The Government is reviewing its policies and legislation to better protect Fiji’s growing elderly population as cases of neglect, abuse and health challenges continue to emerge.
Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran said work was underway to develop a national policy to protect older persons with consultations set to take place around the country this month.
Ms Kiran said the review was necessary as Fiji faced changing social realities that were affecting how older persons were cared for.
“Ageing-related diseases are a big challenge,” she said.
“We have seen the numbers increasing, we are also seeing cases of property theft where older persons are left vulnerable,” she said.
While speaking to this newspaper, she said another growing concern was the lack of understanding around dementia and other age-related illnesses.
“Younger people are losing patience with older persons. We see poor understanding of dementia and ageing diseases, and sometimes, elders are neglected.”
She said many people were moving to urban centres or overseas for employment, leaving elderly family members behind.
“Families today are busy with their nuclear families, and older persons remain neglected.”
While the Family Law Act currently provides some protection, she said discussions were underway about introducing a specific Act dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of older persons. “We are looking at how we can better protect older persons through legislation.”
She said the policy review and nationwide consultations would help shape future measures to ensure Fiji’s elderly population was better protected and cared for.
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