Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran has called on the community to take proactive steps in caring for the elderly. Speaking at the National Federation Party’s Rakiraki district AGM, she expressed concern over the increasing challenges faced by seniors, which include higher rates of elder abuse and suicide.
Kiran emphasized the need for society to bond stronger and demonstrate empathy towards elderly individuals, especially given the rising cases of neglect and abuse. She highlighted a particular incident where an elder sustained serious injuries after reportedly burning herself on rubbish, underscoring the urgent need for community support.
To address these issues, Kiran urged the people of Ra to encourage their senior citizens to participate in the upcoming Prevention of Elder Abuse Day. She reiterated the call for advisory counsellors, village headmen, and community health workers to document older persons living alone and extend necessary support services.
This call to action aligns with previous discussions by Kiran, who has consistently raised alarms about alarming suicide rates among seniors, which have seen significant increases over recent years. In earlier statements this year, she noted troubling statistics showing that at least 16 elderly individuals died by suicide from January to June.
Moreover, Kiran has outlined the government’s commitment to enhance community support frameworks, highlighting the potential positive impacts of fostering social interactions. Initiatives to create dedicated spaces for seniors to connect and access services reflect a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and emotional well-being for the elderly.
As the community rallies together to support vulnerable seniors, there is hope that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change. By building stronger connections and offering necessary support, Fiji can work towards improving the quality of life for its elderly population, ensuring they live with dignity and respect.
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