The percentage of older population in Fiji defined people aged 60 and above has been increasing steadily since 2000, says Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar.
She said Fiji’s older population was expected to reach nearly 20 per cent in 2050.
“This brings to reality the need to prepare ourselves for an ageing population,” she said.
“The Government’s commitment to older persons is protected under Fiji’s 2013 Constitution has provided for a wide range of socioeconomic rights.
“These rights include rights to education, access to health care, housing and sanitation, reasonable access to transportation, food security and safe water, and social security schemes.”
She said in 2012, Government passed the National Council for Older Persons Act recognising the importance of Fiji’s older population.
“Through this Act Government has established an advisory body currently under the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation to establish NCOP which is specifically to strengthen the partnership and collaboration between the Government, families, community-based organisations, traditional village communities, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and the private sector.”
Ms Akbar said the legislation mandated the creation of an inclusive, protective, healthy and supportive environment for older persons and represent the rights and interests of older persons in Fiji at all levels.
“It is also relevant to share here, that currently, the ministry is working to review Fiji’s initial Ageing Policy of 2011, to ensure that we confirm realities of Ageing in the Fiji context and also prepare the nation well to improve services for the aged through greater collaboration amongst all stakeholders.”
