REPORT ON
NATIONAL FOLLOW-UP
The major achievements reached in respect of efforts to improve the quality of life
of older persons during the period 2007 -2012, existing gaps and key actions in
Jamaica
Prepared for ECLAC
By: Kristin Fox
March 2012
Table of Contents
Background ................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
List of Acronyms .......................................................................................................................................... ii
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................................... iii
I.
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... iii
II.
Overall progress in implementing the Brasilia Declaration ............................................................. iii
III.
Best practices in human rights of older persons........................................................................... iv
IV. Key actions to strengthen the implementation of the Brasilia Declaration......................................... v
Objective of Consultancy .............................................................................................................................. 1
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………….1
1. National Ageing Situation......................................................................................................................... 3
2. Methodology ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Literature review ................................................................................................................................... 9
Informal Interviews ............................................................................................................................... 9
Secondary data analysis ........................................................................................................................ 9
3. Overall progress in implementing the Brasilia Declaration .................................................................... 10
Inventory ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Evaluation of the work areas examined. ................................................................................................. 11
Legislative ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Administrative..................................................................................................................................... 11
Programmatic ...................................................................................................................................... 13
4. Best practices in human rights of older persons...................................................................................... 26
5. Key actions to strengthen the implementation of the Brasilia Declaration ............................................. 30
Appendix ..................................................................................................................................................... 33
References ................................................................................................................................................... 38
Persons interviewed .................................................................................................................................... 39
i
List of Acronyms
CCRP
Caribbean Community of Retired Persons
HCDC
Hope for Children Development Company
JADEP
Jamaica Drugs for the Elderly Programme
JSLC
Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions
KSA
Kingston and St. Andrew
MLSS
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security
MoH
Ministry of Health
NCSC
National Council for Senior Citizens
NHF
National Health Fund
NIGold
National Insurance Gold
NIS
National Insurance Scheme
ODPEM
Office of Disaster Planning and Emergency Management
PATH
Programme of Advancement through Health and Education
PAD
Public Assistance Division
PIOJ
Planning Institute of Jamaica
STATIN
Statistical Institute of Jamaica
UWI
The University of the West Indies
ii
Executive Summary
I.
Introduction
In Jamaica, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is the organisation primarily responsible
for the welfare of the elderly and its programmes for the elderly are formulated and implemented
through the National Council for Senior Citizens. Other governmental organisations such as
Ministry of Health also play an important role, while a number of non-governmental
organisations provide critical support in the areas of advocacy, research, training and education
II.
Overall progress in implementing the Brasilia Declaration
1. An inventory of actions/initiatives/programmes identified that no legislation in support of
the elderly has been enacted during the period of review. Administrative actions - Vision
20/30, Human Rights Charter and the abolition of public health care fees - have not been
specific to the elderly. The National Policy for Senior Citizens was crafted in 1997 has
not been updated and serves as the guiding principles for government interventions.
However, there is an awareness of the Brasilia declaration and these principles especially
the issues of empowerment of older persons and full realization of their rights and
potential, and integration of ageing issues into the development agenda are being
articulated at conferences and seminars supported by the Council, and targeting both the
elderly and the general public during the period 2007-2012.
2. In the area of programmatic actions, Jamaica has been quite strong and through the
involvement of several government ministries and agencies have implemented wide
ranging programmes.
i)
NCSC has implemented several activities to strengthen health and active ageing,
income security, awareness and empowerment of the elderly. Networking with
other ministries e.g. Health, other governmental agencies and NGOs has been the
key to the NCSC success as this has been the vehicle through which much of its
activities have been implemented. The main problem limiting the expansion of the
activities is insufficient financial resources.
iii
ii)
Social protection programmes for the elderly are: health insurance - JADEP and
NIGold, the National Health Fund (NHF) and Jamaica Government Pensioners
Association Health Scheme; income support for the poor elderly – PATH; and the
govt. pension programme – NIS.
iii)
Concessionary fares on public transport in some urban areas and their environs.
3. Governmental programmatic actions have been supported by activities of nongovernmental organisations such as the UWI and HelpAge International.
i)
UWI has developed a number of courses/programmes in the area of geriatrics for
both undergraduate and post-graduate students. It is also involved in research
activities. In the area of public education its activities have complemented or been
in collaboration with the NCSC.
ii)
The main objective of HelpAge in Jamaica is to monitor and support the
government’s commitment to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.
It has implemented several projects at the community level, targeting vulnerable
elderly and empowering them in different ways including improved income
security, greater awareness of services available to them, improved advocacy and
leadership skills, and improved intergenerational linkages.
4. In general, programmes/initiatives were widely available and accessible except for those
targeting specific elderly sub-groups or available only in urban areas. Acceptability was
also good but the quality of services was sometimes impaired by insufficient resources.
III.
Best practices in human rights of older persons
1. Based on the taxonomy outlined in the methodological guide, a number of initiatives put
in place to assist older persons could be considered best practices because they each
contribute to some aspect of human rights of older persons. But they do not meet most of
the content requirements i.e. differences in treatment, reasonable accommodation,
autonomy and intergenerational solidarity nor the operational requirements i.e. active
participation of the agents involved in the development of the initiative; and
transferability to other policy areas or contexts.
iv
2. As a result only two initiatives namely: Senior Citizens Clubs and Older Citizens’ Monitoring
project (OCM) were chosen as best practices. Both these programmes satisfy the majority of the
content i.e. differences in treatment, reasonable accommodation, autonomy, intergenerational
solidarity, and operational requirements i.e. active participation of the agents involved in the
development of the initiative; transferability to other policy areas or contexts; planning;
efficiency in the organization of resources; positive impact of its implementation and
durability of its application.
IV. Key actions to strengthen the implementation of the Brasilia Declaration
In order to strengthen the implementation of the Brasilia Declaration, the government will have
to introduce and implement a legislative framework to protect the rights of senior citizens against
neglect and abuse, improve social assistance and enable the older persons to realize their full
potential within an ageing society. The national policy for the elderly must be revise in keeping
with international conventions and policies. Programmes will have to be strengthened and
expanded and monitoring to ensure adequate implementation must be maintained.
Special
attention will have to be paid to the disadvantaged including the poor, disabled and shut-ins;
improved accessibility of older persons to public buildings, transport and on roads, and the
creation of an enabling environment for the elderly to realize their full potential within the
society.
v
Objective of Consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy was the preparation of a report on the major achievements
reached in respect of efforts to improve the quality of life of older persons during the past five
years i.e. 2007 -2012, and to identify existing gaps and key actions in Jamaica. Specifically, the
report and the evaluation of the implementation of the Brasilia Declaration focused on:
i)
an inventory and assessment of actions aimed at older persons in legal, administrative,
programmatic and institutional aspects;
ii)
the identification and analysis of best practices from the perspective of the rights of older
persons; and
iii)
key actions to be taken in the next five years to strengthen the protection of the rights of
older persons.
