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It's pampering time for these ladies over at the Helpage center. Every year in celebration of International day of older persons, their members are treated to pedicures, manicures and other spa experiences thanks to volunteers and the organization. Their Chairperson told us more:

Marilyn Ordonez, Chairperson, Helpage
"Today the first of October is when we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons. And it's a week of activities that we are doing to celebrate that day. We started on Sunday with a church service and then yesterday we had a day in the park hosted by the mayor of Belize city with fun activities for them. So today we are doing a little pampering for them where we provide again we are partnering with human services to provide manicure and pedicures for the older persons and then we also have other volunteers who are doing hair braiding in the back , as you can see Marisha she works here at the secretariat and then we have another person volunteer Leannie, she will be coming in to do massages with them."

It is important to ensure inclusivity within the older population, acknowledging that they too can use some good old TLC - it's not just pampering, it's also respect:

Marilyn Ordonez, Chairperson, Helpage
"The theme for the international day of older persons is aging with dignity. The importance of strengthening care and the support systems for older persons in Belize. And the theme addressed not only in Belize but worldwide and in the district so we have other help age centers who are doing similar activities like us and what we found is that our older persons if we leave them at home not doing anything then they age quickly they don't grow because as you know, as you live you grow you don't stop growing and so brining them to activities. We have activities every week during the week and today is letting them feel special giving them that care that should be shared with them showing them love."

And today's spa day is just the start of a week filled with activities dedicated to celebrating them and the role that they play within our society as elders.

Marilyn Ordonez, Chairperson, Helpage
"We have tried to do it every year so that once a year even though we do activities with them throughout the year today they feel special as we celebrate them."

Jo-
"Is this something that the ladies they look forward to as well?"

Marilyn Ordonez, Chairperson, Helpage
"Oh yes, yes they look forward to it because after today, tomorrow we will be sharing medical information with them on diabetes we try and find topics that are relevant to them so tomorrow we will talk about diabetes because that is so very prevalent and then on Thursday the secretariat provides meals on wheels for those older persons who can't come so we do have some shut ins at home who gets a meal. And then on Friday we will take them to Banana Bank on a field trip and some may do horseback riding and some may swim because they have a pool so they are looking forward to that. They always love a field trip."

The week's activities are being observed under the theme: "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons in Belize."