WOMEN, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran has called on people to take the initiative of caring for the elderly.
She told the National Federation Party’s Rakiraki district AGM she has seen a lot of challenges facing the elderly.
“So, I will ask for us to come together, bond stronger as a society and build empathy for our elders,” she said. “Because we hear increasing cases of our elders and our children in our society.”
Ms Kiran urged the people of Ra to encourage their senior citizens to attend the Prevention of Elder Abuse Day this week.
“Not too long ago, I visited Ra where an elder had burnt herself on a pile of rubbish.
“We have high numbers of elders who commit suicide, so our ministry is creating awareness and opportunities for older persons to meet up and access services.
“I’ve requested you before and I ask you again, the advisory counsellors in the villagers, the village headmen, community health workers, please document the older persons living on their own and let’s try and support them.”
