A Financial Analyst, Joe Jackson, has advised older persons to jealously guard their pension benefits, noting that retirement can last for as long as 30 years; hence, the little money available to older persons must be managed judiciously.
“Don’t engage in risky businesses, don’t engage in unnecessary expenditure, don’t stop working—earn some income and don’t allow relatives to lure you into spending too much on family activities,” he stated.
Mr Jackson gave the advice while addressing about 150 older people at The Vibrant Aging Community Center (VACC), Winneba, in the Central Region on Saturday as part of activities marking this year’s International Day of Older Persons.
It was held under the global theme: “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” and celebrated on the local theme: “Intentional Care—Preparing intentionally for longer, safer and more secure lives.”
Speaking on the topic, “Managing money wisely for peace of mind,” Mr Jackson said it was important for older persons to designate one person who could access their accounts when they were unable to do so.
“The most important point. Give someone Power of Attorney to spend your money on your behalf when you are incapacitated,” he stressed.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Executive Officer of VACC, Professor Francesca Colecraft Dwamena, said ageing in Ghana must be seen beyond decline and dependency.
“Our purpose is simple: to help older adults live with dignity, safety, connection and purpose. We want ageing to be seen not simply as a period of decline or dependency, but as another stage of life in which people can remain engaged, valued and connected to their community,” she said.
Prof. Dwamena said the international theme was particularly relevant to Ghana, where life expectancy was increasing while family support systems were changing.
“Ghanaians are living longer, and the number of older people in our country is growing. At the same time, the way we live as families is changing,” she noted.
For her part, the Executive Director of the Centre for Executive Education at Ashesi University, Dr Esi Ansah, addressed the participants on the topic, “Your Rights, Your Voice and Our Responsibilities of Elder Care.”
According to her, like everyone else, older persons had rights to life, dignity, freedom, free speech, participation in decision-making, a decent environment, social protection, equal rights under the law and access to a lawyer or legal aid.
Dr Peter Adu Asante of Winneba Municipal Hospital, speaking on “Safety in Old Age,” enumerated a number of safety concerns, including medication and the environment. He added that older persons must ensure they did not fall.
According to him, “falls result from poor eyesight, poor balance, dizziness, slippery floors and poor lighting.”
The celebration was attended by Neenyi Ghartey VII, Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, families of older persons, community leaders and guests from Accra, Swedru and Apam.
FROM TIMES REPORTER, WINNEBA
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