Introduction
Jamaica has a population that is ageing quite rapidly. In 2010, the estimated number of persons
sixty years and over was 299, 500 i.e. 11.1 per cent of the total population. However, the
number of old persons has been steadily increasing, and between 2010 and 2050, the elderly is
expected to double both in absolute numbers and as a per cent of the population. There is a
predominance of females i.e. in 2010, 135,600 were males and 163,900 were females i.e. a ratio
of 45 per cent to 55 per cent or 82.7 males to 100 females.
Much of the changes in the population structure can be attributed to declining birth rates and
longer life expectancy. The birth rates have declined from 24.8 per thousand in 1990 to 16.3 per
thousand in 2009. The total fertility rate which was 5.5 in 1975, stood at 2.3 in 2010. Life
expectancy at birth has also increased and for the period 2010-2015, is estimated at 76.0 and
69.7 years for females and males respectively. In spite of this, the population of Jamaica is still
relatively young. In 2010, some 38 per cent of the population was under 20 years old.
The majority of the elderly live in the rural areas (JSLC, 2009) and 9.3 per cent of household
heads are 60 years and over.
1
The level of poverty in Jamaica declined significantly between 1992 and 2007. However, since
then there has been an increase in the prevalence of poverty to 16.5 per cent in 2009 from 9.9 per
cent in 2007.The pattern of poverty among the elderly mirrors that of the population as a whole,
increasing significantly from 11.1 per cent in 2007 to 17.7 per cent in 2009, the latest year for
with data is available.
The main health issues affecting senior citizens are the chronic diseases and the cost of health
care. In 2010, they accounted for 35.9 per cent and 54.2 per cent of all new cases of diabetes and
hypertension respectively seen at government health centres. The JSLC reported that in 2009,
17.0 per cent and 23.8 percent of the 60-64 and 65+ reported illness in a 4-week reference period
compared with the national percentage of 10.6 per cent.
A significant number of the elderly are still employed. In 2009, 109,800 persons 60 years and
over stated that they were employed with over 50 per cent of those in the age group 60-69 years
being employed and even among those 80 years and over 13 per cent stated that they were
employed (STATIN, 2010). This represents approximately one-third of the elderly being in
employment.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is the umbrella governmental organization
with responsibility to effectively manage social protection programmes including those for
groups with special needs including the elderly and monitoring the implementation of the
Brasilia Declaration. It executes most of these programmes through the National Council for
Senior Citizens (NCSC) which works in collaboration with international and local organizations
to promote programmes which enhance the well-being of persons within the society who are 60
years of age or older. The National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) is the main agency of the
government that implements broad based programmes and activities aimed at stimulating active
ageing and including these persons in national and community development and life. Most of its
activities are coordinated through the Senior Citizens Clubs that are established in all fourteen
parishes and are supervised by Parish Organizers.
2
In addition to the work of the MLSS and the NCSC, there are a number of other governmental
and non-governmental organisations and international organisations that have responsibility for
assisting the elderly in the various aspects of their lives. These include the Ministry of Health
(MoH), HelpAge, the University of the West Indies (UWI), specifically Mona Ageing and
Wellness Centre and associations to support the elderly such as the Caribbean Community of
Retired Persons (CCRP), Association of Government Pensioners, the Association of Retired
Nurses, to name a few.
1. National Ageing Situation
Jamaica has a population that is ageing quite rapidly. In 20101, the estimated the number of
persons sixty years and over was 299, 500 i.e. 11.1 per cent of the total population. However,
the number of old persons has been steadily increasing, and between 2010 and 2050, the elderly
is expected to double both in absolute numbers and as a per cent of the population (Table 1).
There is a predominance of females i.e. in 2010, 135,600 were males and 163,900 were females
i.e. a ratio of 45 per cent to 55 per cent or 82.7 males to 100 females.
Table 1.Elderly Population and Projections, 2010-2050
Year
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
No of elderly
60+ years
299500
348392
453177
528688
614902
% of total
population
11.1
12.4
15.8
18.4
21.8
Source: Demographic Statistics 2009 STATIN, 2010; Population Projections: 2000-2050. STATIN, 2008
Other indicators also point to the rapid ageing of the Jamaican population (Table 2). The median
age is expected to increase from 27 years in 2010 to 41.7 years in 2050, while the per cent of
person over 80 years is expected to increase from 1.9% in 2010 to 6.8 in 2050. More detailed
population projections are provided in Appendix 1.
1
The population census was completed in 2011 but the results are not yet available.
3
Table 2. Indicators of Ageing 2010, 2030 and 2050
Indicator
2010
2030
2050
Median age
27
33.6
41.7
Ageing index
36.43
840.9
150.68
% Over 80 years
1.8
2.5
6.8
Much of the changes in the population structure can be attributed to declining birth rates and
longer life expectancy. The birth rates have declined from 24.8 and 22.0 per thousand in 1990
and 1999 respectively to 16.3 per thousand in 2009. The total fertility rate which was 5.5 in
1975, stood at 2.3 in 2010. Life expectancy has also increased due to improvements in health
care and socio-economic status. Life expectancy at birth for the period 2010-2015, is estimated
at 76.0 and 69.7 years for females and males respectively. In spite of this, the population of
Jamaica is still relatively young. In 2010, some 38 per cent of the population was under 20 years
old.
The increase in the number of elderly is complemented by a steady decrease in the age group 014 years, as birth rates and fertility rates decline. Consequently, the shape of the population
pyramid is changing with the base becoming smaller while the top increases (Figure 1).
4
Figure 1. Population Pyramids for Jamaica, 2000, 2025 and 2050 The majority of the elderly live in the rural areas (JSLC, 2009). However, there are some
differences in the distribution of the elderly by sex (Table 2). For males, the elderly represent
10.8 per cent of the male population in KMA and 12.6 per cent in rural areas. On the other hand,
elderly females represented a higher percentage of the female population in KMA (13.3 per cent)
and a somewhat lower percentage in rural areas (12.5 per cent) i.e. similar to males in rural areas.
Some 9.3 per cent of household heads are 60 years and over.
5
Table 3. Percentage of population who are elderly by sex and area of residence, 2009
KMA
Other Towns
Rural
Total
Source: STATIN. JSLC 2009
Male
%
10.8
11.3
12.6
11.8
Female
%
13.3
12.7
12.5
12.3
Total
%
11.7
11.8
12.6
12.2
Poverty is measured annually through the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions (JSLC). The
level of poverty in Jamaica declined significantly between 1992 and 2007. However, since then
there has been an increase in the prevalence of poverty to 16.5 per cent in 2009 from 9.9 per cent
in 2007.The pattern of poverty among the elderly mirrors that of the population as a whole,
increasing significantly from 11.1 per cent in 2007 to 17.7 per cent in 2009, the latest year for
with data is available (Table 4).
Table 4. Percentage of elderly living below the poverty line, 2007 – 2009
Year
Percentage of the elderly below the
poverty line
2007
11.1
2008
12.8
2009
17.7
STATIN. JSLC, 2007, 2008, 2009
Jamaica
9.9
12.3
16.5
The main health issues affecting senior citizens are the chronic diseases and the cost of health
care. In 2010, they accounted for 35.9 per cent and 54.2 per cent of all new cases of diabetes and
hypertension respectively seen at government health centres. This demonstrates the high level of
these diseases among the elderly, but also shows the high demand of the elderly on the health
services. The JSLC reported that in 2009, 17.0 per cent and 23.8 percent of the 60-64 and 65+
reported illness in a 4-week reference period compared with the national percentage of 10.6 per
cent.
