In homes, communities, and policy spaces across the world older persons are advocating for inclusion, dignity, and justice. And yet, older persons continue to face major challenges — especially here in Africa, where we have such a youthful population whose needs also need to be addressed
- They are often excluded from social protection systems
- Many live without secure incomes, without accessible healthcare, or adequate housing
- And worst of all, their voices are too often ignored in decision-making processes that directly affect them
Here in The Gambia, we are beginning to see progress. The Department of Social Welfare’s Social Registry and the Family Strengthening Programme are steps in the right direction — offering support to the most vulnerable. Reports show that such initiatives can be vital platforms for identifying and responding to the real needs of older persons.
But we must go further.
And we are going further. Thanks to that important regional milestone: the AU Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons — which is the first legally binding instrument to comprehensively protect and promote the rights of older persons on the continent.
We are proud to note that just a few months ago in a historic step our National Assembly ratified this Protocol, signaling a clear national commitment to the rights and dignity of older people. The next step is domestication — incorporating the Protocol into national legislation. Only then will the promises of the AU protocol become realities for older persons in our country. And so while we congratulate the Gambia for being among the first 15 African countries to ratify the AU protocol, on this International Day of Older Persons 2025 we call on the Government to pursue its domestication with the same vigour and resolve that it showed in seeing through the ratification of the Protocol
All these various initiatives link directly to our broader aspiration for Healthy Ageing: ensuring that people not only live longer, but live better — with dignity, with independence, and with purpose. So that they not only add years to their lives but add life to their years.
As we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, let us remember that older persons are not a burden. They are not merely recipients of care. They are also contributors of wisdom, experience, and leadership.
And going forward let us be guided by the theme: “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights.”
This is more than a slogan — it is a call to recognise older persons as active drivers of change, not passive recipients of care. Their voices must be heard. Their rights must be upheld in law and in practice. And their aspirations — for dignity, inclusion, and healthy ageing — must guide our policies and programmes.
Because when we ensure that older persons are heard, supported, and empowered, we build an age-friendly intergenerational society that values all ages — and one where we can all look forward to growing older with dignity, confidence, and joy.
(Ageing with a Smile Initiative is a Community-Based Organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and welfare of older persons in The Gambia).
