Semaj urges Jamaica to embrace seniors as assets

Renowned psychologist Dr Leahcim Semaj has expressed grave concerns about how Jamaica treats its ageing population.

"We have a long way to go," he said, highlighting a deep-rooted misconception that views senior citizens as merely indigent, sick, old and fragile. "Mi nuh inna dat wid dem!"

At 73, he exemplifies the possibility of a different reality for Jamaica's seniors - one of vitality, productivity, and continued contribution to society. He suggested that the ageing population isn't a burden, but rather an untapped reservoir of wisdom and experience. He opined that seniors, even if not working full-time, can accomplish more in a day than many younger people might in a week. His vision is for Jamaica to recognise this demographic as a key player in the nation's prosperity. For Semaj, the foundation of a long, productive life is a healthy, active lifestyle.

"You must have a healthy body to house a healthy mind," he said, adding that regular exercise, frequent health check-ups and a balanced diet are essential. He doesn't accept the notion that socio-economic challenges prevent people from living healthily. Instead, he advocates for self-sufficiency and reviving the community spirit that once built Jamaica.

"When I went to the supermarket two weeks ago and saw the price of vegetables, I just left. I put them down gently and went up to RADA [Rural Agricultural Development Authority] and Bauxite Institute and spent $2,000 on seedlings," he said, while encouraging persons to have their own small gardens. "Grow, nyam and gi weh!" Semaj also challenged the passive approach to ageing.

"You have two options: either to be old and fragile, or old and agile. Choose agile," he advised. He said that ageing should be seen as a stage of continuous growth. This perspective aligns with his broader goal of extending the peak years of life, keeping the momentum going well beyond what society typically expects. However, Semaj lamented the lack of structured initiatives in Jamaica to support healthy ageing.

"It's unfortunate that this is the decade of healthy ageing by the UN, and I'm not aware of Jamaica having any programme," he said. He expressed hope for change, urging for a shift from merely offering occasional charity to seniors to recognising them as a valuable resource of wisdom and knowledge.

Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie, the island's chief medical officer (CMO), stressed the importance of planning for the ageing population. Bisasor McKenzie, who attended the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's launch of Senior Citizen's Month on Wednesday at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, said the number of persons over 60 is increasing. She noted that about 12-14 per cent of Jamaica's population are seniors. She explained that with the right interventions, members of the ageing population can live active and productive lives.

"We have to plan for these persons, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched a life stage approach to health promotion, encouraging Jamaicans to be aware of their health needs at every age. It's not just about coming to the health centre when you're sick," Bisasor McKenzie explained. "We want people to know what to expect of their health at different stages of life and what they can do to maintain it."