The Maldives on Saturday held a special function to mark International Day of Older Persons.
The official function, held Saturday evening in Thulhaadhoo Island of Baa Atoll, was organised by the Gender Ministry in collaboration with Thulhaadhoo Island Council and local NGOs.
The United Nations is marking the International Day of Older Persons by encouraging countries to draw attention to and challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions about older persons and ageing, and to enable older persons to realize their potential to build a life of dignity and human rights. It is marked annually on October 1.
Speaking at the official function held to mark the day, Gender Minister Zenysha Shaheed Zaki highlighted the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the issues and challenges faced by them. She said “the government is undertaking efforts to draw up policies and mechanisms to provide better services to older persons, in line with the electoral pledge of the Yameen administration.” “The Gender Ministry is conducting special campaigns titled ‘Agu Vazankurun’ and ‘Ranveylaa’ to appreciate the invaluable contributions made by senior citizens, and strengthen healthcare services provided to them,” she added.
As part of the celebrations, the Ministry will also conduct a special health awareness campaign and health screening programme targeting older persons in Thulhaadhoo, Goidhoo, Fulhadhoo, Fehendhoo and Hithaadhoo Islands of Baa Atoll.
In his message on the occasion of the day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that, while older persons are often said to enjoy particular respect, the reality is that too many societies limit them, denying access to jobs, loans and basic services. Underlining that marginalization and devaluing of older persons takes a heavy toll, Ban said “it undermines their productivity and experience in the workforce, in volunteerism and through civil engagement while constraining their capacity for caregiving as well as financial and other support to families and communities.” “Ageism frequently intersects with other forms of discrimination based on gender, race, disability and other grounds, compounding and intensifying its effects,” he added. Noting that ending ageism and securing the human rights of older persons is an ethical and practical imperative, Ban urged for measures to address this violation of human rights as well as calling for greater legal guarantees of equality for older persons to prevent ageism from resulting in discriminatory policies, laws and treatment.
The theme for the day this year is “Take a Stand against Ageism”, which challenges everyone to consider ageism - the negative attitudes and discrimination based on age - and the detrimental impact it has on older people. Ageism is stereotyping and discrimination on the basis of a person’s age, which is widespread and an insidious practice which has harmful effects on the health of older adults.
According to the UN Population Fund, people aged 60 and older accounted for 12.3 per cent of global population in 2015, and by 2050, that number will rise to almost 22 per cent.