A significant number of the elderly are still employed. In 2009, 109,800 persons 60 years and
over stated that they were employed (Table 5) with over 50 per cent of those in the age group 606
69 years being employed and even among those 80 years and over 13 per cent stated that they
were employed (STATIN, 2010). This represents approximately one-third of the elderly being in
employment.
Table 5. Number and percentage of elderly employed by age group, 2009
Age group (years)
Currently employed
Nos. a
%
60-69
74007
52.40
70-79
28113
28.00
80+
7716
13.40
a
Survey data raised to provide national estimates
Source: STATIN, 2009, unpublished data
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is the umbrella governmental organization
with responsibility to effectively manage social protection programmes including those for
groups with special needs including the elderly and monitoring the implementation of the
Brasilia Declaration. It executes most of these programmes through the National Council for
Senior Citizens (NCSC) which works in collaboration with international and local organizations
to promote programmes which enhance the well-being of persons within the society who are 60
years of age or older. The National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) is the main agency of the
government that implements broad based programmes and activities aimed at stimulating active
ageing and including these persons in national and community development and life. To fulfill
its mandate, the council collaborates and networks with other key governmental and nongovernmental agencies in order to increase its provision of services and create awareness of the
senior citizens themselves and the wider population of Jamaica. Most of its activities are
coordinated through the Senior Citizens Clubs that are established in all fourteen parishes and are
supervised by Parish Organizers.
In addition to the work of the MLSS and the NCSC, there are a number of other governmental
and non-governmental organisations including the private sector and international organisations
7
that have responsibility for assisting the elderly in the various aspects of their lives. Some of the
main organisations include:
•
the Ministry of Health (MoH) which provides health care and monitors institutions
providing services for the elderly including a regulatory framework on homes for the
elderly;
•
HelpAge
•
The University of the West Indies (UWI), specifically Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre
with the core functions of research and policy, teaching, health promotion.
•
Associations to support the elderly such as the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons
(CCRP), Association of Government Pensioners, the Association of Retired Nurses, to
name a few.
As the elderly population increases, the private sector is taking a greater interest in this age group
and a number of retirement/nursing homes have been established. However, the cost of these is
high and they therefore they cater solely to persons with the financial means. Homes for the less
fortunate are provided by the government and church organisations.
8
2. Methodology
The information for this study was obtained using a mixed approach including literature review,
informal interviews and analysis of secondary data.
Literature review
The literature and documentation review included:
•
annual and ad hoc reports from the NCSC, MLSS and the PIOJ
•
statistical reports from STATIN
•
evaluation and survey reports from HelpAge
Informal Interviews
Key persons at the NCSC, MLSS, PIOJ and UWI were interviewed to elucidate information
about the five year period 2007-2012 as follows:
•
laws, policies for the elderly,
•
current programmes/activities for the elderly,
•
opinions regarding best practices;
•
prospects for the future.
Secondary data analysis
JSLC dataset (2007, 2008, 2009) and Jamaica Labour Force survey dataset (2009) were analysed
to provide information on the socio-demographic characteristic of the elderly.
9
3. Overall progress in implementing the Brasilia Declaration
Inventory
Table 5 provides an inventory of actions aimed at older persons.
Table 5. Legislative,
Older Persons
Scope
Legislative
Administrative
Administrative, Programmatic and Institutional Actions aimed at
Areas of Work
NONE
Vision 20/30
National Policy for Senior Citizens
Human Rights Charter
Abolition of user fees at government facilities
Programmatic
Senior citizens clubs
Active Ageing
Skills training, debates, recreational tours, exercise, current affairs
sessions, board games, quiz competitions and social interaction
Community involvement, Parish and National Sport Day.
Income Generating
Skills training
Small grants/Projects
Concessionary fares on public transport - Kingston Metropolitan
Region, St. Catherine – Portmore and Spanish Town, Montego Bay Metro,
Falmouth and Sandy Bay Hanover.
Health
Provision of free health care, and health promotion, workshops, clinics
Home help service
Introduction of age friendly health services-Mona Ageing and Wellness
Education
Educational seminars, Conferences, Information Technology
Production of pamphlets and other educational material, Cultural Retention
Social programmes
NIS, JADEP, NHF, NIGold, PATH, PAD, Food for the Poor, Faith Base
Organizations, Service Clubs, HelpAge International, Poor Relief Ministry of Local Government
Golden age feeding programme
JADEP - Jamaica Drugs for the Elderly Programme; NHF – National Health Fund;
NIS – National Insurance Scheme; NIGold – National Insurance Gold;
PATH – Programme of Advancement through Health and Education;
PAD – Public Assistance Division
10
Evaluation of the work areas examined.
Legislative
There were no legislative reforms aimed specifically at the elderly since 2007. A regulatory
framework for pension schemes was finalized in 2005 and since then, there have been
discussions about the government pension scheme especially in regards to the pensionable age
and contributions by employees. Other legislation of relevance to the elderly in particular, is the
Disability Act which is currently in draft form.
Administrative
The main administrative rules that have been put in place to protect the rights of the elderly are
Vision 20/30, the National Policy for Senior Citizens and the policy on the abolition of user fees
at government health facilities. However, the only one that is specific to the elderly is the
National Policy for Senior Citizens. The other two are national rules targeting all Jamaicans, the
underlying assumption being that all basic rights apply to the elderly.
Vision 2030 Jamaica is a National Development Plan for the period 2009-2012 which was
launched in 2009. As part of its vision it states that the governments seeks to “create a secure
future for our vulnerable population in ensuring that” inter alia “ our elderly and persons with
disabilities are fully integrated within society, have access to appropriate care and support
services and are treated as valuable human resources.” (PIOJ, 2009, p. VI). The document further
espouses the guiding principle of equity in which it ‘will facilitate and ensure equality of
opportunity and equal rights for all citizens including access to public goods and services such as
education and health care.” And will “promote the human rights of our people, including the
poor, and the most vulnerable and marginalized groups.” (Vision 20/30 p. 14)The underlying
assumption is that all basic rights apply to the elderly and there is no need to have special
provision for them.
Vision 20/30 can therefore be considered adequate in so far as it does not depart from the
provisions of international human rights covenants. Furthermore, it recognizes the importance of
planning for the changing demographic landscape “the changing profile points to the need for
11
greater concentration on programmes for the elderly, and eventually a leveling in the
requirements for infrastructure for children and youth” (Vision 20/30 p. 40). However, Vision
20/30 includes the elderly within the “most vulnerable” category and does not articulate any
special programmes. Therefore, it does not explicitly incorporate mechanisms to ensure the
effectiveness of its pronouncements.
