AFTER a gap of 10 years, Fiji is reviewing its National Ageing Policy through extensive nationwide consultations, says Women in Art and Climate Action (WACA) administrator Paulini Saurogo.
Speaking at a Women in Art and Climate Action (WACA) Roundtable discussion in Lautoka last week, Ms Saurogo said the draft National Ageing Policy 2026-2035 is taking shape, as it involves more than 1700 participants involved in more than 100 sessions.
“The draft policy is structured around six priority areas – social protection, health and caregiving, transport and accessibility, digital inclusion, community infrastructure and disaster preparedness, and legal protection,” she said.
“The government is also exploring a dedicated legislative framework to better protect elderly citizens, studying international models where assets transferred by older persons can legally revert if they are subsequently neglected.
“Existing laws, including the Family Law Act, the Domestic Violence Act, and the Crimes Act, already provide legal safeguards – but enforcement and early reporting remain critical.”
Ms Saurogo said the roundtable discussion that brought together community leaders, elder care representatives, faith leaders, and local stakeholders serves two core purposes.
“First, we are here to provide a platform for local voices – elder care providers, faith leaders, educators, and civil society — to deliberate on the current challenges facing Fiji’s ageing population and to outline a vision for a future where seniors live with dignity, security and respect.
“Second, we stand in solidarity with international humanitarian efforts calling for the release of chairman Man Hee Lee, a 95-year-old peace activist and war veteran currently detained under deeply concerning humanitarian conditions in South Korea.”
The roundtable discussion was hosted by the Women in Art and Climate Action (WACA). It highlighted challenges facing Fiji’s ageing population and promoting compassionate, lawful, and inclusive approaches to elder care, justice, and universal human rights.
