Law to protect old folks comes into play
(CNS): The Older Persons Law, 2017, which was passed by the Legislative Assembly in March, came into effect Monday. The legislation aims to promote, protect and advance the wellbeing of seniors in the community and requires that a Council of Older Persons is set up to identify and advance senior citizens’ issues in the Cayman Islands. This is the first local human rights legislation that prioritises the needs and advocates for the elderly.
In the law, an “older person” is defined as someone over 65 years old, except where the law provides for a person who is less than 65 years old to be treated as an “older person” for receiving a pension.
The law aims to promote access to services (including the affordability, physical accessibility and the maintenance of an acceptable standard of services provided to olderpersons); social inclusion so that older persons feel valued, their opinions and differences are respected and their basic needs are met so they can live in dignity; and anti-discriminatory practices which negate behaviours, attitudes, policies based on group, class, age, gender rather than on individual merit.
It also legislates improved care, including physical, psychological, social or material assistance to an older person, and services aimed at promoting the quality of life and wellbeing of seniors.
The Older Persons Bill, 2017 is in the CNS Library
See also: Old folks law gives teeth to policy
why not call them…young folks???
“Old folks” seems a loaded headline. The Bill, on a close reading, seems pointless.
What we should do is let everyone dip in to their pensions whenever they want. That should help in the long term.
I liked Logan’s Run. There should at least be an upper age on voting,
What about employing them so they can take care of themselves? Why retire them and then they have to depend on social service? Makes no sense what we are doing to the seniors of this country.
I see some cashier positions and many of these at the grocery stores, hardware stores, perfume stores and at our airport that able 60 to 75 year old can do.
This is great but what about laws to protect children. Many children on this island are raised by animals and treated like garbage.
Now if only we could legislate for their families to fulfill their obligations to look after them rather than taking their assets and dumping them on Social Services.
65 isn’t old!!!
What about those who get a pension, but it cannot cover all they needs? can they get financial assistant without being ask about they life story or how do we go about it, this person is almost 80 years old..
To determine if you are old, fall down.
If people laugh, you are young.
If people rush to help you get up, you are old.