The National Policy for Senior Citizens was developed over 15 years ago and was based on the
1982 Vienna Plan on Ageing. It is the currently the guiding principles for the National Council
for Senior Citizens but there is an awareness of the Brasilia declaration because the leadership,
i.e. the director and patron of this organisation, have attended and participated in meetings at the
which the declaration was formulated. Consequently, these principles especially the issues of
empowerment of older persons and full realization of their rights and potential, and integration of
ageing issues into the development agenda are being articulated at conferences and seminars
supported by the Council, and targeting both the elderly and the general public during the period
2007-2012. Furthermore, the NCSC has as one of its objectives to ‘educate the public re the
National Policy and the International Plan of Action’. The policy, though dated, addresses all the
significant areas as outlined in the Brasilia declaration and the programmes now being
implemented by the Council have been in response to the principles of the Policy.
Abolition of User Fees at government health facilities was launched in early 2008. Though
applicable to all Jamaicans, it is of particular significance to the elderly who have more health
problems, while having less financial resources. However, the underfunding of the health
services has created problems in access to services and resources such as drugs, and it has been
reported that waiting times have increased significantly. Generally speaking, the abolition of user
fees has led to progress in the realization of the rights of the elderly. However, resource
constraints have hindered progress. For full realization, the government will have to adopt a
strategy for increasing revenue inflows to the health sector while continuing to ensure that good
quality health care is affordable to the elderly.
12
Programmatic
This section first examines programmes offered by the government of Jamaica mainly through
its umbrella ministry, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. It then describes the
programmes offered by other organisations, specifically HelpAge.
Programmes of the NCSC
For the most part, programmes at the parish level are undertaken through the senior citizens
clubs. The NCSC has sought the increase participation in its senior citizens clubs programme
through active membership drives by the parish coordinators or in response to requests. Each
parish has a monthly and an annual general meeting of the presidents and volunteers of its clubs
to evaluate the activities and make recommendations for improvement; and to make plans for the
year. Unfortunately, the number of clubs and membership has experienced a decline over the
past 2 years which has been attributed to the time at which meetings are normally held along
with the problem of crime in Jamaica. The NCSC is currently examining this problem with a
view to identifying suitable alternatives.
The programmes fall under four broad areas2 namely:
‐
Education & Media
‐
Intergenerational Activities
‐
Health/ Promoting active ageing activities
‐
Income Security
‐
National Infrastructure
Education and Media
The education programmes of the NCSC are aimed at the elderly and their carers, and the
general public.
The elderly and their carers:
2
This is not the grouping used by NCSC which places competitions under “Education”
13
a. Seminars to educate seniors on new developments that would increase their ability to
participate in family activities (Table 6). Topics are wide-ranging e.g. wills, rights of the
consumer, programmes available to seniors, disaster preparedness, housing solutions.
b. Basic computer skills are taught in collaboration with the Library Services.
c. Conferences on ageing. These have been held at both the local and national level and
included topics such as: the demographic transition and implications for development,
Vision 20/30 in the context of the elderly; responses to the Ageing Agenda; and ‘ageing
is big business’.
Other agencies also provide education to the elderly. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and
Emergency Management (ODPEM) has information on its website and Mona Ageing and
Wellness Centre has produced a number of booklets on specific areas of health.
The general public:
The NCSC established a national education programme to educate the general public on the
ageing process, and the beneficial role of seniors in families and communities. The general
public is targeted though the media, schools and places of employment. Activities included:
a.
Seminars were held at non-governmental, governmental organisations and churches
b. Use of print and electronic media to feature seniors giving oral history and personal
accounts of their experiences and to showcase their worth and talents.
c. Exhibitions to display the work of seniors at libraries and government offices
d. Conferences with senior directors of governmental organisations and heads of nongovernmental organisations regarding the Madrid Plan of Action on Ageing specifically
the priority areas of: older persons and development; advancing health and well-being
into old age; and ensuring and enabling a supportive environment. This was done to raise
their awareness and solicit their participation in the implementation of the plan of action.
Intergenerational Activities
The NCSC has a number of intergenerational activities aimed at bridging the generational gap.
These include: Schools Debate, Essay and Posters Competitions, and social interaction.
14
The school debates target both Primary and Secondary Schools in a specific parish for the year
and provide a topic focusing on the elderly. Schools that are selected must then debate the topic.
The event usually takes place at a community centre, whether church hall, school hall. Judges are
retired teachers. The NCSC funds the activity, determines the topic and awards the trophy.
Unfortunately, funding constraints have prevented hosting of the event since 2009 although plans
are afoot to have the competition revived in 2012.
Essay and poster competition. Schools at different levels are invited to participate. Judging is
done by retired persons. This initiative began in 1999 but has not been implemented since 2007.
However, the NCSC has determined that it needs to assess this activity because it has not been
getting the desired results.
Social interaction. There are several activities aimed at encouraging social interaction between
the elderly and younger persons in Jamaica, namely:
•
Volunteering (a) younger persons who are regular participants of the senior citizens club
and (b) younger persons assisting at the activity centres (see Table 6).
•
Senior citizens visiting schools to share knowledge, skills and history; and assisting in
various aspects of school life
•
Elderly, either individually or collectively, providing sponsorship of individual children.
Active Ageing
A number of activities are promoted by the NCSC through the senior citizens clubs and
community groups to engage the elderly. These include:
•
Seniors Sports Programme at parish and national levels culminating in National Sports
Day.
•
Seniors Spelling Bee Competition held in each parish and at the national level;
•
Regional and national Bible quiz competitions
•
Domino competition - senior men and women domino tournament.
•
Parish Cultural Days in which artifacts, Jamaican folk form and dishes and preserves are
displayed.
15
•
Seminars/information sessions. Topics included security measures in the home; how to
prepare a will; retirement schemes; alternative energy systems; early stimulation of
children; financial management; psychosocial issues that impact on ageing; small
business development; men’s role in the family and human rights and advocacy, among
others. A minimum of one seminar per parish per annum is mandated and funded by the
Council, but parishes may have others, depending on the funding. By working with other
agencies such are the 4-H club, and Social Development Commission, the Council is able
to have additional information sessions as part of these agencies activities.
•
Community involvement activities in which the elderly are involved in an activity of
community upliftment such as beautification of green areas within their community,
feeding of street people, plastic bottle collection, and painting of public buildings,
erecting seating at Health Centre and Post Offices and being part of the management
committee of a health centre. Citizens Association /Neighborhood watch meetings.
•
Senior day activity centres provide senior citizens with facilities to meet, socialize and
participate in meaningful activities (see Table 6). Centres have been established in all
parishes.
Health
Health activities are offered by NCSC in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. They
include:
•
Health education initiatives through health seminars, fairs, clinics and self-health care
workshops (see Table 6). Areas of concentration included: mental health; Alzheimer’s
disease; ageing issues pertaining to physiological and physical changes; fear of death;
cancer; menopause and andropause; dental health; nutrition and obesity; personal hygiene
and foot care and environmental health. Health information is seen to be of critical
importance for the elderly, empowering them to attend to their own health and improve
their quality of life (Innerarity, 2010).
