A 75-year-old retired civil servant, Umar Dayal, recently spoke out about his painful experiences of abuse and neglect by his own family during an event commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Dayal shared how his son and daughter-in-law forced him to live apart from the rest of the family while neglecting his basic needs. Despite his decades-long service in the Fiji Corrections Service, Dayal found himself struggling to perform everyday tasks, including crawling to the bathroom due to an untreated leg injury.
His story echoes a growing concern within Fiji regarding the treatment of its elderly population. Dayal highlighted that many seniors suffer in silence, even after dedicating their lives to building the nation. He now resides in the Housing Assistance Relief Trust settlement in Valelevu, illustrating the plight of many older citizens who face abandonment.
This urgent issue was also addressed by the Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, during the same awareness event. He called for a community effort to address elder abuse, which encompasses various forms, including neglect and emotional abuse. Drawing from World Health Organization data, Ravunawa noted that one in six individuals over 60 experiences some form of elder abuse, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive reporting of such instances.
The issue of elder neglect is reflective of broader societal trends, as echoed in comments from Fiji’s leaders, like Minister Sashi Kiran, who has raised alarms about increasing neglect and mental health challenges among seniors, including reports of elder suicides. In light of these concerns, community initiatives that foster social connections for the elderly are critical. Recent efforts to create more gathering spaces and events for seniors aim to combat loneliness and reestablish a sense of belonging.
Despite the grim realities many elderly individuals face, stories like Dayal’s serve to shed light on the urgent need for societal support and intervention. By recognizing and addressing the plight of seniors, Fiji can work towards a future where they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. These narratives not only raise awareness but also inspire hope for a more compassionate community where the experiences of older citizens are valued and their well-being prioritized.
Leave a comment