Ambon City Government Opens Economic Empowerment Opportunities for Productive Elderly

The Ambon City Government in Maluku is opening economic empowerment opportunities for elderly citizens who are still productive as part of efforts to improve their welfare and independence in old age. “The Ambon City Government is opening space for the elderly who are still active through empowerment programmes and support for micro-enterprise operators in their senior years. In this way, their productivity is maintained and they can make a positive contribution to their surrounding environment,” said Ambon Mayor Bodewin M Wattimena on Wednesday. According to him, attention towards the elderly is not only realised through health services, but also through empowerment programmes that allow them to remain active and contribute to social and economic life. He stressed that the commemoration of National Elderly Day should not merely be a ceremonial activity, but must serve as a momentum to evaluate the various programmes that have been implemented to improve the quality of life for the elderly. “National Elderly Day is not just an annual ceremony. This is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on what has been done for the elderly and what still needs to be improved going forward,” he said. In addition to economic empowerment, the Ambon City Government is also continuously strengthening health services for the elderly through routine health checks, improved services at community health centres and hospitals, and plans to build a hospital prioritised for underprivileged communities. “In the future, we are planning the construction of a hospital for the poor. The hope is that all residents, including the elderly, can obtain proper and easily accessible health services,” he said. Wattimena assessed that health and economic independence are two important aspects that must go hand in hand so that the elderly can enjoy a healthy, active, and dignified old age. On that occasion, he also reminded the younger generation not to view the elderly as a family burden, but rather as a source of valuable life experience. “Do not make the elderly a burden. They are a source of long life experience and can be valuable lessons for children and the younger generation,” he stressed. Through synergy between the government, families, and the community, the Ambon City Government hopes that the welfare of the elderly will continue to improve so that they can live their old age healthily, independently, productively, and happily. “The Ambon City Government will remain committed to implementing various service and empowerment programmes for the elderly so that they remain healthy, active, independent, and happy in their old age,” said Wattimena.