Jamaica, known for its vibrant music and glistening shores, is currently experiencing the harsh reality of elderly poverty. Unknown to the vast majority of the world, seniors in Jamaica grapple with limited financial resources, inadequate health care access and social isolation. According to The Ministry of Health and Wellness, approximately 17% of Jamaica’s population will be 60 or older in 2025. This is a 12% increase from previous years, which will result in more strain on the limited resources already granted to the elderly. However, there is hope on the horizon for them. The Jamaican government is developing policy reforms, financial assistance and community programs to combat elderly poverty in their country. Here are five reforms that are addressing elderly poverty in Jamaica.

1. The Solidarity Program

Dr. Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, recently announced the country’s Solidarity Program during Jamaica’s 2025 – 2026 National Budget Debate. The program aims to give $20,000 grants to vulnerable citizens in the country. For this program, vulnerable citizens include 50,000 informal workers, low-income earners, marginalized groups and elderly people.

2. Long-Term Care

The Jamaican government is supporting plans the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed to prioritize the long-term care of their elderly. Dr. Christopher Tufton announced that the plans aim to expand palliative and rehabilitative services, boosting elderly participation in routine health screenings and build community-based support systems. 

The plans will be essential to the overall wellbeing of Jamaican elders due to various environmental factors playing a role in their health. There is a growing number of communicable and noncommunicable diseases running rampant in Jamaica, so the World Health Organization’s proposed plans will give seniors a better chance at combating those diseases. The proposed plans will go into effect in the long-term for Jamaica, expanding from 2025 to 2036.

3. Elderly Care and Protection Act

The Jamaican government is also drafting The Elderly Care and Protection Act in recognition of the current laws that offer limited protection to its elderly. The act aims to address the various challenges that Jamaican elderly face in the country, while also defending their rights as aging citizens.

Various reforms aimed at improving the lives of the Jamaican elderly will go into effect if the act is passed, such as legally mandating the reporting of elder abuse. It will also establish the National Elderly Care Fund, which would help subsidize the cost of living and health care for Jamaican elders.

4. New Social Housing Program

Holness also announced that the Jamaican government is increasing the budget into its New Social Housing Program. This will result in 500 units being made for vulnerable citizens in 2024-2025, which includes Jamaican elderly.

With the cost of Jamaica housing rising, it has become almost impossible for the average resident to afford shelter, especially for the elderly. Housing stability is vital for a person’s health, even as they age, so this program will be essential in combating elderly poverty in Jamaica.

5. Social Protection

The World Bank Group is supporting Jamaica’s efforts in anti-poverty, especially for the elderly. In 2024, the World Bank’s Board of Directors approved a new investment program to strengthen Jamaica’s social protection system.

The investment program includes future unemployment benefits and job placement services for the vulnerable population. These interventions, while not exclusive to elderly people, will alleviate the financial pressures on elderly caregivers and those in multigenerational households.

Global Impact

Jamaica’s response to elderly poverty offers a valuable lesson for other developing countries. The government has implemented a multi-pronged approach to resolve the country’s elderly poverty crisis. It focused on financial aid, healthcare reform, legal protections and housing stability. These reforms offer solutions that will improve the lives of the Jamaican elderly, all within the country’s budgeting and resources.

Other countries facing similar challenges can look at Jamaica’s model for addressing elderly poverty, adapting it into their own multi-pronged approach. With focused policy action and the collaboration between various organizations, aging with dignity can become a reality for many in developing countries.

– Jaden Hartfield

Jaden is based in Charlotte, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

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