Elderly People in the Southeast, Victims of Empty Nest Syndrome, Receive a Helping Hand from OTA

JACMEL, Haiti.— Old age, a period of human life starting from sixty years old, always makes those approaching it tremble. In Haiti, especially when social security conditions are not met, this stage has become a burden for younger generations.

Several dozen elderly people of both sexes visit the centers of the Organization for the Elderly (OTA) weekly in the localities of La Montagne, Haut and Bas Coq Chante, La Vallée de Jacmel. Some sometimes come alone, while others, less able, are accompanied by a grandson or a close relative who has had to sacrifice some of their time.

André is the assumed name of a 73-year-old man who did not wish to disclose his identity for reasons of security and respect for his integrity. André lived in the locality of Haut Coq Chante; in his youth, he was a dedicated farmer. Father of two children and grandfather of five grandchildren, he began to suffer in 2016, a year after his wife's death, according to his account.

This Friday morning, André came to have his blood pressure checked and his prostate examined. The septuagenarian expressed his satisfaction at having benefited from OTA's assistance. “My children and grandchildren remember other concerns than spending time with an old-fashioned man like me,” he said ironically, emphasizing that thanks to the center's activities, he feels surrounded.

Manmi Yaya, 86, lost her sight about four years ago. She comes to the center on each occasion, thanks to the kindness of one of her granddaughters whom she raised in her mother's absence. Rosalie is only 22 years old. She does not yet have the necessary skills to care for her grandmother, so she takes her to the OTA center for massage sessions and other therapies.

“I do what I can, the food, the bath, the laundry, but I don't know how to take care of an elderly person…,” she said. “To entertain her, I only have things from my generation, and that doesn't work with Grandma, so the organization brings together people like her for games… the volunteers really put themselves in their shoes,” she declared, smiling to show her satisfaction at having one less burden.

Indeed, mobile clinics are regularly organized in various locations such as Cap-Rouge, in the commune of Cayes Jacmel, Bas Coq Chante, Haut Coq Chante, La Montagne in the commune of Jacmel, and the commune of La Vallée de Jacmel, to offer dental care, general consultations, and even support for those who are very vulnerable and lack adequate assistance, according to the organization's officials.

Psychologist Jean Marry Louis, founder of the Organization for the Elderly, highlighted the merits of this project. “OTA aims to be a lever that does not replace the State but acts alongside and in favor of people in this age group, to offer them refuge,” he said.