Fiji’s elderly likely to account for 17% of total population in 2050

The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation has said it is likely that the elderly group of 60 years and above will compromise 17 percent of Fiji’s total population in 2050.

According to the Fiji’s National Ageing Policy, the elderly group of 60 years and above comprised eight percent of the total population in 2010.

Fiji’s National Ageing Policy highlights that it is important to develop proper legislation and infrastructure that would ensure that such a population who has contributed to nation building are not rejected or ostracized but are given a better standard of living in their old age.

Minister Rosy Akbar said the National Ageing Policy through the National Council for Older Persons will ensure the inclusion and empowerment of senior citizens in their homes and communities.

Akbar said the Ministry strongly urges families to look after their elderly, to show respect, care and compassion to senior citizens as they are the ones that have contributed to the development of their communities and this nation.

Meanwhile, a total of 12,720 senior citizens are currently benefitting from government’s Social Pension Scheme.

These are senior citizens who are 70 years and over in age and who have never received any form of superannuation funds like FNPF, Aftercare Fund or Ex-Servicemen.

They receive a monthly allowance of $50 and the age is to be reduced to 68 years from July this year.