The members of the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA) led by the Council staff operating mostly from home is hard at work preparing to observe the Month of the Elderly, come September.
It is a time when the Dominica Council on Ageing Inc. is seeking to determine the technological levels of its members, as Older Persons express their determination to be included in the current digital age.
DCOA Inc’s proposed theme for the Month of the Elderly is: “Older Persons Embracing the Digital Age”. This was inspired by the United Nations theme for the International Day of Older (IDOP) Persons “Digital Equity for All Ages”. In keeping with this year’s theme for the IDOP, seniors follow the lead of the Council on Ageing as they embrace the use of technology in an age that should not plan to leave them behind.
The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, Youth at Risk, Gender Affairs, Seniors’ Security, and Dominicans with Disabilities; Dr Adis King is on board with the DCOA and will officially be launching the Month of the Elderly with a National Address.
The COVID – 19 pandemic and it’s attendant “new normal” has forced seniors to use social media in varying degrees for social as well as other types of transactions. Events in September within the DCOA month of the Elderly programme will include the use of WhatsApp, Facebook, Facetime, Zoom, email and other such media platforms engaging Older Persons in varying levels of the internet and social media.
Younger Persons are expected to assist Older Persons in accessing and using their telephones and other devices in order to establish a greater sense of equity as it pertains to access and use of technology on all levels. They then can together be a part of various Video and photographic competitions, sharing of recipes using natural immune system boosting ingredients, prayer sessions, meetings, tributes by the youth to grandparents and the like. There will be a special day when the contributions of Centenarians will be the highlight.
The month promises newness, as well as opportunities for learning and fun, and will culminate with an address by the Patron of the DCOA and the country’s Head of State, His Excellency Charles Savarin.