ORANJESTAD, Aruba – Aruba Funds Senior Day Groups after the Government of Aruba approved a subsidy to support neighbourhood-based programs where older adults can meet regularly for social interaction, recreation, exercise and personal development.
Fundacion Movemento ta Bida (FMtB) announced that it received the financial support to strengthen the operation of senior groups known as Pasa Dia den Bario in different districts across Aruba. These groups provide older residents with a regular place to gather, participate in activities and maintain meaningful connections within their communities.
The subsidy request was approved following consultations and close cooperation involving FMtB, the Department of Elderly Affairs and Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Affairs and Addiction Mervin Wyatt-Ras. The process included several meetings and the submission of supporting documents, including FMtB’s annual activity report, financial statements, presentations and other required information.
According to FMtB, the funding recognizes the important role that neighbourhood senior groups play in reducing social isolation and promoting active ageing. Members attend weekly gatherings where they can receive information about current or legal matters, take part in dance, therapy, physical exercise and fitness activities, drink coffee together and spend time in conversation.
FMtB currently maintains contact with 32 active senior groups throughout Aruba. Membership within these groups ranges from approximately five to 66 participants, demonstrating that the programs serve both small neighbourhood gatherings and larger organized groups.
A total of 22 groups registered for and attended an informational presentation organized by FMtB at the exhibition hall of Cas di Cultura on Wednesday, July 29. The meeting brought together 31 volunteers and group leaders representing senior organizations from different parts of the island.
Four FMtB board members guided the presentation and explained how each group could apply for financial support. They also reviewed the eligibility requirements, conditions, responsibilities and accountability rules connected to the subsidy.
Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and receive clarification about the process. FMtB also explained the terms of the funding agreement that participating groups must accept as part of the project.
Following the meeting, 14 senior groups formally submitted applications for support. These included HoneyBees, Grupo Sunshine 60+, Sigui Move Bubali 60+, Curason Jong, Flor Bon Bini, Grupo Uni, Grupo Adulto Activo Piedra Plat, Happy Hearts, Grupo Tera y Laman, Grupo Savanah, Samen Oud Savaneta, Flor di Brazil, Grupo Flor di Aloë and Grupo Flor di Lely.
Several other groups are expected to apply after consulting with their members. FMtB said it will also follow up with senior groups that were unable to attend the presentation so they can receive the necessary information and have an opportunity to benefit from the funding.
Aruba Funds Senior Day Groups as part of a broader commitment to supporting the well-being, inclusion and active participation of older adults. FMtB said the subsidy is also a public recognition of the volunteers and community leaders who organize activities for Aruba’s senior population.
Residents who operate a senior group or want guidance on establishing one can contact FMtB at movementotabida@gmail.com, visit its office in the IBiSA building at Frankrijkstraat 1 in Eagle, or call 594-2546 and ask for Rudy Leysner.
FMtB thanked Minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras and Desiree Helder of Directie Ouderenzaken for their collaboration, describing the funding approval as an example of how cooperation and unity can strengthen support for older adults across Aruba.
