Growing old under the Caribbean sun!
Type de matériel :
39
The experience of developing the Petits Frères des Pauvres association in the French West Indies. The demographic situation in the French West Indies is little or poorly known by the public, and preconceived ideas are often erroneous. Martinique and Guadeloupe will be the oldest departments in France in a few years’ time. One of the consequences of aging is the increasing social isolation of the elderly. For the past three years, the Petits Frères des Pauvres association has been developing initiatives to combat the isolation of people aged over 50 living in precarious conditions on three islands in the French West Indies: Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Martin. Despite the association’s seventy-five years of experience, the volunteers and staff are faced with challenges specific to the French overseas territories. The mobilization of volunteers is essential for the association, as only citizens can take the time to re-establish links with isolated people. As in mainland France, the social isolation of people living in precarious conditions is even greater, as poverty is a factor in social isolation. In addition to home visits and group activities set up for and with the people supported, the association is developing awareness-raising initiatives with schoolchildren in the French West Indies to change the way people look at older adults and offers opportunities for all generations to get involved as volunteers.
Réseaux sociaux