Govt announces special effort to support the growing population of senior citizens
A 2022 study shows that 50% of Maldivian elderly population suffers from depression and loneliness.
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By
Shahudha Mohamed
Minister of Social and Family Development Dr Aishath Shiham has said that the government has initiated efforts to provide a dignified life to the growing elderly population in the Maldives.
She was speaking at a press conference held by the ministry and relevant institutions on Wednesday to brief the media on the work done by the ministry in the field of social and family development in the last six months.
“Unless we are prepared for it now, we cannot attend to it in the most appropriate way. The senior citizens' area is something that we are paying a lot of attention to,' she said. She also noted that:
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According to the 2022 census, the senior citizen population in Maldives is 5%
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However, the population of senior citizens will be very large in the future as the birth rate in Maldives is declining and the life expectancy is approaching 80 years
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In addition, a 2022 study shows that 50% of Maldivian elderly population suffers from depression and loneliness
Therefore, the Minister highlighted some of the initiatives being taken by the government to improve the quality of life of the elderly with a long-term view.
Aishath Shiham said that one of the most needed things for the elderly is housing. Many families have moved to Male while their elderly parents live alone in the islands, she said.
The minister said:
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Many families who have moved to the urban area do not live in places where there is enough space to bring their ageing parents; therefore, it will be taken into consideration when implementing the upcoming housing projects
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If the family looks after their parents in future housing schemes, housing projects will be implemented with more points and more benefits; it was decided by President Muizzu and approved by the Cabinet
Secondly, Aishath Shiham mentioned the need to reduce health problems and non-communicable diseases among the elderly population.
"The worry is that by the time one turns 40, they have to spend a lot on their own as well as through the government in dealing with various health conditions. So, if they wait without doing anything until they are 65 years old, then a very large part of the population is becoming a very sick population," the minister said.
Therefore, the main goal of the current programs is, she said:
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Find ways to maintain good health when at 65 years in age
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Collaborate with the Ministry of Health to raise awareness about early dietary improvements and exercise
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Raise awareness in the community about the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid non-communicable diseases
At the same time, it is imperative to improve 'accessibility' so that people with disabilities and the elderly can easily access various services and move around alone, the minister said. She added that this is taken under consideration in all government infrastructure projects and will be adapted in the older ones too.
In addition, she noted that:
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Even people who have done great services to society are excluded from society when they reach a certain age; instead, they should be involved in society
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Opportunities are being created that increase the relationship between youth and senior citizens; The 'Human Library' program will share stories of the lives of the elderly with the youth
