KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, is urging all Jamaicans to celebrate the invaluable contributions of the country’s senior citizens.

In his message for the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on October 1, the minister said that older people in society are not passive bystanders but powerful agents of change.

“Their voices must be heard in shaping policies, ending age discrimination and building inclusive societies,” he said.

International Day of Older Persons is being celebrated under the theme “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being and Our Rights”.

Charles Jr said the observance aligns seamlessly with Senior Citizens Month in September under the theme, “Respect, Protect, Empower, Connect,” which affirms the aspirations, dignity and rights of older persons while fostering intergenerational unity.

“When we respect older persons, we affirm their aspirations. When we protect their well-being, we safeguard their dignity and rights. When we empower them, we ensure that their voices influence policy and action, and when we connect across generations, we build inclusive communities where every person has a place,” he pointed out.

He said that globally, the population of persons over 60 years has more than doubled from 541 million in 1995 to 1.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050.

“Here in Jamaica, it is projected that by 2030, 15 per cent of the population will be over the age of 60, with most expected to live to at least 73 years, eight years more than the expectancy in 1995,” the minister said.

He noted that the demographic shift demands stronger healthcare, support systems and opportunities for meaningful engagement.

He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing the National Policy for Senior Citizens, strengthening healthcare partnerships, expanding digital literacy, and building systems to ensure that every older Jamaican is respected, protected, empowered, and connected.

— JIS