Rise in elder abuse prompts urgent push for new ageing policy

Fiji is moving to urgently reinstate a National Ageing Policy framework after a decade without one, as cases of elder abuse, financial exploitation and neglect continue to rise.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said that Fiji’s first National Ageing Policy expired in 2015 and has not been replaced, leaving significant gaps in coordination and protection for older persons.

“For the last 10 years we have not had a national ageing policy framework, and the absence of a structured approach has contributed to fragmented services and mounting challenges in caring for senior citizens,” she said.

Ms Kiran said that her Ministry is dealing with cases of elderly people being forced out of their homes after transferring property to their children, and that almost every day there is a case of somebody being chased out of their home.

She said discussions have been held with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and warned that family members who neglect, abuse or financially exploit older persons can be prosecuted under existing laws.

“We are going to start prosecuting them,” she said.

At the same time, Government is exploring the development of a dedicated legislative framework to better protect elderly citizens. The Minister said Fiji is studying international models where assets transferred by older persons can legally revert back if they are subsequently neglected.

The Minister said Fiji has undergone major demographic and social shifts since 2015, including urban migration, changing family structures, more elderly people caring for grandchildren without adequate support systems, and the decline of extended family care structures, and growing challenges in geriatric medicine, dementia awareness and caregiver support.

“There seriously needs to be consultation,” she said, explaining that the new process will involve nationwide engagement to identify emerging issues and practical solutions.

The review will result in a new national policy, followed by an action and implementation plan, including monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure impact.

Beyond protection, Ms Kiran said that ageing policy must create opportunities for older persons to remain active contributors to society.

“Our older persons have helped in building the nation,” she said. “How do we create spaces for them to be involved? They have so much to give.”

She described senior citizens as the “wisdom bridge” of traditions and values, especially at a time when many families struggle to nurture children due to economic and social pressures.

The consultation will also consider community‑based aged‑care models and examine whether retirement age policies should be reviewed, particularly as many people remain healthy and willing to work beyond 60.

The Minister confirmed that consultations will include not only older persons but also caregivers, hospital staff, government agencies and community representatives.

“Very important,” she said of caregiver inclusion. “They can tell us the challenges they face.”

Engagement will be nationwide, with outreach in communities and online platforms to ensure even non‑mobile seniors can participate.

Once developed, the policy will include a structured action plan and impact assessment framework to track progress, similar to other national social policies.

The Minister urged senior citizens across the country to actively engage in the consultation process.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible,” she said.

The forthcoming National Ageing Policy aims to close a ten‑year policy gap and operationalise Fiji’s commitment to ensuring that older persons are protected, valued and meaningfully included in national development.