Elderly persons serve as the foundation of families, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed said in a message posted to social media on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, observed today.
Senior citizens uphold societal traditions and transmit knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next, the first lady observed. Society, she urged, must resolve to recognise the invaluable contributions of senior citizens, protect their fundamental rights, and guarantee their overall well-being.
As the proportion of older people in the global population increases and human lifespans lengthen, communities must rethink approaches to providing mutual care and assistance at every stage of life, First Lady Sajidha stated. Opportunities must be facilitated for senior citizens to strengthen their engagement with broader society, she underscored, paving the way for them to lead healthy, satisfying, and dignified lives.
Public policy must be structured around sustained investments in healthy ageing, robust healthcare systems, social safety nets, and economic opportunities, the first lady stressed. Guaranteeing the full participation of senior citizens in the nation’s development journey, she maintained, is vital to building an inclusive and compassionate society.
Efforts must focus on extending healthy life expectancy while acknowledging the diverse experiences individuals encounter throughout the ageing process, the first lady asserted. Every person deserves the opportunity to age in an environment grounded in dignity, purpose, and security, she noted.