Two elderly women engaged in a heart-warming smile after they met at the lounge
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Arklifestyle Foundation – a subsidiary of Arklifestyle Lounge – Estherlynne Osei-Bonsu, has urged society to take issues of the elderly very seriously and put in measures to address the problems confronting them, especially in the area of their well-being.
Speaking recently during the celebration of this year’s International Day of Older Persons on the theme, ‘Good Health Today, Healthy Tomorrow,’ held at the Sports Directorate, University of Ghana, Mrs Osei-Bonsu called on the government, civil society organisations and other bodies to help further push forward all policies and schemes aimed at supporting the elderly.
A large number of aged persons drawn from various care homes in Accra attended the event, which was organised by Arklifestyle Foundation, in partnership with the Centre for Ageing Studies, University of Ghana, Association of Ghana’s Elders (AGE) and Samuel Amo Tobin Foundation. They were given free medical screening, served with assorted dishes and entertained with live band music.
“I believe strongly that the aged are a national heritage as they have a wealth of human capital to share with the young ones, if they are properly taken care of,” Mrs Osei-Bonsu underscored.
Estherlynne Osei-Bonsu (right), Dr Esi Ansah, founder of the Association of Ghana’s Elders, with others at the event
Burning Desire
In an interview with NEWS-ONE on why she is passionate about everything that concerns the aged, she revealed, “When I see the aged, I feel a sense of responsibility to care for them. It is important we don’t shirk our responsibility of taking care of our elders, as we’ll also grow old someday too.”
She continued, “The truth is, we need our elders; we cannot live without them. There comes a day when they can’t live without us. They need our support just as much as they gave us theirs when we didn’t even ask for it.”
The Arklifestyle Lounge CEO added that the younger generation “needs to tap into the wealth of experience of the aged, their intellectual capacity and expertise in order to help shape the future.”
Challenges
Mrs Osei-Bonsu said care homes are not well patronised in the country because Ghanaians have the perception that their services are expensive, although it is not so.
“The aged also need companionship just like anyone of us, because companionship, I believe, can extend their longevity. That is why at Arklifestyle Lounge, we focus on creating an environment for our aged where they can mingle, connect and share ideas together as peers,” she stated.
About Arklifestyle Lounge
Arklifestyle Lounge is a non-residential facility located in a serene environment at Dzorwulu, Accra, which offers a stimulating social environment for the aged. With friendly and professional staff, coupled with planned activities to entertain and educate, the place provides the right environment for ageing gracefully. The lounge also offers a variety of lifestyle services — manicure, pedicure, medical and health support, transportation, nutritional meals, among many others, to the aged. Those who are brought to Arklifestyle Lounge enjoy a communal living, but they can choose to retreat to their individually furnished apartments for privacy. It is designed to be wheelchair-friendly and furnished with smart television sets, comfy beds, airy living room, where pure relaxation is assured — all to transition the aged through their ageing process.
Celebration
The International Day of Older Persons, celebrated annually on October 1, is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the joys and challenges of ageing in today’s world.
During this year’s celebration, stakeholders underscored the need for healthcare systems and social care services to be put in place to better manage acute conditions that meet the needs of older people in society.
The Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies, Prof Mate-Kole, reiterated that the ageing population has significant economic and social implications for the nation at large, and stressed the need for all to come on board to address issues concerning them.
Again, stakeholders called on state institutions such as the National Pensions Board, SSNIT, SIC, among others, to live up to expectation by looking after the aged, saying that moneys that are paid to pensioners are nothing to write home about.
dfomenyah@ymail.com
By Dzigbordi Fomenyah