Day for the elderly
26-Sep-2008 09:06 AM

ELDERY people around Fiji will join together on Wednesday, October 1 (next week) to mark United Nations International Day of Older People.

Non-government welfare organisation, the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) in a joint statement with Help Age International yesterday said elderly people would observe the special day under the banner of ‘Age Demands Action’ which is the slogan for a global campaign calling for recognition and support for older people’s vial contribution to society.

Fiji’s old people will join groups and organisations of older people in 33 countries worldwide for activities that include marchers, demonstrations and meetings with government ministers to press for change.

As part of the event, a delegation of elderly people from FCOSS, its affiliates and the National Advisory Council on Ageing and Elderly with officials from the Ministry of Society Welfare, Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Ministry of Labour and Minister of Home Affairs to highlight the unique problems the elderly face and discuss how the government can better support older people to lead dignified, healthy and active lives.

FCOSS says the delegation will focus on issues identified in elderly people’s forums held in Suva, Labasa and the west.

A march to mark International Day of Older People will convene in front of Tanoa Plaza, Suva on October 1.

FCOSS adds that older people around will lobby their governments to recognise and support the role older people play in society.

The campaign also aims to highlight the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and how issues affecting the elderly should be included in strategies undertaken to address these goals.

FCOSS says ‘Age Demands Action 2008’ is being supported by politicians, celebrities, artists and musicians.