Ageing in the Caribbean: exploring some major concerns for family and society

At the start of the 21st century, the Caribbean population of older persons - those 60 years and older - was larger than ever before in the history of the region.

This paper examines the issues of the increased life expectancy in the Caribbean over the past fifty years and the implications of this longevity for persons 60 years and over, their families and Caribbean society. The paper draws upon data from several Caribbean countries and particularly from Trinidad and Tobago.

The author argues that older persons should not feel the need to rush out of the workforce at 60 or 65 years, but should consider, along with their employers, how they could contribute further to society. The paper also argues that throughout the region there is still an under underutilisation of Primary Health Care Services by males.

The document gives the following conclusions:

• remaining in the workforce (even as part-time) for an additional 4 - 5 years beyond what they now consider the age of retirement would bring many economic, social and health benefits for the older persons
• it would also bring many long-term benefits for the society, including shrinking pool of fund which should be available to finance the population of retirees
• maintaining the quality of life of elderly people should be part of health programme geared specifically to this age group
• combining economic and food subsidies to accompany health interventions is key to ensuring that older adults participate in health programmes
• educating health care workers about elder care technologies should be a priority and the focus of specific primary care training programme
• a closer collaboration between governmental agencies and non-governmental agencies, to ensure that the needs of persons sixty years and older are determined and met, is strongly recommended