Police have reported the death of a 79-year-old woman in Rakiraki, who neighbors believe set herself on fire at her home on Monday. The elderly woman was living alone in Caulasi when neighbors discovered her on a pile of burning debris. They quickly came to her aid and transported her to the hospital. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that her death resulted from severe burns.
Sashi Kiran, the Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, highlighted a concerning trend of older individuals facing loneliness and depression, particularly as younger generations migrate overseas, leaving their elders behind. She urged community networks and faith groups to connect with older residents in their areas who might lack support and to create opportunities for their involvement in society.
Kiran emphasized the collective responsibility in suicide prevention, encouraging people to reach out to those experiencing loneliness. She also revealed that there had been 16 reported suicides among the elderly in the first half of this year.