Cameroon celebrates World Elderly Day

Cameroon joined the entire international community to celebrate the 25th edition of World Elderly Day event October 1, 2015.

In Cameroon, this celebration presented the opportunity to consider this category of the population. Here, they represent 5% of the total population with a concentration in rural areas. More than 200 elderly coaching associations exist in Cameroon.

In a home for the elderly in the Borough of Yaoundé V the elderly talked about their daily lives.

"We eat well, we are given our bath and we take care of our clothes. With other retirees, I spend good moments and we share our sorrows. Many have been placed in the center by their children who very often do not have the time to take care of them", noted Bernadette, a retired civil servant.

According to WHO, 14 million orphans are currently supported by their grandparents in Africa. They play the roles of lullabies or nannies, accompanying their grandchildren to school and give them home lessons for those who are educated. They transmit their experiences and know-how and they offer their families great help.

WHO should adopt appropriate policies to support the elderly because though physically diminished, they still remain old solid hands if they are well formed. They represent a forgotten, yet value-added force for development.