Burkina Faso: A pan-African trade fair to provide better support for the elderly
The first edition of the Salon panafricain des personnes âgées (SPA) will be held from October 1 to 3, 2024 at the FESPACO headquarters in Ouagadougou. The announcement was made at a press conference on September 25, 2024, in the presence of several journalists.
In a context of rapidly changing social dynamics, older people in Africa are facing new challenges. With increasing urbanization, traditional family structures, once solidly based on intergenerational solidarity, are changing, sometimes leaving seniors on the sidelines. SPA 2024 responds to these concerns by bringing together a variety of players to offer seniors a framework for information, awareness-raising and support.
The aim of the event is to bring together around 1,000 visitors and 30 exhibitors, while creating a space where seniors can learn about crucial topics such as law, health, housing, asset management, but also personal well-being and social inclusion. These themes reflect the growing needs of the elderly, who have to cope with environments that are often ill-suited to their realities.
The theme chosen for this year's event, "How to prepare and live better your retirement for a fulfilling second life", highlights the need to anticipate aging and ensure an active and serene retirement. The theme aims to raise awareness of the importance of the physical, mental and social well-being of senior citizens.
According to Yacine Zetiyenga, promoter of the show, several activities will be organized to enrich this edition. The program will include conferences and panels led by experts, dealing with retirement preparation, entrepreneurial strategies for seniors, as well as wealth management. "We'll have an exhibition village with institutional, associative and commercial stands, practical workshops such as budgeting for retirement, sports activities adapted to seniors, and screening sessions.and free medical screening sessions to prevent certain common age-related pathologies," explains Ms. Zetiyenga.
The exhibition village will enable seniors to discover innovative products and services in the fields of health, technology and well-being. Particular emphasis will be placed on digital inclusion, to help seniors master digital tools in an increasingly connected world.
Among the event's important initiatives, a donation drive will be organized in aid of the underprivileged elderly. "It's crucial that we don't forget those who are marginalized and live in precarious conditions," stressed Valérien Bationo, SPA coordinator. Special attention will therefore be paid to this segment of the population, with concrete actions to improve their quality of life.
One of the highlights of this year's event will also be the launch of a seniors' experts' club, a space for reflection and sharing where experienced seniors can advise and support other seniors in their administrative formalities or retirement plans. The aim of this initiative is to enhance the skills of seniors while strengthening solidarity between them.
Faced with these challenges, Faso Events, as the organizing agency, is positioning itself as a committed player in improving the living conditions of the elderly through this show. Through this initiative, the agency hopes not only to raise public awareness, but also to encourage the authorities and the private sector to take concrete measures in favor of senior citizens.
Source: lefaso.net/
