Fiji launches national ageing policy framework

The Fiji Council Of Social Services ( FCOSS) here Monday officially launched the National Policy Framework for the Older Persons while commemorating 2012 as the Year for Ageing. FCOSS Executive Director Hassan Khan said that the launching means that there should be social pensions for all older people, free and accessible healthcare, impartial humanitarian aid and a convention on the rights of older people. This is what HelpAge Centre Fiji is committed to promoting during 2012, the Year for Aging. According to the official, the launching was the resolution of the elderly participants of Age Demands Action in 2008, which has now become a reality thanks to the commitment of all those who were involved. In marking 2012 as the Year for Aging, FCOSS' HelpAge Centre plans to put into operation the National Policy for Older Persons, as this is about the dignity and security of the Fiji Elderly. Khan said it must be realized that there is this huge opportunity in the community that comes from this ever increasing number of older people who have time, talent, experience, energy, motivation, passion and commitment. "The dignity and security of the older people encompasses the rights of the older citizens to live a life of style of their choice, with reasonable access to whatever assistance is necessary to make it possible," he said, adding "personal security that is not being threatened by violence, neglect, robbery and intrusion of any kind is important for all older persons and specially those who are frail and who live alone."