Fiji is preparing to strengthen its systems and services for an ageing population as the country marked International Day of Older Persons yesterday.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said Fiji needed to rethink how it supported people as they live longer, with this year’s theme focusing on “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives”.
She said longer life expectancy was an achievement, but it also required stronger systems to ensure older people could live with dignity, health, security and purpose.
She said older persons should not be viewed only as recipients of care, but as parents, grandparents, workers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, community leaders, volunteers and custodians of Fiji’s culture, traditions and history.
The Government, through the Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection and the National Council for Older Persons, is progressing the National Ageing Policy 2026–2035.
Ms Kiran said the policy had been developed following nationwide consultations involving 2568 people across 13 provinces and 37 districts.
Those consulted included older persons, families, communities, civil society organisations, service providers and government agencies. The next step is the development of an implementation plan to translate the policy commitments into practical programs and actions.
The National Ageing Policy is expected to be presented to Cabinet for consideration this month.
Fiji is also participating in the Fifth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, which will allow the country to assess progress and identify gaps in its response to population ageing.
Ms Kiran said preparing Fiji for an ageing population could not be left to Government alone.
Families, communities, faith-based organisations, civil society, the private sector and development partners would all have a role to play.
She also called for a change in how ageing is viewed, saying older people should continue to have opportunities to participate, contribute and be heard.
She urged Fijians to recognise the continuing contributions of older people and work towards a society where longer lives are healthier, safer, more dignified and purposeful.
