According to Penn, while seniors are in safe spaces, they sometimes become void of regular social interaction and communication with loved ones, which may cause loneliness.

“We’re going to have technology put in the senior citizens homes and the centres to ensure that the persons who are shut in will have an opportunity to interact with their peers around the territory,” Penn said.

“We have all had to adjust to this new normal during COVID 19 and I think it has become a normal way of life now for us in the territory and we need to make sure that our seniors don’t feel lonely in these difficult years,” added Penn who is Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and the incumbent Eighth District Representative seeking another term in that seat.

Penn did not specify the type of technology that will be used at these social homes.

Meanwhile, the minister described the need for seniors having safe spaces to communicate as a key area of concern, and it is to that end the ministry has also committed to ensuring all community centres around the territory are reconstituted.

He said the aim is to have all these facilities operational within the next House of Assembly.

“We are now working to get the one in District 3 back up and running as Social Development is working on that currently,” Penn stated while speaking at the political launch for the NDP’s candidate for the Third Electoral District, Aaron Parillon.