a statement signed by Manepo chairperson Andrew Kabvala, the network also asks political leaders to give the elderly a priority in the post-2015 development agenda.

“The priority given to ageing and older people is one of the many aspects of inequalities the world is facing,” reads the statement.

It says older people have always been placed at the bottom of the list when it comes to both government aid policies and programmes and those implemented by international development organisations.

“It also means that collecting data on older men and women in developing countries is not a priority, which, in turn, leads to gaps in information on issues they face,” adds the statement.

This year’s International Day for Older Persons will be commemorated under the theme Leave No One Behind: Promoting a Society for All.

The UN set aside the day to offer the international community the opportunity to reflect on the plight of older persons through holding a variety of special events and festivities.

In Malawi, activities to commemorate the day this year will be held on October 18 in Mzimba District.