The Gambia observed International Day of Older Persons on Wednesday as advocates stressed the active role elderly citizens play in communities. The theme emphasized older persons as change agents rather than care recipients, and civil society groups noted many face exclusion from social programs across Africa.
The government operates programs such as the Social Registry and Family Strengthening Programme to assist vulnerable seniors. The nation recently ratified the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons, and the Ageing with a Smile Initiative urged authorities to integrate the agreement into domestic law.
The organization stated that healthy aging requires dignity and independence beyond mere longevity. Advocates called for older citizens to participate in policy decisions, and the group urged society to recognize seniors as contributors rather than dependents.
The government operates programs such as the Social Registry and Family Strengthening Programme to assist vulnerable seniors. The nation recently ratified the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons, and the Ageing with a Smile Initiative urged authorities to integrate the agreement into domestic law.
The organization stated that healthy aging requires dignity and independence beyond mere longevity. Advocates called for older citizens to participate in policy decisions, and the group urged society to recognize seniors as contributors rather than dependents.
