The Ministry of Social and Family Development has validated the National Elderly Policy.
The policy was validated at a workshop to establish a consolidated document and platform that integrates extant and future policies and systems, constructing a coordinated framework for the comprehensive welfare of the elderly in the Maldives.
The workshop was held in collaboration with United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP). The ministry stated the purpose of formulating a National Elderly Policy is to compile a framework for promoting quality of life for elderly, given Maldives' rapid demographic shift toward an ageing population.
The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to submit their comments on the draft of the National Elderly Policy. The ministry will work with all stakeholders to ensure the policy is implemented with the input and recommendations of the stakeholders.
In 2023, the percentage of the population over the age of 60 was 8.3 percent and is expected to increase to 34.1 percent by 2025. The ministry stated that it is working to implement the National Elderly Policy as soon as possible, highlighting the importance of having a comprehensive policy to ensure the rights of the elderly.