"If we really care about the elderly, we have to listen to them.""Do not abandon me", slogan for the World Day of the Elderly.Population aging is not only a worrying phenomenon for high-income societies, but has become a problem of concern for all countries, since, according to the World Health Organization, "by 2050, 80 % of the world's population will be aged by 2050. majors will live in low- and middle-income countries."
The choice of the theme of the seniors to qualify for the CEU for Life Awards 2024 arose because "when speaking of the defense of life, the first thing that comes to mind is abortion or euthanasia"; however, "the care of the elderly is a very current issue, as Pope Francis points out," explains Effioh Agossou Emmanuel Lokossou, born in Benin (Africa), 30 years ago, who made his pre-novitiate in Burkina-Faso, and the novitiate in Togo. Effioh Lokossou also worked in Ivory Coast, and arrived in Spain in 2018 to study theology. He was ordained a deacon by Cardinal Carlos Osoro in 2022, and a priest by Archbishop Pascal N'KOUE, Archbishop of Paraku (Benin), last year.
In addition to studying a degree in Audiovisual Communication at the CEU San Pablo University, Effioh attends, as mentioned above, the parish Cristo Liberador and is responsible for the direction of the Juveliber Youth Center, both in Parla (Madrid). Together with the Salesian priest, the CEU Institute of Family Studies, directed by Carmen Fernández de la Cigoña, has awarded this year to the MEPs Isabel Benjumea and Margarita de la Pisa, for their public defense of Life.
Emmanuel, what are the main challenges facing society with respect to population aging?
-The first challenge is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases among older adults. As longevity increases, we are also seeing a recrudescence of health conditions that require more specialized medical care. Moreover, this raises the imperative need to develop health systems that not only address the diseases themselves, but also take into account the overall well-being and quality of life of the aging population. For this reason, and following in the wake of Pope Francis, we would say that it is not enough to draw up care plans alone, but that there is an urgent need to implement projects of existence. In other words, the measures undertaken must prioritize human dignity above all else.
Loneliness and social isolation are other challenges that deserve special attention in the current context in which we live. In our society, older people, not infrequently, face situations where the loss of loved ones, retirement and decreased mobility can contribute to a sense of isolation. This phenomenon not only affects their emotional state, but can also have implications for their physical health. Within the challenges of aging, the need for comprehensive care emerges as another critical component. Beyond conventional medical care, a holistic approach that considers both medical and social aspects is required.
In your opinion, how can we transform these challenges into opportunities? Comment on the African culture.
- First, old age, far from being seen as an inevitable decline, should be considered a stage of enrichment and wisdom. Following in the footsteps of the current Bishop of Rome, let us say that older people are like trees that continue to bear fruit over the years, contributing to society with their experience and knowledge accumulated over the years.
Undoubtedly, their long professional careers and personal lives give them a unique perspective that can be shared to guide younger generations and address contemporary challenges with wisdom and understanding. In this vein, a popular adage from African cultures states that when an old person dies, a library burns. Connecting the dots, when we recognize the intrinsic value of the experience and wisdom of older people, we not only give them the respect and dignity they deserve, but also enrich our communities and strengthen the social fabric with greater inclusion and appreciation for generational diversity.
Second, it is necessary to point out that old age is an opportunity because it favors deep reflection and reevaluation of priorities. In other words, it is a stage for personal growth and the search for greater meaning in life.
Finally, the elders are an unquestionable opportunity for the younger generation, for if we do without them, it is impossible for us to achieve the alliance between generations. Indeed, with their vast experience and wisdom, they help young people to face challenges and make courageous decisions. Moreover, as guardians of collective memory, they transmit stories, traditions and values that are fundamental to preserving cultural identity and a sense of belonging.
What is the contribution of the Christian tradition to the care of the elderly?
- The Christian tradition offers a rich and meaningful perspective on old age, which can make a valuable contribution to the reflection on the care of the elderly in contemporary society that we are offering.
First, the Christian tradition emphasizes the intrinsic value of every human being, regardless of age or state of health. Rooted in the principles of love, compassion and mercy, Christianity highlights the intrinsic value of every human being created in the image and likeness of God. From this perspective, old age is understood as a stage of life that deserves profound respect and dignity. This teaching is derived from biblical passages that honor the elderly and exhort respect for their wisdom and experience.