•
Home help is a programme operating on a very limited basis and is only available in
Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Ann with fewer than 200 elderly benefitting
each year (see Table 6). Practical nurses employed to NCSC visit shut-ins and provide
16
services to assist with their health (e.g. bathing, hygiene), domestic (e.g. washing) and
personal (e.g. running errands, paying bills) needs. Only four Practical Nurses are on
staff at NCSC, therefore they have to target only the persons with extreme needs.
Income Security
The main activities associated with income generation are skills training. Between 2007 and
2011 over 30,000 older persons have received skills training in a wide variety of skills in
agriculture, culinary, craft, dressmaking among others (see Table 6). Small grants have also been
given to support income generating activities. To date, there are nearly 300 income generating
projects islandwide. Income generation is seen as important in improving the quality of lives of
many elderly but also ‘indispensable to the success of the HelpAge supported intervention in
their communities’ (Innerarity, 2010).
Indicators of NCSC activities as shown in Table 6 suggest relative stability in the offerings over
the period. The most important exception to this is the senior citizen clubs which have
experienced significant decreases both in the number of clubs and the membership. The NCSC is
aware of the challenges faced by the clubs and is currently assessing the problem. The NCSC
also reported that over the past couple years funding constraints have had a negative impact and
it has had to rely on its networks with governmental and non-governmental organisations to
sustain implementation of its activities.
17
Table 6. Coverage of NCSC programme activities, 2007-2011
Indicator
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Snr. Citizen Clubs
679
712
713
629
504
30,564
31,911
31,464
27,962
23,518
3958
3520
3897
3489
3113
67
70
72
54
62
>2200
>3000
2433
>2013
3562
Skills training seminars
486
571
447
553
447
Nos. trained
8085
6063
6636
6185
5960
Income generating projects
278
298
292
277
308
Information seminars
57
39
29
30
40
No. participants
n.a.
2964
n.a.
1701
2104
Golden Age feeding
3660
3878
3306
3257
3351
Health Education activities
119
84
137
104
n.a.
12,978
10,731
10,007
7,732
7887
161
113
111
343
277
Membership including shut-ins
Volunteers
Senior day activity centres
Nos. Attending
No. of Referrals
Home Help
Social Protection
The main social protection programmes which benefit the elderly are:
National Insurance Scheme (NIS)
National Insurance Gold (NIGold)
Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH)
Public Assistance (PAD)
Jamaica Drugs for the Elderly Programme, (JADEP)
National Health Fund (NHF);
Government Pensioners Health Scheme- a contributory scheme through Sagicor
National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is a contributory pension scheme from which contributors can
receive a small monthly allowance after age sixty once not in full-time employment, or at age 65
years. However, the system has had the perennial problem of self-employed persons not
18
contributing to the scheme. Consequently, approximately 69,000 pensioners over 60 years (23
per cent) received NIS benefits in 2010.
The PATH programme targets the elderly living in poverty. It uses a means test based on its
Beneficiary Identification System to identify elderly in need of assistance. There have been
problems with the system because elderly3 considered to be in need were rejected based on the
BIS. However, adjustments were made so that needy elderly were not discriminated against
based on their BIS score. The availability of an appeal system has also helped to reduce
discrimination. The PATH allocation is relatively small, but in conjunction with other benefits
such as JADEP and NHF they help to relieve the situation of elderly with financial constraints.
However, there is still a large gap in the coverage of the elderly by these programmes (Table 7).
Table 7.Social Protection Coverage Gap: Income Support for Elderly (Jamaica 2010)
Population 60 years and older
298, 060
No. NIS Pensioners 60 years and older
No. PATH Beneficiaries 60 years and older
84,817
58,133
Number persons 60 years and older covered by NIS and PATH
combined
Number persons 60 years and older not covered by NIS or PATH
Percentage population 60 years and older covered by NIS and
PATH combined
Percentage population 60 years and older not covered by NIS or
PATH
Source: Innerarity, 2010
142,950
155,110
47.96
52.04
National Insurance Gold (NIGold) is a health plan that offers coverage for medical benefits to
pensioners under the NIS. It covers doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, diagnostic services, dental
and optical services, surgeons fees, and hospital room and board.
The Jamaica Drug for the Elderly Programme (JADEP) which began in 1996 targets persons 60
years and over with specified chronic diseases. Under this programme, the elderly pay nominal
3
Mainly elderly were asset rich but cash poor but were rejected based on the number of assets
19
prices for prescribed drugs which are available at public and private sector pharmacies. Like
JADEP, the National Health Fund targets all persons with specified chronic diseases. Its guiding
principle is universal coverage.
Table 8 shows that the coverage by the health insurance
programmes is quite high, but the elderly still report that they have problems obtaining the drugs
because of shortages at their provider.
Table 8.Coverage of the Elderly by Government Health Insurance Programmes, 2010
Age
Nos.
group
Government Health Insurance Programmes
JADEP
NHF
NI GOLD
Nos.
%
Nos.
%
Nos.
%
60-64
68,463
59,716
87.2
25,896
37.8
7,662
11.2
65-69
65,255
40,836
62.6
25,835
39.6
17,019
26.1
70-74
59,674
41,572
69.7
24,713
41.4
18,876
31.6
75+
104,668
71,024
67.9
56,373
53.9
41,260
13.8
Total
298,060
213,148
71.5
132,817
44.6
84,817
28.5
Source: Innerarity, 2010
Other social protection programmes include a golden age feeding programme for indigent elderly
and shut-ins.
In Table 9, each activity is evaluated based on the criteria of availability, accessibility,
acceptability and quality. The majority of the programmes/initiatives are widely available and
accessible and non-access is probably due either to choice or lack of awareness of them.
20
Table 9.Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability and Quality of Programmes for the Elderly
Areas of Work
Senior citizens clubs
Availability
Widely available in both
urban and rural areas
Intergenerational
Schools debate, Essay and
poster
competition,
social
interaction
Active Ageing
Debates, recreational tours,
exercise, current affairs sessions,
board games, quiz competitions,
Sport
Day,
Community
involvement
Income Generating
Skills training
Small grants
In specific parishes
Concessionary fares on public
transport
In selected urban areas
and proximate rural areas
only
Health
Health promotion
Widely available in both
urban and rural areas
Education
Educational seminars
Production of pamphlets and
other educational material
Social programmes
JADEP
NHF
NIGold
PATH, PAD
Widely available in both
urban and rural areas
4
Accessibility
It includes both the
mobile elderly and
shut-ins
Includes elderly and
young persons
Acceptability
Highly acceptable
Widely available in all
parishes
All senior citizens
interested
in
participating may do
so
The variety of activities appeal to
different interests of senior citizens
and are age and gender sensitive
Supported by NCSC staff,
the seniors citizens and a
network of volunteers
Available in all parishes
All senior citizens
interested
in
participating may do
so
Accessible to all
persons living in
those areas
Highly acceptable4
All senior citizens
interested
in
participating may do
so
All senior citizens
interested
in
participating may do
so
JADEP,
NHF
universal. NIS &
PATH accessibility
restricted.
