International Day of Older Persons: Red Cross warns of elderly neglect and calls for greater family involvement

Praia, 1 October (Inforpress) – Anilda Borges, coordinator of the Cabo Verde Red Cross’s Multipurpose Centre for the Elderly and Integrated Care, today drew attention to the neglect of older people in Cape Verdean society and the resulting social isolation.

The official spoke to the press on the sidelines of the activities organised by the Cabo Verde Red Cross, through the Multipurpose Centre for the Elderly and Integrated Care, in the country’s capital, as part of International Day of Older Persons, marked under the theme “Celebrating life, valuing experience and promoting well-being”.

“Family neglect is an issue we need to address in collaboration with the Ministry of Family Affairs and other institutions, with a view to involving and re-educating families by raising awareness so that they take better care of their elderly relatives,” he warned

She also highlighted social isolation as one of the main concerns relating to older people, explaining that support from family is important.

DR/CP

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