President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed the critical role senior citizens play in national development, declaring that every elderly person carries a " treasure trove of experience" from which the country must draw lessons to build a better tomorrow.
In a message on the International Day for Older Persons celebrated on 1 October every year, shared in a post on social media, President Dr Muizzu emphasised that the reflections of the past witnessed by senior citizens serve as essential blueprints for national progress.
Marking the United Nations observance, which this year carried the theme, "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights", the President outlined specific government commitments aimed at elevating the quality of life for older persons.
President Dr Muizzu highlighted that a core policy of his administration is to ensure that every island in the Maldives facilitates a comfortable and compassionate environment for senior citizens.
To achieve this goal and increase social participation, the President has called for the development of dedicated activity spaces tailored for senior citizens. These spaces are intended to ensure the elderly remain physically, mentally, and socially healthy, contributing to the broader objective of establishing a compassionate community that deeply respects and appreciates the contributions of its older members.
This strategic focus aligns with the existing National Policy for the Elderly, which was formulated to protect the dignity and basic rights of older persons. The policy seeks to create a safe, caring society while actively recognising and enhancing the productivity of seniors, providing them opportunities for full participation and independent living.
The policy is viewed as essential for the Maldives—one of the fastest-aging populations globally—to achieve necessary social development to cater to an aging population.