HelpAge Belize marked Elderly Week with activities celebrating older persons while highlighting the need for better healthcare, housing and financial support for Belize’s aging population.
The celebrations culminated in a gathering at Digi Park in Belize City on Friday, bringing together senior groups for presentations and entertainment under this year’s theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Better Lives.”
The week began on September 27 with a church service, followed by bingo, an eye-care session, a day of pampering and an outing to Old Belize.
Carmen Barrow, chairperson of HelpAge Belize’s Belize City branch, said the activities were intended to celebrate older persons.
“We are celebrating the whole aging process, being an elder citizen, and what that means in today’s Belize,” she said.
HelpAge Belize Executive Director Ivorine Bulwer said the organisation works to address the needs of older persons throughout the country, not only its members.
“Our concern is not only for our members of HelpAge Belize, but for all older persons in Belize,” she said.
National Council on Aging Director Ix-Chel Poot said activities that bring older persons together help them stay connected to their communities and build support networks. She said such gatherings are important as Belize’s older population continues to grow.
