NGO Forum on Ageing 5-9 April 2002

“WE HAVE TO MAKE ELDERLY PEOPLE BE VOLUNTEERS FOR OTHER ELDERLY PEOPLE”

By : NGO Forum on Ageing
April 6, 2002

Oílda Montoya is the co-president of the NGO Forum on Ageing and at the same time president of the UDP, Unión Democrática de Pensionistas ( Democratic Union of Pensioners). She participated in the round table at the opening event.

- Do you think this agreement will be put in practice?

- It is very difficult indeed. At the Meeting in Vienna in 1982, very important aims were reached that at the beginning seems to be fulfilled but at the end they were not.

- What three aspects do you think that could be mentioned?

- I would be satisfied if the governments present at the meeting: take the elderly into account. This part of the population has to participate, not be passive and, in fact they are not. The elderly people have an active life and a lot to give to society. They are actually the meaning of life and, of course, they do not live on charity. They participate in society because they pay taxes.

- Are politicians aware of the ageing of population?

- It would be really good if countries become aware that the world is going towards the elderly people. They will have to face to a great problem if they do not put in practice the right policy to improve the future of the elderly people. And not only that, those countries in which there are not elderly population should take care of young people to make them grow up.

- To what governments should pay attention?

- It is important to care about the health of the elderly, to give them the right health care and welfare services. In fact, it would be ideal to join both things. We also have to try to make the elderly independent. There should be a motto which says to these people: “ We must not be dependent!”

- And what about the NGOs?

- The organizations know about the capacities and necessities of the elderly, specially of those who are more vulnerable, and are really capable of put some programs in practice all over the world. The NGOs are also interested in having a whole vision which has the person as the center.

- What would you say to a person who is elderly and thinks that he/she is useless?

- We have plenty of free time and some hours a week to help other people which is very good. I would make elderly people help other elderly people who are in some way handicapped.

The elderly do not live on charity. It is not good being dependent! We have to take care of young people.