Nineteen elderly individuals have taken their own lives from January to August this year, while last year, there were 60 recorded attempts, according to Sashi Kiran, the Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection. Ms. Kiran made these remarks during the soft launch of the Golden Age Home in Labasa.
She noted that among those who died by suicide this year, two were over the age of 60. Ms. Kiran expressed concern about the abandonment of elderly individuals who lack support from their families or caregivers, which she described as a troubling trend that can drive older individuals to consider such drastic actions.
She emphasized the importance of families and communities recognizing and addressing the needs of senior citizens. “Neglecting our older persons is akin to letting the very foundation of our families crumble, leading to broader social issues,” she stated.
Highlighting the wealth of experience older individuals bring, Ms. Kiran pointed out that by abandoning them, families miss out on the care and wisdom they can offer. She urged the community to exhibit compassion, which Fiji is known for, suggesting that by doing so, elders can continue contributing positively to the community and guiding younger generations.
Currently, there are 112 elderly people living in three government-run care homes across Labasa, Suva, and Lautoka, and approximately 86 percent of these seniors have some form of disability, complicating their lives.