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The executive bureau gave a press briefing on its activities in Douala on April 10. According to the United Nations, the elderly are persons aged as from 60 and above. This is based on the retirement age, especially in Western countries. In Cameroon, this group also known as the University of the Third Age is considered between 50 and 55 years upward based on the retirement age from the Public Service, which stands between 55 and 60. In the wake of a remarkable neglect and abandonment of this group, coupled with their inability to cater for themselves due to health difficulties, the elderly have decided to take the bull by the horns. Operating under the canopy of “la Mutuelle des Personnes Agées du Cameroun, (MUPAC)” over 5000 aged persons on the national territory have regrouped themselves.
In a press briefing aimed at presenting their activities over 10 years of existence, the executive bureau faced the press in Douala on Wednesday April 10. The National President, Sarah Kala-Lobe explained that being an apolitical group, their overall objective is to lobby for the well being of the elderly in the society as a whole. She added that they are supposed to benefit from services like free consultations, old-age pension, discounts in the payment of public utilities like water and electricity, amongst others. A major dream the members hold, she stressed, is the putting in place of a national framework for the well being of the elderly, alongside a social welfare centre.
Ahead of this year’s International Day for the Elderly, slated for October 1, 2013 other weeklong activities include sports walk, mini trade fair, educative talks on radio and TV and the laying of the foundation stone for a geriatric centre in Douala.