Jesus himself gave us an example by showing compassion and concern for the elderly during his earthly ministry, healing the sick and comforting the afflicted. In Jesus' pastoral praxis, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-35) highlights the importance of helping those in need, regardless of their age or condition. It is clear that the Christian tradition invites us to welcome and value the elderly as precious members of the human family. In a world increasingly focused on youth wrapped in consumerist ideologies and productivity, the Christian tradition reminds us of the importance of valuing and respecting the elderly as bearers of history, wisdom and faith.
Pope Benedict XVI, in his pontificate, emphasized the crisis of individualism and lack of solidarity in modern society, pointing out how this especially affects the elderly, who are often marginalized or excluded.
On the other hand, Pope Francis, in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, addresses the need to build a culture of encounter and solidarity that includes all generations, recognizing the vital role of the elderly in this process. In a world marked by fragmentation and division, the Argentine Pope stresses the importance of recovering the community dimension and the value of the experience and wisdom of the elderly. He stresses how intergenerational dialogue and respect for the elderly are fundamental to building a more just, inclusive and humane world for all. Let us recall that in addition to the 15 catecheses he has on old age, Pope Francis is the one who instituted, in 2021, the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.
What should be the role of the family in the care of the elderly?
- Clearly, families are at a crossroads as they try to meet work and financial obligations while attempting to provide adequate care for their elderly loved ones. Not infrequently, this situation has led to emotional stress and tension within the family, especially when members feel overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving and the feeling of not being able to adequately meet the needs of the elderly. As a result, many family members are forced to make difficult decisions about the care of the elderly, such as using professional caregiving services or transferring them to nursing homes, which can lead to feelings of guilt and conflict.
In the face of all this, it is imperative to rescue and promote values that strengthen the role of the family as the fundamental unit of society. The rapid evolution of modern life has led to a distancing from what is essential, often relegating the care of the elderly to the background. However, in the midst of an ephemeral world, there is a need for a change of mentality, a renewal that invites us to live every event from the perspective of the wisdom of the heart. The human family needs to reconnect with what is most precious: love, respect and intergenerational solidarity. In a world in which we renounce having children to the detriment of giving more value to animals, we need to stop and ask ourselves transcendental questions.
The renewal to which we appeal implies a return to the roots, a revaluation of family ties and a commitment to the full and perfect dignity of every human being. It is time to foster a culture of care and life, where the legacy of the elderly to the community is recognized and honored, and where any form of discrimination or exclusion is rejected.
As public authorities, how can governors help?
-Governors have a crucial responsibility in creating policies and programs that support the care of the elderly and strengthen the role of the family in this regard, since it is up to them to organize the structures of society.
First, they have a duty to ensure equitable access to quality health services for the elderly in order to promote their well-being and dignity in society. This implies not only ensuring the availability of adequate facilities and health professionals, but also facilitating access to medicines, treatments and specialized care.
Second, governments should promote work-family reconciliation. In this regard, it is essential that they enact laws and policies that recognize and support the work of workers who are also family caregivers. One of the key measures would be the implementation of paid leave specifically for the care of elderly family members. Another important measure is the promotion of flexible working hours. Third, governments should encourage education and training for family caregivers.
The application of Artificial Intelligence is very topical. How can it help in the care of our elders?
- The Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a promising tool to improve the care of the elderly in multiple ways. First, AI can be used to monitor the health of older adults continuously and noninvasively, through wearable devices or smart sensors embedded in the home, and can detect early signs of health problems, allowing for rapid and preventative intervention.
In addition, AI can assist in customizing care plans for each individual, taking into account their medical needs, personal preferences, and unique circumstances. However, it is critical to address the ethical and privacy challenges associated with the use of AI in elder care. Transparency in data processing is essential so that users understand how their personal data is used and for what purposes. In addition, it is critical to obtain informed consent from seniors before using any AI-based technology in their care. Protecting users' privacy must also be a priority.
Finally, it is important to remember that AI should not supplant human interaction in the care of the elderly, but complement it. Human-centered care remains fundamental to meeting the emotional, social and physical needs of the elderly.
