From January to August this year, nineteen elderly individuals have taken their own lives, with a significant number of attempted suicides reported last year, according to Sashi Kiran, Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection. This information was disclosed during the soft launch of the Golden Age Home in Labasa.
Kiran pointed out that among those who died by suicide this year, two were over 60 years of age. She expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of neglect faced by the elderly, indicating that many feel abandoned and pressured to take such drastic actions.
She urged families and communities to be more supportive of their elderly members, emphasizing that neglecting older individuals can lead to serious social issues. Kiran stated, “When we stop caring for our elderly, we risk losing the sense of unity and experience that keeps families intact.”
There are currently 112 abandoned seniors residing in three government-run aged care homes located in Labasa, Suva, and Lautoka. Kiran noted that 86 percent of these individuals live with some form of disability, complicating their situations further.