The change in social climate and the digital age has influenced many people to move their elderly family members from their respective houses into the Golden Age Home.

A resident, at Labasa Golden Age Home, Peter Sinclair, said the younger generation needed to take care of their elderly parents because they had done so much for them.

The 55-year-old said modern days had brought a lot of changes to the people and the environment, “the digital age had taken away the love and compassion”.

Meanwhile, a one-week celebration for International Day for Older Persons will begin today.

It is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people made to society and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of ageing in today’s world.

To mark the celebration in Labasa, Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa will be opening the one-week event today at the Golden Age Home.

The home’s acting senior welfare officer Josaia Ratawake, said they would be having a different programme each day.

“The event will begin with a march through the main street of Labasa to raise awareness to the communities,” Mr Ratawake said.

They have identified three villages where they would be carrying out awareness programmes.

“This is to educate the public on issues of concern and to reinforce the importance of caring for the elderly, as we’re ageing every day,” he said.

He said they were fortunate to have the minister officiating at the event.

There are 30 residents at the Labasa Golden Age Home.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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