More than 90,000 Fijians are now aged 60 years and over, representing more than one in every 10 people in the country, highlighting the growing importance of ensuring older persons remain included, protected and supported in national development.

Fiji is strengthening this work through the National Validation Workshop on its Voluntary National Survey for the Fifth Asia-Pacific Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.

The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Sashi Kiran, said the national report must be evidence-based and reflect the lived experiences of older persons across Fiji.

“Our elders are not only part of our past. They are the foundation of our present and remain important to our future,” Kiran said.

The workshop brings together representatives from Government, the National Council for Older Persons, HART Homes, non-governmental organisations and civil society to review and strengthen Fiji’s national survey ahead of its submission for the regional review in 2027.

The process will consider the different experiences of older people in urban, rural, maritime and island communities, including older women, persons with disabilities, caregivers and those who have worked mainly in the informal sector.

Fiji’s Draft National Ageing Policy 2026–2035 was developed following consultations with more than 2,000 people across 13 provinces and 37 districts. It identifies six priority areas: social protection and financial security; health and aged care; transport and accessibility; digital inclusion; climate-resilient community infrastructure; and legal protection.

Government support for older persons also includes the Social Pension Scheme, transport assistance, access to free general practitioner services and investment in aged-care facilities. Work is also progressing on the proposed Older Persons Act to strengthen protection against abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Kiran emphasised that ageing should not be viewed only through the lens of vulnerability, recognising the continued contribution older Fijians make through employment, caregiving, community leadership, volunteering, mentoring and the sharing of cultural knowledge.

The two-day workshop will contribute to the finalisation of Fiji’s national survey and support further development of the National Ageing Policy 2026–2035 and its implementation framework.