With the elections fast approaching, the different contenders are all putting forth their
position vis-à-vis different aspects of society. The different age groups await the manifestos
of the different parties and contenders to see what’s in it for them.
The same applies to the elderly.
“Very often, we the elderly have been used during election time, with this party or the other
claiming to be bringing a better future for us, to be giving us more financial stability and so
on, but as we know the proof of the pudding is in the eating and so far, we are yet to see the
pudding, let alone taste it!”
- Helen, an octogenarian, said this will be the last time she casts her vote, said.
“I’m already in my eighties. This year, I am lucid enough to decide who I want as president
and as MNA, but come 2030, if I’m still around, I will not vote, and I will ask my children not
to even try and make me do so. I believe there is a time for everything and a time to let go,
sit back and enjoy the twilight quietly”.
Independent Presidential candidate Ralph Volcère said he agrees with the senior citizen’s point of view.
“I get where she is coming from. When we campaign, we politicians have a tendency to
promise the moon and stars, but later we are unable to deliver even a telescope for them to
look at the moon from afar! This brings delusion and frustration, which they do not need at
this point in their lives!”
Volcère added that the elderly need to be given a voice to put forward their contributions
and insights, which could enrich policies and strategies for the national good.
“We need to hear them. After all, they built this country. Today, to undertake construction,
we have to have recourse to foreign labour, but back in the day, our forefathers built these
roads, these churches and government buildings as well as schools. We did not have
advanced technologies, but our doctors and nurses were able to keep infant mortality low,
and our teachers put students through to university level. We need our elderly, they are the
institutional memory of this nation, and we should recognise them as such.”
Volcère added that, should he form a government, he will be paying specific attention to the
needs of the senior citizens.
“We will use the senior citizens clubs to revitalise their twilight years, organise activities like
pottery classes, book evenings, and age bridging sessions where they teach the youngsters
to do various things. If we keep them active, their brains will remain in good form, and
overall, they will be able to enjoy their retirement better. I know these clubs exist and just
need to be reinvigorated, and with the proper resources, we would be able to make a
difference in the lives of those who gave us life,”
- He concluded.
