Financial deception against elderly jumps 86 per cent, forum hears

Financial exploitation of older Fijians is on the rise, with cases of obtaining a financial advantage by deception increasing by 86 per cent in a year, according to Women in Art and Climate Action.

The warning came despite an overall decline in reported crimes against senior citizens.

Women in Art and Climate Action (WACA) administrator Paulini Saurogo said cases of obtaining a financial advantage by deception rose by 86 per cent, from 29 in 2024 to 54 in 2025.

She revealed the figures during the Dignity for All Ages: A Call for Elder Care, Justice and Universal Human Rights roundtable discussion at the Lautoka City Council Chambers yesterday.

Ms Saurogo said financial exploitation of older people is emerging as one of Fiji's fastest-growing forms of elder abuse, despite an overall decline in reported crimes against senior citizens.

She said reported crimes against people aged 60 and over fell by 13.6 per cent, from 1,945 cases in 2024 to 1,680 in 2025, but the sharp increase in financial exploitation remained a major concern.

"Financial exploitation has emerged as a growing threat; cases involving obtaining a financial advantage by deception increased by a staggering 86 per cent, rising from 29 cases in 2024 to 54 cases in 2025," she said.

She said many older people also endured emotional and psychological abuse that often went unreported.

"We must also acknowledge the hidden suffering, emotional and psychological abuse that often occur behind closed doors, the loneliness of those forgotten by their families, and the painful reality that two-thirds of abusers are adult children of the victims.

"We have also recorded 159 cases of assault causing actual bodily harm against older persons, along with incidents involving criminal intimidation, trespass, online-related offences and money laundering targeting elderly victims.

"The Western Division has recorded the highest number of elderly victims, while the Northern Division has seen an overall increase in such cases," she said.

Ms Saurogo said the forum, held to mark World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, highlighted the need for stronger protection of older people by families, communities and institutions.

She said Fiji was reviewing its National Ageing Policy 2026-2035 following more than a decade, after more than 100 consultations nationwide involving more than 1,700 participants.

The draft policy focuses on six priority areas: social protection, health and caregiving, transport and accessibility, digital inclusion, community infrastructure and disaster preparedness, and legal protection.

Representatives from elder care facilities, religious organisations and the legal profession attended the roundtable to discuss ways to ensure older Fijians live with dignity, safety and respect.