Highly acceptable
Good. NCSC networks
with other agencies e.g. 4H clubs, RADA to
encourage these activities
Good, government need
to have buses in other
parishes or collaborate
with
private
owners
(Transport Authority)
Good. Elderly consider
information useful for
improving quality of life
National programmes
Acceptable
Acceptable as bus fare considerably
lower
Quality
Good. Main problem is
that it is mainly the older
elderly (70+) involved
Supported by NCSC staff
but
competitions
experiencing problems
Highly acceptable
Good. Elderly consider
information useful for
improving quality of life
Highly acceptable. Some stigma
associated with PATH
Problems with access to
prescription drugs under
JADEP and NHF.
An external evaluation of HelpAge project found that these activities had a high level of acceptability
21
Other programmes
The main non-governmental activities specifically targeting the elderly have been implemented by the
University of the West Indies and HelpAge.
University of the West Indies
The Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre in the Department of Community Health and Psychiatry
has as its areas of focus: teaching, research and education.
Teaching. The Centre offers several courses in ageing to medical and non-medical undergraduate
and post-graduate students. In collaboration with the medical faculty, a programme in Family
Medicine with a fellowship in Geriatrics has been developed.
Research. The Centre was actively involved in several research projects with the main partner
WHO. There was also collaboration with a Montréal group on a Caribbean-wide study.
Education. The centre collaborates with NCSC and other organisation in implementing
educational activities such as Ageing careers week, health fairs and seminars across the corporate
area giving information and talks on ageing and retirement.
HelpAge
The main objective of HelpAge in Jamaica is to monitor and support the government’s
commitment to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. To this end, it has embarked
on projects in communities across Jamaica. Table 10 lists the projects and the locations they
serve.
Table 10. Projects implemented by HelpAge between 2007 and 2012.
Project
Older Citizens Monitoring project
Reducing the impact of migration
Alleviating poverty and Socio-economic
marginalization of vulnerable Multigenerational households
HIV survey
Disaster Risk Reduction
Location
KSA, St. Catherine
South West St. Andrew
When
2007 - 2010
2007- 2010
St. Catherine
2008-2011
KSA,
St.
James,
St. 2007
Catherine, Westmoreland
Portland, St. Catherine
On-going
22
The Older Citizens Monitoring project by HelpAge International involved monitoring, by older
people and other citizens, of how governments, international bodies and local authorities are
acting on the commitments they made at the Second World assembly on Ageing in Madrid in
2002. It was conceived to ‘ensure that Governments’ social policies and programmes are
effective in relation to the attainment of adequate social protection coverage for the population of
older persons, particularly those that are excluded and living in conditions of poverty.’
(Innerarity, 2010. p 2) In Jamaica, a pilot project was designed to ‘empower older citizens to
monitor access and delivery of three government social assistance programmes – Jamaica Drug
for the Elderly Programme (JADEP), National Health Fund (NHF), and the Programme of
Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) – from which they could receive benefits’
(Innerarity,2010. p 2). Between 2007 and 2010, the project was expanded into 8 new
communities in collaboration with other NGOs.
An evaluation found that the programme, though operating in only a few areas of Jamaica, was
successful in meeting its objectives, e.g.:
facilitating registration of older persons in JADEP and NHF but not PATH because of its
rigorous requirements,
developing advocacy skills and empowering older persons (Innerarity, 2010).
Therefore the project was meeting the problem that the initiative sought to serve. It was
accessible to all the older persons in the communities served and received positive views from
the target group. By networking with other agencies, it helped to strengthen institutional
arrangements between the agencies to facilitate and enhance implementation.
The Migration project involved parents, grandparents and caregivers in three inner-city Kingston
communities where 75 per cent of families have been affected by migration. In total 1,500 multigenerational households and 7,500 people took part. Project activities included:
•
counselling for families
•
a career guidance programme with schools
•
community information fairs to provide basic health checks and information on
government social assistance programmes
23
•
a short feature documentary on the impact of migration on families of Jamaican
origin
•
training in small business development and the use of remittances
Caregivers who participated in the project also received training in parenting skills. As a result,
they said they could cope better with their caring responsibilities. The training also increased life
prospects for the children in their care. The project has been successful in reducing the negative
impact of migration in multi-generational households.
The main aim of the project ‘Alleviating poverty and Socio-economic marginalization of
vulnerable Multi-generational Households” was to contribute to the government’s goal of
reducing poverty through increased social inclusion, improved access to services and reducing
intergenerational poverty. An evaluation of the project found that:
•
Respect for older persons increased within households and within the wider community
and there was a strengthening of relationships
•
Earning capacity of older persons was strengthened
•
Intergenerational relations were strengthened
•
Leadership and advocacy among older persons were enhanced.
The Disaster Risk Reduction project is designed to reduce the risk of vulnerability to natural
hazards and assist in disaster preparedness. The groups targeted under the project are older
persons, farmers, children and persons with disabilities. Some of the key activities include:
•
vulnerability capacity assessment,
•
community disaster response team training,
•
emergency market mapping analysis for the agricultural communities,
•
disaster preparedness training.
The project is designed to facilitate strategic alliances and partnership with the Office of
Disaster Planning and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and to collaborate with the Parish
Disaster Committees in Portland and St. Catherine. The key implementing partners in the
project are the Jamaica Red Cross (ECHO Project) and St. Catherine Community
24
Development Agency (USAID/OFDA). The main advocacy thrust is the inclusion of
vulnerable groups of persons in disaster risk reduction initiatives.
25
4. Best practices in human rights of older persons
Based on the taxonomy outlined in the methodological guide, a number of initiatives put in place
to assist older persons could be considered best practices because they each contribute to some
aspect of human rights of older persons. Documentation for these initiatives is limited, however,
on the face of it, they do not meet most of the content requirements i.e. differences in treatment,
reasonable accommodation, autonomy and intergenerational solidarity. Also, they did not meet
many of the operational requirements i.e. active participation of the agents involved in the
development of the initiative; and transferability to other policy areas or contexts (Table 11).
Based on this evaluation, two initiatives namely: Senior Citizens Clubs (Appendix 2) and
HelpAge International projects meet most of the criteria. HelpAge has several projects all of
which have similar underlying principles. Therefore only one project is highlighted here namely:
Older Citizens’ Monitoring project (OCM) (Appendix 3). It has been chosen because it has been
evaluated, and the evaluation showed that the initial project was successful, was replicated
successfully in other communities and activities under the project have been sustained even after
the project officially ended. Presented in Table 12 is a detailed description of the initiatives,
using the evaluation criteria.
26
Table 11. Evaluation of Initiatives aimed at Older persons
Areas of Work
Vision 20/30
National Policy for
Senior Citizens
Human Rights Charter
Abolition of user fees
at government
facilities
Senior citizens clubs
and associated
activities
Concessionary fares
on public transport
Health
Provision of free
health care, and health
promotion,
workshops, clinics
Home help service
Introduction of age
friendly health
services
Social programme
HELPAGE projects
Differences
in
treatment
N
Y
Reasonable
accommodation
Autonomy
Active
participation
Transferability
Planning
Efficiency
N
Y
Intergenerational
solidarity
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
Y
Y
?
