There is no worse enemy for an older person than loneliness itself, said Pearce Home trust chairman Mohammed Hassan Khan during the celebration of International Day of Families at Pearce home in Suva yesterday.
“Loneliness is the biggest challenge for people living in retirement homes and older people living at home,” he said.
“Retiring home is the last lap of the journey of life. We thought it was very important for their families to be here with them, to celebrate and also link up with their families.
Pearce home manager resident Jimaima Tamanisokula said the residents had been practicing and looking forward to Sunday to seeing their family members and friends.
“We have 10 elderly residents, the oldest resident is 93 years old and youngest is aged 59 and they were all so happy today,” she said.
“We also released balloons to go in line with this year’s theme on family.
“We wanted to send a message to our loved ones who have departed earth to say we are letting you go but we are keeping their memories in our hearts.”
Families and urbanisation is the theme of International Family Day 2022 and its aim was to raise awareness of the importance and value of family.
