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Supporting the elderly to lead healthier and dignified lives

Ageing with a Smile Initiative

Concept Paper

Ageing with a Smile Initiative (ASI) is a new and innovative drive launched inThe Gambia in January 2010 by the Hon. Minister of Health and Social

Welfare, Dr Abubacarr Gaye. The initiative aims to improve the health and

general welfare of the elderly people in the country.

In traditional Gambian society, elderly

people have always been adequately

cared for by family members, neighbours

and the wider community. Changes in our

life styles explained by a number of factors

including growing economic problems are

forcing individuals and families to be more

concerned about their own development

rather than caring for and supporting

others. This situation is putting the lives ofmany disadvantaged elderly people in

misery as they are neglected, living

without adequate care and in some cases suffer in silence.

It has been documented in some parts of Africa that with minimum support and care,

the lives of these people can be changed in a positive way thus allowing them to live

more dignified and fulfilling lives. The elderly have contributed significantly towards

the socio-economic development of the country and deserve to be treated with dignity

and respect.

In The Gambia, the elders represent a significant part of the population. They face an

increasing burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis,

cardiovascular problems and failing eyesight. Despite their multiple health problems,

there is no organization with a particular focus on their welfare.

This initiative, which is based on helping the elderly at their homes and communities,

is being piloted in the Greater Banjul Area in partnership with government institutions,

the private sector and some NGOs. The outcome of the pilot phase will be shared with

a wide range of stakeholders including government, NGOs and community members

at a seminar before it is rolled out to other communities in the country.

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1. Improve access to basic health care

services to disadvantaged elderly people

in The Gambia

2. Promote the re-integration of the elderlyin Gambian social life

3. Promote inter generational dialogue4. Advocate for the rights of the elderly in

The Gambia.

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1. Provision of routine health checkups for the elderly at home

covering blood pressure, blood

sugar, eye care, hearing, dental,

health and nutrition, musculo-

skeletal problems, etc.

5. Provision of opportunities for theelderly to meet and interact

(socialize) with their peers and

also enjoy daily life.

6. Provision of rehabilitative servicesfor elderly people such as those

recovering from stroke, and

diabetes.

2. Promotion of personal hygieneand basic sanitation for the

elderly (provision of portablewater supply, laundry, appropriate

clothing, etc).

7. Conducting training andsensitisation sessions for the

family members of elderly people

on how to support the elderly.3. Preventing the spread ofcommon diseases like malaria

and tuberculosis among the

elderly and facilitate treatment

services for such diseases.

8. Advocate for the provision ofessential services for the elderly

by the government, NGOs and the

private sector.

4. Revival of positive traditionalroles of the elderly in Gambiansocial life such as story telling,

riddles, jokes and knitting.

9. Conducting research on thesituation of the elderly in TheGambia.

For more information please visit our website:

www.asigambia.org| www.facebook.com/ASIGambiaTel: (+220) 650 30 45/ 399 3045/ 994 48 37/ 798 09 20

E-mail: asi.gambia@gmail.com

Ke intervention Areas

Aims and Objectives

http://www.asigambia.org%7C/http://www.asigambia.org%7C/