A Call For Honoring And Supporting The Elderly

Othello S. Nimely

‎Liberia has joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day of Older Persons with a strong call to honor, respect, and support the elderly.

‎The event, held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Ministry of Gender in Congo Town, Monrovia, was celebrated under the global theme: “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action-Our Aspirations, Our Well-being, and Our Rights.”

‎Serving as Keynote Speaker, Garmai Tokpa, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Protection at the Ministry of Gender, urged citizens to support the aspirations of older people beyond retirement, ensure access to healthcare and social protection for their well-being, and safeguard their rights against neglect, abuse, and discrimination.

‎Minister Tokpa highlighted the vital role of older people as custodians of history, sources of wisdom, and active contributors to family, community, and national life.

‎She affirmed the government’s commitment to concrete actions, including improving social protection schemes, expanding access to age-friendly healthcare, and ensuring that the voices of older persons shape national development.

‎The program brought together advocates and organizations including the Coalition of Caregivers and Advocates for the Elderly in Liberia, the National Old Folks of Liberia, and several other groups.

‎Also speaking at the event, Momo Allison Bainda, Executive Director of the National Old Folks of Liberia, called for the inclusion and participation of older persons in every aspect of society.

‎He stressed that elderly citizens must remain active in social, economic, cultural, and political life, and their voices should be heard in policymaking.

‎Mr. Bainda further appealed to government, civil society, the private sector, families, and individuals to embrace aging not as a burden but as a natural and respected stage of human life.

‎He also appealed with the National Legislature to pass a Bill seeking to establish the Old Folks Association as an autonomous agency under the government.

‎The International Day of Older Persons is observed annually to celebrate and honor the contributions of elderly people across the world while calling for their protection, dignity, and inclusion in society.