A recent statement by Poserio Furivai, CEO of Housing Assistance and Relief Trust (HART), has shed light on the distressing issue of elderly citizens homeless and sleeping on the streets in Fiji. He expressed deep concern over the neglect faced by many seniors, attributing this crisis to the increasing trend of families failing to care for their elderly members.
Mr. Furivai noted that witnessing elderly individuals forced to sleep outside signifies a troubling reality of familial disregard. “We continue to see some elderly people sleeping on the streets around the city and town areas. This is because they have no other place to go,” he stated. He highlighted the disheartening fact that some families perceive their elderly relatives as burdens, often relegating them to begging on the streets instead.
Frustrated by the lack of love and respect received by many seniors at home, he emphasized that this neglect pushes them out of families and into the streets. “Some elderly, because there is no due consideration and respect for them in the house, they no longer feel loved, and that itself pushes them out,” he stated, stressing the need for society to recognize the sacrifices made by the elderly throughout their lives.
The challenges faced by older citizens are not isolated incidents; they mirror broader societal issues highlighted in various similar cases, such as the increasing reports of elder neglect and suicide where individuals feel abandoned by their families. Assistant Minister Sashi Kiran recently revealed alarming statistics regarding elderly suicides in Fiji, indicating that many older adults may feel undervalued, leading to tragic outcomes.
Despite these challenges, there are grassroots efforts underway, such as those from community volunteers who are stepping in to support the senior population. Initiatives aimed at fostering social engagement, such as community events and support networks for elderly individuals, reflect a growing acknowledgment of the need for improvement in their quality of life.
The commitment to addressing these issues, highlighted by both government officials and community leaders, is a glimmer of hope for the future. By fostering community-based approaches and emphasizing respect and care for older citizens, there is potential for transformative change that ensures no elder is forgotten or left behind. Together, there is hope for paving a more inclusive and compassionate path for seniors, recognizing their invaluable contributions to society.
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