National Council on Ageing, Belize

24/07/2025

Our community is stronger together. Be part of the conversation, collaboration, and care by joining the Belmopan Alzheimer's Chapter WhatsApp Group today!

Whether you're a caregiver, advocate, professional, or simply someone who cares, this group is a space to:
💡 Share ideas & resources
🤝 Connect with others passionate about change
📣 Get updates on events and initiatives

Scan the QR Code provide here.

16/07/2025

🚨Join the July Discussion - Engaging Persons Living with Dementia

Just a friendly reminder—it’s the 3rd Wednesday in July, which means it's time for our monthly community chat!

🧠✨Let’s come together to share insights, strategies, and support for those affected and their caregivers.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 16 July 2025
🕡 Time: 6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
🔗

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

09/07/2025

09/07/2025

📢PRESS RELEASE 📢

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

The National Council on Ageing (NCA) expresses its profound concern and outrage following recent and devastating incidents that highlight the systemic vulnerabilities faced by older persons in Belize. The Council calls for immediate and decisive action from both the judiciary and the Government of Belize to safeguard the rights, property, and lives of our nation’s elders.

The first case involves an older woman who suffered a debilitating stroke during a prolonged legal battle over a land dispute. While the National Council on Ageing does not have the authority to intervene in such cases, this case underscores the immense physical and emotional toll that lengthy legal processes can inflict on older persons. The continuous barriers to accessing timely justice are not only a denial of rights but also a significant threat to the health and well-being of our senior citizens. We implore the judiciary to review and implement measures that ensure older persons and persons with disabilities are not subjected to undue delays and that their right to property is expediently and fairly resolved.

The horrifying incident where, an older woman and her disabled son were callously murdered in their own yard, becoming tragic casualties of gang violence. This heinous act is a reminder of the pervasive threat that gang activity poses to the most vulnerable members of our society. The NCA urgently calls on the Government of Belize to take all necessary steps to dismantle the structures of gang violence that terrorize our communities. The systematic disenfranchisement of older persons in accessing justice and the failure to guarantee their basic right to security are unacceptable.
In response to these challenges, the National Council on Ageing and its partners are actively drafting protocols to facilitate more accessible and responsive justice for older persons and persons with disabilities. These protocols aim to create a more supportive legal framework for our vulnerable populations.

The National Council on Ageing demands a future where the rights of older persons are not just recognized but are actively protected. We call upon the judiciary to expedite justice for the elderly and on the government to take decisive action to end gang-related violence. The safety and security of all Belizeans, especially our elders, must be an immediate and unwavering priority.

-END-

08/07/2025

🎥 Supporting Those Who Care: Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Resources

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's/dementia can be incredibly meaningful and challenging. We are pleased to share a valuable resource from the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program: a video series designed to equip caregivers with practical tools and insights to better understand and support their loved ones.

🧠 These brief, engaging videos offer guidance on everything from communication strategies to managing difficult behaviors with compassion and confidence.

📌 Explore the full series here:
🔗 https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics/dementia/caregiver-education

💜 Whether you're a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, we hope these resources will empower and encourage you on your caregiving journey.

Caregiver Education: Information from the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care program

08/07/2025

🧠 Supporting Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregivers Through Training

If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer's and/or dementia—or simply want to better understand how to support them—the iSupport Virtual Course offers essential training and knowledge for carers.

📚 Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and hosted on PAHO’s Virtual Campus for Public Health, this free course provides flexible, self-paced modules designed to strengthen caregiving skills and emotional resilience.

🔗 Access the course here:
https://campus.paho.org/accesswho/en/course/isupport-virtual-course-skills-and-knowledge-training-carers-people-dementia

📱 Or scan the QR code below to begin

08/07/2025

We’re excited to share that our Executive Director at the National Council on Ageing, Ms. Ix-Chel P**t, and Dr. Joyanne DeFour Babb, Coordinator of the Belize Alzheimer’s Association – Belmopan Chapter, appeared on Sun Up On 7 this morning and had a powerful dialogue about Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of community support.

Their vibrant exchange also highlighted the upcoming 2nd Annual Alzheimer’s Run/Walk—a heartfelt call for awareness, action, and unity.
Let’s keep the conversation going. 💜 Join us as we step forward together in support of families, caregivers, and everyone affected by Alzheimer’s.

🗓️ Stay tuned for more event details and get ready to lace up your shoes for a cause that truly matters.

🧠👟 Lace up and show up for a powerful cause! This morning, we had Ix-Chel P**t, Executive Director of the National Council of Ageing, and Dr. Joyanne DeFour Babb from the Belize Alzheimer’s Association (Belmopan Chapter) on set to share all about the 2nd Annual Alzheimer’s Race! 🏃‍♀️💜

It’s more than just a race — it’s about raising awareness, supporting families, and standing in solidarity with those impacted by Alzheimer’s. 💪👵🏽👴🏾 Whether you walk, run, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation makes a difference!

Let’s unite for memory, dignity, and love. 💫💜

🏃‍♂️👟🧠

04/07/2025

Tune in and support the cause!

Dr. Joyanne DeFour Babb of the Alzheimer's Association – Belmopan Chapter, alongside Ms. Ix-Chel P**t, Executive Director of the NCA, will be featured on SunUp @ 7 this Tuesday, July 8th at 7:00 AM.

They’ll be raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and sharing highlights of the upcoming 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Run/Walk. 🏃‍♀️
Let's amplify the message, support our community, and move one step closer to understanding, compassion, and change.

📺 Don’t miss it—tune in and spread the word!

30/06/2025

🟣 Forget Me Not 2nd Annual Alzheimer’s Run/Walk 2025 🟣

Let’s move with purpose! Join us, the National Council on Ageing along with the Belize Alzheimer's Association, Belmopan Chapter on Saturday, August 31st at 5:30 a.m. for the 2nd Annual Alzheimer’s 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run.

📍 University of Belize, Belmopan Campus Gazebo
🏃‍♀️ All ages welcome — including a special 55+ category
💲 $55 Registration includes a Dry-fit T-shirt & light refreshments
📅 Register by August 14th at: www.totaltimebz.com or scan the flyer’s QR code.
⚠️ Limited space available — don't miss out!
📌 Note: Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable

💜Come run, walk, and remember with us 💜

25/06/2025

🌧️ Postponed: Yoga in the Park for Seniors 🌧

Due to today’s rainy weather and in consideration of everyone’s safety and comfort, Yoga in the Park for Seniors has been postponed.

We’ll be announcing a new date soon, and we look forward to welcoming you when the skies are a little brighter. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!

Stay dry and stay well. 🧘‍♀️