First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called for greater efforts to protect the rights of older people and ensure they are able to live healthy, secure and dignified lives.
In a message marking the International Day of Older Persons, observed annually on October 1, Sajidha said senior citizens play an important role in preserving social traditions and passing knowledge, experience and wisdom from one generation to the next.
She said recognising those contributions must be accompanied by measures that protect the rights, health and overall wellbeing of elderly people.
Sajidha highlighted the growing proportion of older people in populations around the world and increasing life expectancy, saying these demographic changes require societies to reconsider how people are supported throughout different stages of life.
She called for stronger opportunities for senior citizens to remain connected to their communities rather than becoming socially isolated as they grow older.
Creating an environment in which older people can maintain meaningful relationships, participate in society and lead fulfilling lives should form an important part of elderly care, she said.
The First Lady also highlighted the need for policies that support healthy ageing over the long term, including investment in healthcare systems, social protection and economic opportunities for older people.
She said enabling senior citizens to participate fully in the country’s development would contribute towards building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
The International Day of Older Persons was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990 and has been observed on October 1 since 1991. The occasion is used globally to draw attention to issues affecting older populations, including healthcare, social inclusion, income security, discrimination and the protection of their rights.
The issue is becoming increasingly relevant to the Maldives as improvements in healthcare and life expectancy gradually change the country’s demographic structure.
Maldives has traditionally had a relatively young population, but the proportion of elderly citizens is expected to increase over the coming decades, creating greater demand for long-term healthcare, social protection and community-based support.
The government currently provides a range of assistance for senior citizens, including the Old Age Basic Pension for eligible Maldivians aged 65 and above. Healthcare and social protection programmes also provide support to older people, while elderly care facilities and community-based initiatives operate in different parts of the country.
The changing demographic landscape has increased the importance of planning for age-related healthcare needs, including chronic diseases, rehabilitation, mobility assistance and long-term care, while also addressing loneliness and social isolation among older people.
Sajidha said policies should go beyond simply extending life expectancy and focus on ensuring that additional years of life can be lived in good health and with independence and purpose.
She stressed that every person’s experience of ageing is different and said those differences should be recognised when designing services and support systems for senior citizens.
The First Lady called for continued efforts to ensure older people can age with dignity, purpose and security while remaining active members of their families and communities.
