WHO warns against discrimination against the elderly

Discrimination against older people is now more widespread than ever, with ageist attitudes taking a toll on the elderly’s physical and mental health, World Health Organisation has revealed.

In Kenya, discrimination against older people is a common trend with families and community being the main perpetrators.

In addition, new research also shows that older people who hold negative views about their own ageing live on average seven and a half years than those with positive attitudes, and recover much slowly from disability.

The elderly in today`s society are faced with many challenges ranging from discrimination to negative attitudes towards them and abandonment by their families.

Rosemary Anyango who now boasts 24 grandchildren and one great grandchild told Citizen Digital she has no place to call home back in a Kisumu rural area, a situation she says has led her own children and in-laws to scorn her.

“Right now I have girls who are married and their husbands keep on asking me what I am still doing in Nairobi at my age, so it’s an insult from both my children and in-laws,” said Rosemary.

In Kibera where Rosemary lives, she faces stigma from the community because she is also HIV positive.

“Where I live. when I get sick, my neighbours say this time she is going to die even no one can come close to you , may be those who are sick like you are the once to come see you,” added Rosemary, dejected.

John Nyang`au is also another elderly man from Kibera and his situation is no different from that of Rosemary.

“I have children here in Nairobi and some have jobs others don’t but whenever we have a misunderstanding they threaten to take me to my rural home. But I tell them I don’t want to curse them so they should respect me,” said Nyang’au.

Tom Oketch, the executive director of La Vie Foundation, an organisation that takes care of the elderly in Kibera, said discrimination against the elderly is increasing every day in Kenya and some old people are even killed because of their age.

WHO research shows that older people who feel that they are a burden to others think their lives are less valuable, putting the at risk of depression and isolation.

John Beard, WHO’s director of Ageing and Life Course said it is time to stop defining people by their age,  adding that valuing older people leads to a more prosperous, equitable and healthier societies.