The 22nd edition of the World Day for Elderly Persons was celebrated in Douala yesterday October 1, 2012.

People who have attained old age have demanded a series of facilities and services that should cater for their health and safeguard basic living conditions. At a public awareness-raising activity in line with this year's theme "longevity: Shaping the Future", elderly people from across Douala called on authorities to provide specific medical structures to cater for their illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension, among other diseases.

Problems associated with old age like inadequate nutrition, isolation, lack of comfort, stress and poor living conditions were said to have prompted calls for government to halve transport fares, medical cost and create easy, stress-free access to pay bills (electricity, water) without having to struggle through crowds or standing in queues for too long. Beside, the elderly persons indicated their role in society as library, historical and cultural repositories as well as memories, hence deserving the support of government.

One of the elderly persons, Moukoko George, recognised some government efforts to assist them, but said it is not enough. "We are victims of imaginations, witchcraft allegations and abandonments. We need assistance of the public to be at ease."

Another, Nkwedja Marie has never worked and feels long life depends on comfort from society. "We face inadequate nutrition and medical care because we do not have enough money for them."

Speaking during a ceremony in Bonanjo to commemorate the Day, the Secretary General at the Littoral Governor's Office, Maurice Sa'ah Tchoffo, outlined efforts being made towards the integration of elderly persons into society. "They constitute a living memory for our society. They have done a lot for the country so we must consider them as main actors of economic development."