Older people have topped suicide numbers in the last 3-years – Kiran

Older people, who have contributed to nation-building in the past, have had the highest suicide rates over the last three years.

Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran highlighted this in Parliament this morning while responding to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s opening speech.

Kiran says that many elderly individuals have been neglected as their families move on to pursue better opportunities while some have acquired disabilities due to Non-Communicable Diseases and are now abandoned.

She also raised concerns over frequent reports of elder abuse.

The Minister recalled that a visionary leader and former matron of Ba Mission Hospital had identified loneliness as a significant challenge among senior citizens and later established the Ba Senior Citizens Centre in 2001, which continues to operate today, providing a communal space for older individuals.

Kiran says through the National Council of Older Persons, the Ministry is working on creating similar spaces in each district with the aim to foster regular interaction and support, ultimately reducing suicide rates among the elderly.

She says that efforts are being made to document elderly individuals confined to their homes and implement visitation and support programs and faith-based organisations are also being encouraged to create spaces and host events for senior citizens.

She also highlighted that the Department of Social Protection, under the Ministry, continues to provide financial assistance to 35,000 vulnerable households and children in need of care and protection.

They also support 56,000 older persons through the social pension scheme, 13,000 individuals living with disabilities, 30,000 people through the e-transport program, 44,000 older persons aged 70+ and persons with disabilities through transport assistance top-ups.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinating Committee has been revived and is currently working on a National Action Plan to prevent all forms of child abuse.

Kiran says in partnership with UNICEF, they are embarking on capacity-building initiatives to develop diversion pathways for children in conflict with the law.

She says this initiative aims to provide necessary assistance for healing and rehabilitation.

She says that trauma is often inter-generational, with parents who grew up in abusive homes lacking the knowledge to break the cycle.

The Minister further says that the well-being of street dwellers remains a high priority for the Ministry and through collaboration, targeted interventions are being implemented to support children living on the streets.

Kiran adds that they are working closely with the Ministry of Youth to ensure that these children receive access to education, shelter, and social services.