Include older people in future planning

Older people should be consulted when governments develop policies, plan communities and design services.

Retired Public Service Commission commissioner Nashilongo Shivute made the call during the sixth African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment experts’ meeting in Windhoek on Wednesday.

She was speaking during a side event on social protection, health, education and care systems for healthy ageing in Africa.

Shivute said older people have the knowledge and experience to contribute to society, and should not be seen as beneficiaries of government programmes only.

Shivute said governments should make better use of older people’s knowledge by incorporating it into education and development programmes.