The 11th edition of the International Day of Older Persons was celebrated on October 1, 2026, in Moundou, Chad's Logone occidental province. The event, organized by the SOS Association for Older Persons of Logone occidental, was held at the provincial council meeting room and presided over by Dago Yacoub, the government's delegate to the province. Several authorities attended, including the provincial council president, the mayor of Moundou, and the provincial delegate of social action.
The celebration's theme, "Aging with dignity: strengthening support systems and care for older persons worldwide," highlights the importance of promoting the well-being and dignity of older persons. Laoukoura Benaïdara Etienne, president of the SOS Association for Older Persons of Logone occidental, emphasized that this day, established by a UN General Assembly resolution, provides an opportunity to address the concerns and defend the rights of older persons. He called for improved living conditions, particularly in healthcare, social protection, and social participation.
Etienne also encouraged older persons to promote behaviors that foster peace and social cohesion, such as humility, prudence, and patience. He emphasized that healthy aging enables older persons to maintain their functional abilities and fully participate in social life. Guiryam Adèle, the provincial delegate of social action, solidarity, and humanitarian affairs, noted that aging is a universal destiny and highlighted the significant role older persons play in Chadian society as custodians of collective memory and social values.
Adèle also acknowledged the challenges faced by some older persons, including limited access to healthcare, loneliness, and chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. To address these issues, over 100 older persons received free screenings for blood pressure and diabetes during the celebration. Dago Yacoub, the government's delegate, praised older persons as the most valuable segment of the population, emphasizing their role as a link between the past, present, and future.
Yacoub called on young people to draw on the experience and knowledge of older persons and advocated for active and healthy aging, as well as increased solidarity between generations. He invited all members of society to contribute to the protection, respect, and well-being of older persons. The SOS Association for Older Persons of Logone occidental also made several recommendations to authorities, including providing a space for older persons to engage in socio-economic activities and establishing departmental cells to promote healthy and active aging.
The association requested that the provincial council ensure representation of older persons in provincial assemblies and that the ministry of social action strengthen the material and logistical resources of the provincial delegation. They also called on national authorities to reinforce the system of protection and care for older persons in Chad and implement strategies promoting healthy and active aging. These recommendations aim to address the specific needs and challenges faced by older persons in the region.
The International Day of Older Persons celebration in Logone occidental province highlights the importance of promoting the rights and well-being of older persons in Chad. The event demonstrated the commitment of local authorities and organizations to addressing the challenges faced by older persons and promoting their active participation in society. The recommendations made by the SOS Association for Older Persons of Logone occidental will be submitted to the relevant authorities for consideration.
Key points
- The SOS Association for Older Persons of Logone occidental made several recommendations to authorities to improve the care and support of older persons.
- Over 100 older persons received free screenings for blood pressure and diabetes during the celebration.
- The event's theme emphasized the importance of strengthening support systems and care for older persons worldwide.
