In an alarming statement, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran disclosed that older persons have topped the suicide statistics for the past three years. Speaking in her first parliamentary address since her appointment last December yesterday, Ms Kiran expressed concern over the growing issue, highlighting the tragic trend affecting the elderly population. She highlighted the growing concern of elder neglect and isolation in Fiji, noting that “many have been neglected as their families have moved on to greener pastures” and some have “acquired disability due to NCDs (non-communicable diseases) and are suffering neglect.” To address these concerns, Ms Kiran announced several initiatives including the review of the national ageing policy this year and the creation of dedicated spaces for older persons in each district. “When seniors come to urban centres to collect their allowance, we are hoping they could come to a place of networking and be able to access various services including counselling,” she said. Ms Kiran called on faith-based organisations to “create spaces and events for senior citizens in their local centres on a regular basis to help with emotional and mental wellbeing of senior citizens.” Her ministry is currently working with the National Council of Older Persons to roll out these initiatives, hoping that “with regular interaction and support, we can help reduce the numbers of seniors committing suicide.” The ministry also plans to document older persons confined to their homes through district advisory counsellors in order to organise visitations and support programmes. Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj