28 Nov 2022

The elderly are facing challenges such as ill-health, memory loss, poor vision and boredom, says Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe.

Commemorating the International Day for the Elderly in Letlhakane on Saturday, Mr Lelatisitswe said the elderly were fighting to deal and cope with these challenges, as such they needed care and support.

The day, which attracted a large number of senior citizens,  was not celebrated for the past two years due to the outbreak of COVID-19, which  disease also claimed the lives of some elderly persons.

Mr Lelatisitswe, who is also the MP for Boteti East,  said the theme of the day: Go Itsetsepela ga Bagodi mo Metlheng ya Diphetogo, fitted well with the occasion because they had to navigate the ever changing world.

One of the elderly residents of Letlhakane, Ms Gomontemang Maphane, 83, said some of their colleagues experienced gender based violence and were disrespected by partners and society members.

She also said some of their children violated the elderly people’s rights.

Superintendent Michael Maphephu of Letlhakane Police Station appealed to the senior citizens to report any illtreatment by their children.

He said some children forcefully took their parents’ belongings, including money and property.

He also advised them to consult their traditional leaders if they felt the police were not assisting them properly. ENDS