We will be looking at prosecuting individuals who abuse or financially exploit older persons.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran mentioned this at the launch of the Review of the Ageing Policy at the Holiday Inn in Suva, warning of a growing number of cases where elderly citizens are being neglected, displaced from their homes, or left destitute after transferring assets to family members.
Kiran revealed that cases of neglect and asset-related exploitation are being reported almost daily.
INSERT: Kiran on cases increasing 23rd Feb
She confirmed that discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions have established that existing legislation already provides avenues to prosecute family members who neglect, abuse, or financially disadvantage elderly relatives.
She adds that as the numbers increase, they will begin prosecuting people and that the Ministry is also working towards establishing a dedicated legislative protection framework for older persons.
The review aims to update the national ageing framework introduced in 2015, reflecting major demographic and social changes over the past decade.
Kiran says there has been a shift from extended family support systems to more nuclear households, urban migration trends, and a growing number of grandparents raising grandchildren without structured support.
She highlighted increasing concerns around geriatric medicine, dementia awareness, and caregiver fatigue.
She says many families lack understanding of the ageing process, particularly when elderly individuals appear physically mobile but have slowed down mentally or physically.
Kiran acknowledged that some cases stem from fraud, while others are linked to caregiver exhaustion, underscoring the need for education and systemic support.
She says the nationwide consultation will involve a broad cross-section of society, including older persons, caregivers, young people, hospital staff, officials from the Ministry of Health, provincial administrators, advisory counsellors, and community leaders.
She says consultations will be conducted both physically and online, with efforts to ensure accessibility in multiple languages and formats.
The Minister says the process will lead to the development of a revised national policy, followed by an action plan and implementation framework, complete with monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
She says the review will also examine retirement age and workforce participation.
She adds that while the civil service retirement age currently stands at 60, many individuals up to 65 remain capable and eager to continue working, particularly in the private sector.
Kiran says spaces need to be created where older persons can remain constructively engaged.
She stressed that elderly citizens remain central to Fiji’s cultural and social fabric, saying that they are the wisdom bridge of our traditions and values.
She urged older persons across Fiji to participate in the consultation process, assuring that Ministry teams will visit communities and provide alternative communication channels to ensure as many voices as possible are heard.
Kiran says they want to listen to Fiji and that this policy must reflect lived experiences and shape the protection and empowerment of older persons going forward.