?
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
N
?
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
N
N
N
??
?
SOME
SOME
N
N
N
N
SOME
?
SOME
Y
SOME
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
?
Y
Y= Yes; N = No
27
Table 12. Evaluation of Initiatives considered Best Practices
Content Requirements
‐ Differences in treatment
‐ Reasonable accommodation
‐
Autonomy
‐
Intergenerational solidarity
Operational requirements
‐ Active participation of the agents
55
Senior citizens clubs
HAI/OCM
Exclusively for persons 60 years and over
The actions of the clubs aim to promote health
and active ageing, improve skills and empower
the elderly by providing information on a variety
of issues of importance to the elderly.
Senior citizens manage the clubs and plan their
activities
The activities of the clubs encourage
intergenerational activities. Youths serve as
volunteers at the clubs and club members have
activities with schools.
Exclusively for persons 60 years and over
The objectives of the project was precisely to eliminate
social, legal and other barriers preventing older persons
from accessing social protection programmes.
Activities of the clubs highly dependent on
actions of their members and collaboration with
other agencies.
This project trained older persons to take an active role
in the monitoring of the project. It also was built on
collaboration between a number of agencies and
community organisations.
The experiences in the communities where the project
was implemented can easily be transferred to the rest of
Jamaica.
Project aim was to give older powers skills to monitor
and evaluate programmes.
By linking with other agencies whose primary focus is
children, the project promoted intergenerational
solidarity.
‐
Transferability to other policy areas or
context
The experience of the clubs can be transferred to
other areas.
‐
Planning
The experience had pre-set plan and budget.
‐
Efficiency of organisation of resources
These clubs are funded by the members through
their various projects and dues collected. The
Government employs Parish Organizers to
oversee the programmes/ activities of the clubs
and assist with transportation, training materials
meals and other essentials for major activities.
These clubs operate on limited resources.
‐
Positive impact of its implementation
‐
Durability of application
Has not been subjected to rigorous evaluation.
However, seen as positive vehicle for engaging
senior citizens5.
These clubs have been active for several years
The experience had a positive impact on the exercise of
rights and in addition to achievements of stated
objectives, the project had several positive spin-offs.
The experience is a pilot that has been expanded to
other communities. Activities of the project have been
sustained even though project ended in 2010.
No data available on cost.
Both Mrs. Innerarity and Professor Eldermire identified the establishment of Senior Citizens clubs as the single most important activity under the NCSC
28
29
5. Key actions to strengthen the implementation of the Brasilia Declaration
During the period 2007 – 2012, Jamaica has initiated and strengthened a number of
programmes/activities aimed at promoting the older persons. Most of the actions have been
programmatic, aimed at social protection, health promotion, active ageing, promotion of
intergenerational linkage and income security. There has been little action in terms of legislation
and administration. In order to strengthen the implementation of the Brasilia Declaration, the
government will have to introduce and implement a legislative framework to protect the rights of
senior citizens against neglect and abuse, improve social assistance and enable the older persons
to realize their full potential within an ageing society. Programmes will have to be strengthened
and expanded and monitoring to ensure adequate implementation must be maintained. This
section identifies future priorities for action to enhance protection of the rights of older persons
which form part of a national framework, includes the goals to be reached and timeframes for
achieving them, the means that could be used to get them, the intended collaboration with civil
society, the private sector and international agencies, the institutions responsible for the process
and national monitoring mechanisms.
1. Legislation
•
Pension reform. The government has already embarked on pension reform by
implementing a regulatory framework for pension schemes with legislation being
passed in 2005. In the second phase, it is expected that there will be rationalization of
the Public Sector Pension Scheme.
•
The National Disability Act is currently in draft and is expected to be finalized.
•
National Assistance Act. More modern social assistance legislation that looks more
holistically at the elderly rather than just in terms of their vulnerability and in terms of
social protection is needed.
•
Specific legislation targeting the elderly
2. Revision of the national policy for the elderly.
3. Broadening of programmes for shut-ins.
30
4. Improved accessibility of older persons to public buildings, transport and on roads.
5. Data needs to determine standard of living, quality of life, inclusion, independence and
other issues especially as they relate to the national policy and international conventions
6. Monitoring of programmes through the establishment of the HAI/OCM model.
7. Further advocacy. Moves are afoot by HelpAge to create a National Coalition of Older
Persons which will be a broad based group with the core function of advocacy.
31
Table 11. Key Actions to enhance protection of the Rights of Older Persons
Goals
Pension reform
The National Disability Act
National Assistance Act
Revision of the national policy for
the elderly
Time Frame
2014
Method
Development of green paper
2012
To be presented to Parliament
for acceptance
2012-2013
Responsible agency
MLSS, Ministry of
Finance
MLSS
Collaboration
With civic groups
Combined Disabilities
MLSS
2012
Research, Survey,
Consultation
MLSS
University of the West Indies, PIOJ
Broadening of programmes for
shut-ins
2013 and on-going
Increase staff
In-service training
NCSC
Improved access for elderly at
public buildings and on roads
Data Provision
2014
Ministry of Health Ministry of Local
Govt.
Community based organisations,
Red Cross
NCSC, MLSS
Programme monitoring
Monitoring of facilities
providing services for the elderly
2012-2013
2012 and on-going
2012
Advocacy
2012 and on-going
Increase self-sufficiency among
senior citizens
2013 and on going
Institutionalisation of Older
Citizens Monitoring Project
2013
Govt.
Survey
PIOJ/STATIN
Focus groups
Consultations
Period report and Review
MLSS
Media, educational seminars
in schools, etc.
Increase access to grants
Training to improve income
generating skills
Strategic alliance between
NCSC and HelpAge
NCSC
MLSS/ MoH
NCSC
NCSC
Through the JSLC steering
committee
With other ministries, international
partners e.g. HelpAge
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Local Govt.
