Elder abuse on the rise, says Minister Kiran
Police record showed that between January and May, six suicides and three attempted suicides were recorded among Fijians aged 60 and above.
Wednesday 01 October 2025 | 06:00
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran outside Parliament on October 1, 2025.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
Today, Fiji joined the global celebration in marking the International Day for Older Persons.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said more elderly citizens in Fiji had been neglected, abused, and isolated because of their age.
She said 112 elderly citizens resided in the three state-funded elderly homes in Fiji - the central division recorded 47, North 32, West 33.
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Police record showed that between January and May, six suicides and three attempted suicides were recorded among Fijians aged 60 and above.
Ms Kiran said elderly abuse was escalating, with property crime making up 62 per cent of reported cases last year.
Another problem is widespread domestic and family violence often inflicted by caregivers or relatives and psychological, sexual, and financial exploitations.
“Many elderly should not be in aged care facilities, yet more families are choosing to place their parents and grandparents there instead of providing care at home,” Ms Kiran said.
“This reflects a painful shift. We are losing the culture of respect and care for our elders.”
She said 58,000 people aged 65 and over, receive monthly assistance, with an additional 32,000 benefiting for transport allowances once they turn 70.
