Celebrating International Day for Older Persons

As we celebrate International Day for Older Persons on Sunday, 1 October, Western Cape Minister of Social Development calls on citizens to create environments where elderly residents can thrive, be safe, and be respected.

“I call on the whole of society to adopt an ethos of caring and respect for older persons. We all need to help create inclusive environments in our homes and communities that cater to the wellbeing and dignity of the senior citizens,” said Minister Fernandez.

Minister Fernandez spent Friday morning at the Ladies Christian Home in Gardens, which has been in existence for 147 years, and the Zonneblom ACVV Dienstak in District Six.

These are two of the 114 old age homes funded by the Department of Social Development, who has allocated R254 903m for services to older persons. This also includes the funding of 27 independent and assisted living facilities, as well as 186 service centres that serve 12 077 beneficiaries in their communities.

Minister Fernandez thanked all of those who work with, and care for older persons noting that “it takes a special kind of person to care for the elderly, particularly the frail”.

Addressing the residents, Minister Fernandez said: “If I were to add up the ages, we’d have more than 1000 years of experience in the room. Whenever I’m surrounded by senior citizens, I am reminded of your resilience and wealth of wisdom,” Minister Fernandez told residents.

Minister Fernandez further encouraged elderly citizens to keep exercising their minds, to remain active and to stay engaged with their communities and peers.