From Kampala in Uganda
A program to age well - the gift of the years
Improve spirituality, strengthen the role of the apostolate and promote the solidarity and unity of retirees and elderly members of society in order to build a population of happy, lively and fulfilled elderly people.
At the international meeting last November in Santo Domingo, Margaret and Charles, representing Uganda, came as observers to getter acquainted with Ascending Life International.
They wished to make their contribution to the work on the theme chosen for the meeting (elders, actors of evangelization in a multi-generational and multicultural society) in a document that incorporates the specificities and evolutions of the society of their country and their look at the elderly.
In Uganda, only 4% of the population is over 60 years old. The majority of seniors live in villages, work in farms and have no social security or regular incomes. Unfortunately, all the actions taken by the Government to improve the rights and well-being of older persons have only had relatively limited effects.
The elders have become a neglected generation and forgotten by both the Church and society.
The specific challenges they face are the following:
Loneliness.
Older people are left alone in villages deserted by the youngest, unaided, vulnerable and rarely visited. They are more and more often suffering from depression.
Poverty.
Their very low incomes limit their movements and they are poorly considered in the activities of the Church. This affects both their self-esteem and the development of their spirituality.
Poverty of the health care system
Getting drinking water in Africa requires long, difficult walks for the elderly, who may also have problems with contaminated water. Health issues become difficult to resolve due to remoteness of health centres.
Discrimination due to age
Their role as wise men and memory bearers in the villages, which brought them respect has gradually disappeared. In times of crisis or conflict they brought stability and cohesion to society / community.
Description of the program "Aging well"
This program is based on the Church and local communities. It will use structures such as parishes and local councils to reach older people through actions aimed at improving their quality of life.
A working methodology and many activities have been put in place to achieve the following objectives:
- improvement of spirituality
- improvement of the sacramental life
- positive and optimistic attitude towards older people, reduction of discrimination
- intergenerational actions between young and old
- best commitment of the elderly in the activities of the Church
- more entrepreneurs among the older
- savings and insurance systems for seniors
- improving their physical condition
- reduction in the mortality rate
- changes in government policies towards older people
A version of the different objectives will be communicated in a forthcoming newsletter.
Page prepared by Monika Ptak
from the report of Margaret and Charles