Faith based organisations
HelpAge International
Mona Ageing and Wellness, UWI
Corporate Jamaica, local and
international NGOs
Other NGOs working at the
community level
32
Appendix Appendix 1. Projections of the Population by Age and Sex 2000-2050
Age
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
2030
2035
2040
2045
2050
0-4
280,300
259,262
247,566
233,651
234,301
229,954
221,438
211,620
203,577
197,456
191,850
5-9
288,453
276,898
252,953
241,599
228,021
228,962
224,934
216,599
206,969
198,966
192,882
10-14
276,183
277,840
263,325
242,860
232,116
219,003
220,533
216,738
208,715
199,107
191,125
15-19
253,255
263,092
264,766
250,809
231,153
220,952
208,624
210,417
207,011
199,021
189,451
20-24
218,284
239,593
249,410
251,585
238,486
219,467
210,089
198,110
200,292
196,936
189,026
25-29
207,074
206,736
227,871
237,988
240,794
228,227
210,046
200,977
189,458
191,673
188,408
30-34
195,019
165,191
194,930
216,258
226,849
230,103
218,278
200,577
191,930
180,596
182,861
35-39
178,814
181,883
182,130
182,341
204,081
215,016
218,943
207,539
190,439
181,955
170,824
40-44
149,645
167,168
170,259
170,908
171,717
193,528
204,909
209,023
198,120
181,331
173,033
45-49
110,657
139,491
156,721
160,081
161,220
162,352
184,237
195,610
199,943
189,315
172,930
50-54
94,635
102,211
130,256
147,252
150,910
152,293
153,802
175,266
186,582
190,895
180,650
55-59
74,469
87,244
94,589
121,623
138,204
141,913
143,551
145,167
165,979
176,960
181,249
60-64
65,231
67,472
79,491
86,574
112,142
127,909
131,630
133,343
135,066
154,781
165,293
65-69
59,572
57,541
59,645
70,654
77,327
100,728
115,325
118,869
120,638
122,377
140,570
70-74
51,408
50,562
48,916
50,825
60,459
66,446
86,930
99,824
103,076
104,801
106,544
75-79
38,365
40,659
40,095
38,885
40,507
48,368
53,443
70,205
80,914
83,708
85,346
80+
48,029
51,859
55,596
57,488
57,957
59,535
65,849
73,167
88,994
105,495
117,149
Total
2,589,39
2,661,70 2,718,51
2,761,38
2,806,24
2,844,75
2,872,56
2,883,05
2,877,70
2,855,37
2,819,19
3
1
1
3
4
2
0
3
3
0
9
Source: Demographic Statistics 2009 STATIN, 2010; Population Projections: 2000-2050. STATIN, 2008
33
Appendix 2. Summary of Senior citizens clubs and Older Citizens Monitoring Project
BACKGROUND
1. Country: Jamaica
2. Issues: Human rights promotion, Education and Culture; Health
3. Implementing institution: National Council for Senior Citizens
4. Experience name: Senior Citizen’s Club
5. Start year: 1976 End Year: On-going
6. Place of development: National
EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION
Target population: Persons 60 years and over
General Objective(s):
1. To stimulate active ageing and
2. To include these persons in national and community development and life
Main Results:
Senior Citizens clubs have been institutionalized in Jamaica and have complied with the
objectives. Although active membership is only approximately 25,000, the clubs have
considerable outreach through educational activities, training, competitions and community
projects.
Description of activities:
•
Education & Media
•
Intergenerational Activities
•
Health/ Promoting active ageing activities
•
Income Security
Funding: Source of funding – Government of Jamaica. (budget not available)
Conclusions
Noteworthy characteristics related to the innovation of the intervention
•
The programme has consistently thought to introduce new initiatives/activities that
contribute to its relevance and success.
•
The involvement of the target group at every level of planning and implementation
•
Annual informal evaluations
34
Main strengths: Networking
Aspects to improve: Greater involvement of the 60-64 year age group.
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Appendix 3. Summary of Older Citizens Monitoring Project
BACKGROUND
1. Country: Jamaica
2. Issues: Human rights promotion, Social Security, Health.
Specific groups – vulnerable elderly
3. Implementing institution: HelpAge, Children First
4. Experience name: Older Citizens Monitoring Project
5. Start year: 2007; End Year: 2010
6. Place of development: St. Catherine, KSA
EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION
Target population: Persons 60 years and over
General Objective(s):
To empower older citizens to monitor access and delivery of three government social assistance
programmes – Jamaica Drug for the Elderly Programme (JADEP), National Health Fund (NHF),
and the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) – from which they
could receive benefits.
Main Results:
•
•
•
•
•
Improved access of older persons to available social assistance benefits
Advocacy skills developed among older persons to empower them
Improved intergenerational linkages
Increased social interaction
Institutionalisation of activities in communities where OCM was implemented
Description of activities:
•
•
•
•
•
Training of older persons to undertake (a) monitoring and evaluation and (b) advocacy ·
Involvement of older persons in data collection.
Annual review and network meetings.
Production and dissemination of information.
Information campaigns.
Production of handbook of social services
Funding:
Source of funding – Dutch Pension Fund – Internationaal Fonds voor Kwetsbare Ouderen (IFKO);
(budget not available)
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Conclusions
Noteworthy characteristics related to the innovation of the intervention - This project was the
first of its kind in Jamaica and importantly it involved the collaboration of NGOS which
normally targeted different groups for example Children First and Hope for Children
Development Company (HCDC) along with NCSC.
Main strengths: Involvement of elderly in all aspect of the project
Aspects to improve: None
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References
1. Francis-Lindsay, Janice. Alleviating poverty and Socio-economic marginalization of
Vulnerable Multi-generational Households. End of Project Evaluation Report. HelpAge
December 2011
2. HelpAge International. A Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour and Practices Study on
HIV/AIDS in Jamaica (Adults 50-75 years old). HelpAge, 2008
3. Innerarity, Faith. Empowering older citizens monitoring project, Jamaica. End-of-project
evaluation report. HelpAge International 2010
4. Planning Institute of Jamaica. Vision 2030 Jamaica: national development plan. PIOJ,
2009
5. Planning Institute of Jamaica. Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions, 2009. PIOJ, 2011
6. Planning Institute of Jamaica. Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions, 2008. PIOJ, 2010
7. Planning Institute of Jamaica. Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions, 2007. PIOJ, 2008
8. Planning Institute of Jamaica. Economic and Social Survey, 2007. PIOJ, 2008
9. Planning Institute of Jamaica. Economic and Social Survey, 2008. PIOJ, 2009
10. Planning Institute of Jamaica. Economic and Social Survey, 2009. PIOJ, 2010
11. Statistical Institute of Jamaica. Demographic Statistics 2009. STATIN, 2010
12. Statistical Institute of Jamaica. Population Projections: 2000-2050. STATIN, 2008
13. Statistical Institute Of Jamaica. Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions, 2008 [Computer
file]. Kingston, Jamaica: Statistical Institute Of Jamaica [producer], 2008. Kingston,
Jamaica: Planning Institute of Jamaica and Derek Gordon Databank, University of the
West Indies [distributors], 2009.
14. Statistical Institute Of Jamaica . Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions, 2008 [Computer
file]. Kingston, Jamaica: Statistical Institute Of Jamaica [producer], 2008. Kingston,
Jamaica: Planning Institute of Jamaica and Derek Gordon Databank, University of the
West Indies [distributors], 2010.
15. Statistical Institute Of Jamaica. Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions, 2009 [Computer
file]. Kingston, Jamaica: Statistical Institute Of Jamaica [producer], 2009. Kingston,
Jamaica: Planning Institute of Jamaica and Derek Gordon Databank, University of the
West Indies [distributors], 2010.
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Persons interviewed
Planning Institute of Jamaica
‐
Toni-Shae Freckleton
‐
Collette Robinson
National Council for Senior Citizens
‐
Beverley Hall-Taylor
‐
AngellaToyloy
‐
Presidents – St. Andrew Chapter
Faith Innerarity – Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Denise Eldermire – Community Health and Psychiatry, UWI
Julian McKoy - HelpAge International
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