World Health Day was observed in Belize today. This year the focus is on ageing - and they don't mean getting old, they mean staying healthy as you get old.
It a real ideal - and the event was appropriately opened by the Senior Steppers a dance troupe that has aged like fine wine:
Jules Vasquez Reporting:
Their steps may not be quite as spritely as 17 year-olds, and their transitions may be ginger, but these women are between the ages of 55 and 77 years old and when you watch them work the Macarena - you'll know they aren't just going through the motions
They are known as the senior steppers and they are a demonstration of the theme for this year's World Health Day, which is, "Good Health Adds Life To Years":
Gerardo De Cosio - PAHO Rep, Belize
"Regular moderate physical activity has a rejuvenating effect. Working to turn back time, Belizeans love to dance. Dancing can help restore balance in older people such as the senior steppers, who are here."
Lindy Jeffery - National Council On Ageing
"This is why we invited along the senior steppers dancers. [They] are just 1 example of how older persons can stay healthy when demonstrating that exercise is fun."
Fun and important for Belize's ageing population:
Hon. Pablo Marin - Minister of Health
"Over the past century, life expectancy has increased dramatically, and the world will soon have more elder people than children. This social transformation represents both challenges and opportunities for a beautiful Belize."
Lindy Jeffery - National Council On Ageing
"The Caribbean, for example, has the fastest growing percentage of older persons in the world, and therefore, we need to be mindful of the need addressed where their health is concerned. There is no doubt that advances in healthcare have been made in Belize, but unfortunately, we still don't have any geriatric-trained healthcare professionals that specialize in the healthcare needs of old persons."
At 95 years old Nurse Lillian Gibson is an exceptional example of ageing with grace. When she started nursing in 1939, her annual salary was 48 dollars.
Nurse Lillian Gibson - 95 Years-old
"But I have lived a very pleasant life. I love to read, and I love travel."
And while her earthly travels may be done, she could still recite a poem form memory:
Nurse Lillian Gibson
"Die, for no other way can you live. When earth and heaven lay down their vale and that apocalypse turns me pale. When thy seeing blinded thee to what thy fellow martyrs see."
Awards were also given to Lindy Jeffery, and posthumously to Dr. Greg Castillo.
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