Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
That the St. Maarten Seniors and Pensioners Association (SMSPA) reacted with some scepticism to congratulatory messages for International Day of Older Persons (see Thursday edition) is understandable. One can hardly dispute that especially those who depend solely on their general old age AOV pension don't have it easy.
Moreover, there is no denying that inequality exists within the Dutch Kingdom regarding the treatment of seniors, although it could be argued such is also the case for just about everybody else.
However, it does regard one of the most vulnerable groups in society, along with children, the disabled, etc. For that reason alone, extra attention to their plight definitely is warranted.
At the same time, there are many efforts taking place almost daily on behalf of the elderly. As an example, in the same newspaper it was reported that a computer literacy course for seniors had started at University of St. Martin (USM).
Few may realise how significant this is. The "digital divide," as it's called, can be a real issue for older people who lack computer skills and therefore are practically shut out from much of what today's information technology (IT) offers, which puts them at a clear disadvantage.
Also loneliness and boredom are mentioned often as big problems for the elderly, not only here, but all over the world. Being able to make use of the Internet and social media makes a huge difference in that regard.
Additionally, as SMSPA pointed out, once they have acquired the necessary knowledge participants will be able to go into the communities and teach others who don't attend themselves. This type of "empowering" initiative consequently has a trickle-down effect whereby more people are reached than some might think.
So, while enhancing the material wealth – if one can even call it that – of seniors is important, the same goes for the little things that can be done to improve their quality of life. SMSPA also should not forget certain achievements of which it was already part, like the current GEBE discount for persons 62 and older who qualify.
All in all, while a lot undoubtedly remains to be done, local elders can rest assured that many, including SMSPA, are looking out for them as best they can and will continue to do so.
