16 Oct 2013

The former Minister of Health, Mr Bahiti Temane has said ageing is a gradual process and there is much that can be done to promote good mental health and wellbeing.

Officiating at the World Mental day in Gumare, he said this year, the commemoration had chosen to pay attention to the senior citizens in Botswana and the world over, hence, the theme: Mental Health and the Older Adults. "They have left a legacy for us in different spheres of life, for they have worked tirelessly to make this country what it is today, ”Mr Temane said.

He said many of the old citizens lost their ability to live independently because of limited mobility, frailty and physical and mental health problems. He also said they also face challenges such as taking care of their grand children, some of whom might have been orphaned.

“Factors such as poverty, isolation, loneliness and maltreatment at home also can affect not only their physical health but, also their spiritual entity,’’ he said. He said according to the 2011 Botswana population census, more than five per cent of the Botswana population comprised of the elderly.

The former Maun MP also said the elderly needed to be taken care of and people should note that they suffered from a syndrome known as dementia, which involved deterioration of the memory and depression.

He further called upon those charged with the responsibility of providing services to include as part of the priority list, provision of psycho-social support care for them. Giving the objective of the day, head of Okavango District Health Management team (DHMT), Dr Jose Mayele said that the day is aimed at the public to openly discuss mental illnesses and the treatment and preventions available to them.

He said the major barrier that prevents people from seeking mental health treatment was stigma. Dr Mayele also noted that the elderly face challenges such as poverty, social isolation and many others.

He said this can be fought by promoting healthy lifestyles among the general population, starting from an early age.Giving the vote of thanks, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ngami, Mr Taolo Habano thanked the Ministry of Health for hosting such a day in Gumare.

He advised the elderly to accept themselves, to accept the fact that they have reached an elderly stage in order for them to avoid stress situations and depression.

Furthermore, he pleaded with the public to treat the elderly normally and accept them the way they are because the more they are stigmatised, the more it affects their mental health.

He urged health officers to always serve them with love and be patient when dealing with the elderly. Ends