Senior Citizens Council

	Establishment			Activities
	Status			Management
	Mission Statement			Membership
	Objectives

Establishment

The Senior Citizens Council was established in 1985 under the Senior Citizens Council Act 1985.  It is now governed by the Senior Citizens Council Act 1995 (Act 5 of 1995).

Status

A Corporate Body working under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity & Senior Citizen Welfare and Reform Institutions.

Mission Statement 

To improve the well-being of senior citizens and promote activities and projects for their welfare with regard to their rights to dignity and independence.

Objectives of the Council

(a)   to determine areas in which the welfare of senior citizens 
       needs to be improved;

(b)   to promote activities and projects for the welfare of senior citizens;

(c)   to maintain effective communication with senior citizens;

(d)   to diffuse knowledge and information on gerontology;

(e)   to establish contacts with organisations engaged in similar activities in Mauritius and abroad;

(f)    to advise the Government on matters relating to the welfare of senior citizens;

(g)   to implement such policies and programmes in favour of senior citizens approved by the Minister.  

Activities         

(1)  Organise seminars, workshops and talks on ageing issues.

(2)  Hold courses in Information Technology,Talks on Health Care, Protection of Elderly Persons and Management of

      Associations.

(3)  Negotiate with other organistions for facilities in favour of Senior Citizens.

(4)  Organise sessions for the promotion of light physical exercise and dancing.

(5)  Motivate Senior Citizens to adhere to Senior Citizens Associations.

(6)  Advise members in the administration of their associations.

(7)  Help in the creation of new associations.

(8)  Organise activities for older inmates of government-sponsored residential institutions.

(9)  Help in organizing visits abroad for Senior Citizens.

(10)  Participate in seminars, workshops, conferences in the field of ageing in Mauritius and abroad.

(11) Organise exchanges with Senior Citizens Organisations abroad.

Management

The Council is managed and administered by an Executive Committee which comprises a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, 9 elected representatives of Senior Citizens Associations, 2 independent members and 5 Government officials.

Membership

Membership is open to Senior Citizens Associations which are 565 in Mauritius and 67 in Rodrigues. 61000 and 1 600 Senior Citizens aged 55 or over are members of these associations in Mauritius and Rodrigues respectively.