FORMER Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has bemoaned the poor living conditions of the country’s senior citizens which he blamed on misgovernance.
Chamisa said this in a statement to mark the International Day of Older Persons, which is celebrated globally on October 1.
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.
Chamisa emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive plans to uplift the lives of the elderly, pensioners and senior citizens in Zimbabwe.
“Some continue to be impacted by the economic hardships, currency fluctuations and deteriorating social and health services, living on measly pension payouts that consistently lose value,” he said.
Senior citizens and pensioners have been victims of the country’s economic decay.
The never ending economic crisis has seen deterioration in the quality of life for pensioners, eroding their monthly payouts despite years of service and contributions.
The pre-2009 and post-2019 inflation episodes, including the devaluation of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency last Friday, have resulted in a significant loss of value for pensioners.
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“Many of our senior citizens have made significant contributions to building our country with nothing or little to show for it,” Chamisa said.
He urged government to recognise the invaluable role of the aged in society and to act swiftly to implement measures to improve their lot.
“Today, we should all collectively reflect on how the people we look up to have not enjoyed their retirement, some have not enjoyed the fruits of their labour through their children’s employment and some live in isolation and loneliness because of their children and grandchildren seeking green pastures,” he said.
The International Day of Older Persons seeks to raise public awareness about the opportunities and challenges of ageing populations.
The commemoration also underscores the importance of promoting healthy living conditions for the elderly that respect the dignity, beliefs, needs and privacy of older persons and for the right to make decisions about their care and quality of lives.
