Fiji is one of the Pacific Island countries whose population is ageing the fastest.
This was highlighted in a report launched by the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement last Thursday titled “The ‘M’ Word: Ending The Silence – Fijian Women’s Perceptions and Experiences Journey To and During Menopause”.
The report stated ageing would have a significant impact on the lives of ageing and elderly women in Fiji, including but not limited to health, including sexual and reproductive health, economic and social policies.
“Women comprise majority of the older population and overall women make up 50 percent of Fiji’s population who are affected by menstrual health issues such as menopause,” the report stated.
“Female life expectancy (67.7 percent) still remains higher than male expectancy (63.5 percent) in Fiji. As long as this continues, projections indicate that women will make up majority of the older population which will have serious implications for their welfare.”
The Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Fiji indicated that Fiji’s population was ageing.
“In 2007, 7.5 percent of the population was over the age of 60 years, in 2017, the proportion was 9.1 percent.
“The proportion of older women is also increasing from 52.3 percent of the population over the age of 60 years in 2007 to 53.9 percent in 2017.
“This is projected to increase in the year 2050.”
