THERE is increasing concern on ageing, stemming from the fact that the amount of people over the age of 60 years is increasing each year.
This demographic change can challenge the social security, health care and economic sectors of developing countries.
Macuata chief Ratu Aisea Katonivere made these comments in his address during the Senior Citizens Day celebrations in Labasa on Monday.
"This concern has given rise to the establishment of international responses such as the 1982 Madrid International Plan of Action that simply encourages government in both developed and developing countries, including Pacific regional countries to extend frameworks that will address the increasing demographics on ageing," Ratu Aisea said.
"The good news for the citizens of Fiji is that government has developed a framework on ageing.
"And this serves to be a guideline into how government, in partnership with the non-government organisations, private sector and international partners work together to scope the realities of ageing," he said.
He alluded to the Fiji National Ageing Policy that was endorsed by government last year when he made the comments.