As hard as it is on Jamaicans to hear news of crime and violence, it is even worse for our elderly, especially those in violence-prone communities.

Many suffer from underlying medical issues and disabilities and so the saying “You can’t run, you can’t hide” applies to them, literally. Besides that, abuse of the elderly is not only one of the most cruel and silent crimes in Jamaica, but also worldwide.

The population of Jamaica in 2022 was approximately 2,827,376. Of this number, 210,610 people were aged 65 and over. The population pyramid no longer exists, whereby the younger outnumber the older. According to the UN, between 2019 and 2030, the number of people aged 60 and over is projected to grow by 38 per cent, from 1 billion to 1.4 billion, globally outnumbering youth. It has also noted a disturbing increase in the abuse of the elderly, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ageism is rampant. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes it thus: “Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their age … For older people, ageism is an everyday challenge. Overlooked for employment, restricted from social services, and stereotyped in the media, ageism marginalises and excludes older people … Ageism is everywhere, yet it is the most socially normalised of any prejudice and is not widely countered — like racism or sexism.”

One of our CCRP members warns that this can lead to financial abuse. She saw that US$5,000 was missing from her account, and when she called the bank she was asked, “Are you sure you did not forget making a withdrawal?” She went in person to the financial institution and showed them how she kept track of all her transactions. Finally, her account was credited the sum. But consider this, if she were having memory loss and not keeping track of her account, she could have doubted herself and been defrauded.

Younger family members should take the time to explain and set up digital banking apps for their seniors. There may be some resistance, but with patience, they will realise how much easier it is than standing in long lines at the bank.

In observation of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the National Council for Senior Citizens held a conference last Thursday at which financial safety was discussed. Bryan Henry of First Global Bank spoke on digital banking and Deputy Superintendent of Police Jacqueline Dillon gave some practical tips.

These included:

*Most financial abuse is committed by “trusted” individuals — family members and/or close friends.

*Don’t rely on just one person in a financial institution, even if you have known them for 20 years. If you are in doubt or just want to make sure, talk to the bank manager or another official about your account.

*The ABC Rule — assume nothing, believe nothing, check everything related to your financial affairs.

*Never sign a document under duress or in a hurry. It may not be what you think it is.

Ingrid Cole of the Administrator General’s Department reminded attendees that writing a Will was important to protect oneself and one’s beneficiaries. “A Will can be amended as often as you wish, and can be written even on the back of a programme,” she advised. “A form is not necessary, so long as it is signed and witnessed by two people.”

The UNDP has reminded us that people who commit elder abuse are often in a position of trust. This was emphasised throughout all the presentations. Never mind the references you receive for caregivers of your elders, make sure you monitor their condition and environment.

CCRP continues our advocacy for legislation to protect our elderly. To quote former UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon: “I call upon governments and all concerned actors to design and carry out more effective prevention strategies and stronger laws and policies to address all aspects of elder abuse.”

Raymond McIntyre’s strong 80th

A happy gathering celebrated the 80th birthday of Raymond McIntyre last week. The renowned architect and his wife Yvonne are experts in the art of family. Not a man to rest on his laurels and looking much younger than his 80 years, we had to pry this information from him. It is a journey of academic, architectural, and entrepreneurial excellence.

McIntyre has postgraduate degrees from Sheffield University and Projekstyrning, Sweden. Beginning his career at Jamaica’s Ministry of Works as an architect, he quickly moved up the ranks to the Government’s chief architect.

In 1973, McIntyre entered private practice as a partner in the multi-disciplinary firm of Rutkowski, Bradford and Partners, which was transformed into APEC Consultants in 1977, then into APEC Consultants Limited in 1995, with him as principal partner and managing director, respectively, honing his skills and training as a planner and project manager. Under his management, APEC undertook a substantial number of projects, widely varying in nature, size, complexity, and location, with the firm earning an enviable reputation for its professional services.

Among his many voluntary activities, McIntyre was invited to become a commissioner of the Government of Jamaica’s National Contracts Commission at its inception in 1999, and still provides invaluable service as chairman at the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). He was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Commander) in 2019.

Besides his professional achievements, McIntyre is an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He is indeed a renaissance man — an avid reader, raconteur, and top-class winemaker. Many happy returns to an extraordinary Jamaican!

Dr Muriel Lowe remembered

Last week, Sheila Lowe Graham, sister of the late Dr Muriel Lowe Valentine, cut the ribbon at the National Chest Hospital conference room named in honour of the legendary physician.

Of her expertise, Dr Michael Richardson recalled, “Dr Lowe’s careful manner, her thoughtful, questioning, and friendly, almost conversational, tone as she questioned us and explained the intricacies of pulmonary diseases, hid a keen intelligence and a depth of knowledge of pulmonary medicine that was second to none.”

He disclosed that Dr Lowe was in the first class admitted in 1948 to the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University College of the West Indies (now The University of the West Indies). From over 800 applicants, “Dr Lowe was one of 10 females in a class of 33 young Caribbean citizens who represented the region’s best and brightest minds.”

He said Dr Lowe’s research into the disease of sarcoidosis was ground-breaking and noted, “She managed the mundane daily duties of senior medical officer, hospital administrator, practising physician, dutiful wife, and [was] backbone and glue for her numerous, deeply loved and loving family. She managed all these roles carefully, simply, joyously, and purposefully.”

In 1986, Dr Lowe was awarded the Order of Distinction (Officer) and after her death in 2002, she was posthumously inducted into the Order of Jamaica. Her unforgettable name is now etched at her beloved National Chest Hospital.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is founder and executive chair of PROComm and CCRP. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com