The Ministry of Social and Family Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has launched the Maldives’ first National Policy on the Elderly. The policy was unveiled by UN Permanent Representative to the Maldives, Hao Zhang.
Key objectives of the policy include promoting active and healthy ageing by ensuring equal access to age-appropriate, high-quality health care and long-term care services, as well as long-term education and skills development. In addition, key policies to strengthen and expand income security through social security systems, pensions and opportunities for economic participation are also included, enabling older people to remain financially self-sufficient.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr Aishath Shiham said the implementation of the policy will encourage further protection of the rights of the elderly, ensure their wellbeing, increase their participation in social activities and encourage older people to live empowered lives without relying on others.
The Minister highlighted demographic trends, observing that the elderly population is steadily increasing both globally and in the Maldives. By 2030, it is estimated that 7 percent of the Maldivian population will be elderly, which is expected to double to 14 percent by 2050. These figures show the remarkable progress made in the fields of health care and social development, she said.
The Minister also stressed the importance of preparing for an inclusive future, where older people live with empowerment, dignity, inclusion and safety. She said building a compassionate society that ensures that the elderly live fulfilling lives is a key vision of the President. The establishment of social centres for the elderly under the name of “Isravvehinge Naadhee” is one of the central initiatives supporting this vision, she noted.
A validation workshop on the National Policy for the Elderly will be held on 17 and 18 September, where relevant stakeholders will be consulted before the policy’s implementation.
According to the Ministry, the draft policy is in line with major international frameworks such as the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.