Neglect, hunger and lack of proper hygiene continue to roll back gains being made in addressing the plight of the elderly in society, activists and philanthropists observed Monday.
Job Omayio, chair Gesabakwa Elderly Care Initiative and Carolyne Kisuge, chair Jonathan Rays of Hope Foundation, said many elderly people are suffering poverty, lack access to proper healthcare, and are often neglected by both their families.
“With little help coming their way they are now left to suffer in silence with no food, medicine, or support systems,” said Omayio.
“Many actually alone, lack basic healthcare, and are battling loneliness. Urban migration from kinsmen leave them battling life alone.”
His agency focuses on restoring dignity of the elderly in Kisii with particular focus being Bomachoge Chache and Bomachoge Borabu regions.
Omayio wants the government to increase funding for the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme and expand medical services for the aged, especially in rural areas.
He also called for the creation of community-based care centers where the elderly can access regular checkups and counseling.
“The dignity of our elderly must be protected. It is time we treat them with the respect they deserve,” he emphasized adding that the burden of caring for the aged rests on the shoulders of the government.
Kisuge said the aged continue to be deprived of good life by an individual ncrrasingly uncaring society.
Coupled with the deteriorating welfare of the elderly citizens in rural areas, she said are grappling with a myriad of challenges among them neglect, poverty, inadequate healthcare, and loneliness, with many living in deplorable conditions.
Kiguge said ack of proper support systems and social safety nets continue to leave the aged vulnerable and dependent.
“Many of them are suffering in silence. They lack access to essential services and are often left out in policy implementation,” she told journalists.
The two were speaking at Nyabisingorori area in Bomachoge during the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Hundreds of the elderly citizens received free health care.
More were helped to enrol to the Social Health Authority insurance scheme.
The day is marked annually on June 15 to raise awareness about the abuse and neglect faced by older persons.
The theme for the year was “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action”.
Researchers say substance abuse, unemployment by caregiver, lack of knowledge of duties, resources, and/or services,varegiver stress, fatigue have been cited as factors triggering violence against the aged in society.
Other factors nclude history of violence, psychological and/or physical impairments and por impulse control.
Kisuge asked both the government and society to take deliberate steps to support senior citizens.
She especially called for improved healthcare services, increased cash transfer programmes and community-based support to ensure the elderly live in dignity.
“We need to acknowledge that the government is doing commendable work especially on assisting them with monthly stipend but am sure more can still be done,” she stated.
Most of the elderly present spoke of disease , poverty and lack of food in their homes as grave challenges affecting them.
Obao Omare said hunger was a constant problem at his home.
He thanked officials of Gesabakwa for reaching to them relief food on occasion.
“I couldn’t be there were it not for them,” he said.
Mary Gesare, 75, said though a beneficiary of Social Health Authority insurance scheme, still more was needed to address their plight.
It is dire especially those without pensions or family support, she said.
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