Agents of Peace in Guatemala promote solidarity towards the elderly
In the City of Guatemala on August 28, 2009, in the midst of jokes, competitions, and much joy, the Agents of Peace, with the aide of clowns and comedians, conducted an activity of solidarity in the “Hospital Nacional de Orthopedia y Rehabilitacion de Lisiados, Dr. Jorge Von Ahn” (National Hospital of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Dr. Jorge Von Ahn). The event took place in the special center for the elderly wherein 28 men and 55 women currently reside.
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The Agents of Peace organized the event with the objective of promoting attention and respect for the elderly who are forgotten in many facilities. |
Honoring the phrase: "laughter is the best remedy," clowns and volunteers dedicated their efforts and used their best techniques to draw smiles on the faces of the men and women using entertainment as tool to help them cope with the adversity, anxiety and sadness that many of them feel, having been forgotten by family and friends.
In addition, “Miss Grandma” was chosen among applauses, dances and flirting, highlighting the beauty and wisdom of every patient. The "Marimba Alma del Regimiento" of the Guatemalan army was part of the show and performed typical melodies from the region.
Although many of the elderly lamented that their families hardly ever visit them, this was a day of joy for the patients. With simple actions, the Agents of Peace shared their love, kindness and respect for them, bringing a smile to their faces.
Statistical Reports On The Situation Of The Elderly
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics in Guatemala, 97 % of the elderly live in poverty and at least 350 thousand do not receive any type of income to survive.
There are over 600 million people over the age of 60 in the world and by the year 2050, this number is expected to quadruple. This indicates an increase of adult population in the world, emphasizing the challenges of societies and governments to recognize the crucial need to establish effective social security plans and public policies to provide a better living environment for this population.
Text: Amisrael Guatemala
Photos: Rolando Trujillo
Editing: Gabriela Lara
English Version: Maria Luisa Mata/ Patricia Mamede
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