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VI urged to challenge stereotypes surrounding ageing & senior citizens

- As territory observes Senior Citizens Month 2023 under the theme ‘Ageing Unbound’
Senior citizens greet Members of the Virgin Islands Party Government following a church service at Road Town Methodist Church to mark the start of Senior Citizens Month 2023, today, May 1, 2023. Photo: Facebook
Regarding the theme for Senior Citizens Month 2023, Ageing Abound, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said the powerful message emphasises the resilience, vitality, and strength of VI’s seniors, who continually strive to surpass the limitations traditionally associated with age. Photo: Facebook
Regarding the theme for Senior Citizens Month 2023, Ageing Abound, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said the powerful message emphasises the resilience, vitality, and strength of VI’s seniors, who continually strive to surpass the limitations traditionally associated with age. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As the Virgin Islands observes Senior Citizens Month 2023, its people are being urged to challenge stereotypes surrounding ageing and senior citizens.

This is according to newly sworn-in Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) in a statement today, May 1, 2023.

Hon Wheatley recalled that every May, since 1989, the Virgin Islands has embarked on a month-long celebration in recognition of its senior citizens.

The 34th anniversary is being observed under the theme ‘Ageing abound’.

Regarding the theme, Hon Wheatley said the powerful message emphasises the resilience, vitality, and strength of VI’s seniors, who continually strive to surpass the limitations traditionally associated with age.

‘A call to action’

The theme Ageing Unbound serves as a call to action, urging us to challenge stereotypes surrounding ageing and senior citizens, and acknowledge the tremendous potential of our seniors and their vast reservoir of knowledge, experience, and wisdom. This theme encourages everyone, regardless of age, to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment that allows our seniors to thrive, contribute, and engage in meaningful ways.

This year, according to Hon Wheatley, the emphasis is on promoting the concept of ageing in place, allowing seniors to comfortably and safely remain in their own homes as they grow older, and live independently within their communities for as long as possible.

We acknowledge and understand that each individual's preferred and necessary ageing environment is unique to their circumstances, and this is what we aim to emphasise.

As Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Wheatley said he is committed to improving access to high-quality healthcare and social services, including long-term care, with particular attention to the needs of remote communities, such as the Sister Islands.

Within the coming months, the Social Development Department will expand its senior engagement services in several communities, including Sea Cows Bay and Virgin Gorda. I wholeheartedly encourage seniors across the Territory to join in these activities, embracing the chance to connect with others, pursue your passions, and continue your journey of lifelong learning,” Hon Wheatley said.

11 Responses to “VI urged to challenge stereotypes surrounding ageing & senior citizens”

  • Youth (01/05/2023, 18:34) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    Encouraging words Hon. Vincent Wheatley. Our seniors are our foundation.
  • facts (01/05/2023, 18:36) Like (27) Dislike (7) Reply
    The VIP Government has always been a caring government to all especially the elderly.
  • Tantie Josephine (01/05/2023, 18:50) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a blessing to be a Senior Citizen. God has blessed these individuals with long life. Young people need to respect their elders and they too will enjoy their fruits of their labor. Continue to honor your Seniors. They have a lot of wisdom to share with you if you take time to listen.
  • I saw it somewhere (01/05/2023, 23:00) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    And I am going to repeat it. Don’t treat the elderly like throw aways. They are the ones that pave the way for us and they should be treated like the rare jems that they are. I love sitting down with the elders and having wonderful conversations. When I need advice I always sit down with an elder.
  • Norris Turnbull (02/05/2023, 00:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Aging outta style
  • Father Time (02/05/2023, 06:01) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Perhaps we could start by not discriminating against us with a one year drivers license, and, medical, that’s blatant age discrimination that’s illegal in the US and EU.
  • fred (02/05/2023, 06:03) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am 73 years and enjoying life as if I was 40. God has blessed me with this milestone and I give Him praise every day. A little advice to our young people. Live life to its fullest without the use of firearms. Look after your elders, remember that they took care ofy you when you needed them. Now is your turn to give them your love and affection. Don't put them in a Home and forgot them, now is the time they need need family and friends. Do this and God will bless you. Hat's off to the BVI for recognizing them.
  • Senior Citizens Grant (02/05/2023, 08:20) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations to the new Government and Opposition, while we are on the topic for the Seniors, please look into the Seniors grant amount that some have been getting for over the last 30 plus years." a mere $200". They have been helped by politician over the years with an extra $200,to make ends meet and since the COI, the elected officials grant has been taken away from some under Social development. Imagine now that Cost of living has skyrocketed and they are now set some 30 years back. Please while reviewing the greedy bill, look into reviewing an increase for the seniors grant especially the ones who Social Development rejected.If you all really care for the Seniors, take care of this.
  • Concerned (02/05/2023, 14:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    All seniors should be given a mandatory pension for senior citizens who did not contribute to the Security scheme The pensions for government should be increased to one that they can live on
    • I would agree US (02/05/2023, 16:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Even if seniors did not contribute to Social Security. They give them a less amount than the ones that contribute. They give them food stamps, Medicare and housing assistance to help them meet their monthly expenses.
  • Disinterested (02/05/2023, 18:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

    The BVI is a multigenerational society, ie, The Greatest Generation, Silent Generation, the Baby Boomer Gen, Gen X, Gen Y( Millennial), IGen/Gen Z, Gen Alpha. With medical improvements, people are living relatively longer and healthy lives. However, older generations possess a wealth of knowledge and experience which could benefit society. Nevertheless, the attitude of younger generations towards older generations is step aside and sit your old a&&es down. You had your time so move on. Gen Z is the internet generation so everything for them is technology. Everything else is ancient. Like a relay, each generation(s) should pass the baton to the next generation. However,?there is a void, a gap in passing the baton. This evidence is clear in political parties where most of the members are green with older members exit the scene taking their knowledge and experience with them. The gap is also evidenced in other institutions. Seniors are a national treasure who should be revered and respected.



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