Government to establish centers for senior citizens

The government announced its decision to establish centers for senior citizens across the Maldives.

As part of these efforts, the government decided to open the former Center for Quran, which went into development during the previous administration.

At the press conference held by the President's Office on Monday, December 25, the Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim said that following the first center's inauguration, similar centers would be opened across the country as agreed upon during the recent cabinet meeting.

Nazim highlighted that the establishment of social centers for senior citizens is an integral part of the current government's policies.

He further confirmed that the centers would be developed through a collaborative effort of the Youth Ministry, Sports Ministry, and the Health Ministry.

"A significant demographic of the Maldivian population are senior citizens. People who have served the country for an extended period and retirees, so it is an important policy of the government to provide them with an environment to foster their mental and physical well-being," Nazim, who is also the former Minister of Health said.

According to the Health Ministry, the new establishment developed at the former Center for Quran would focus on helping senior citizens in extending services and aid, and help them maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Services of the Center Include:

1. Entertainment and sports to foster mental and physical well-being (the facility would feature a multimedia hall, library, and gardens)

2. Counseling services to improve healthy living among senior citizens

3. Enhance opportunities for the elderly to contribute to social welfare organizations

4. Sharing the experiences of senior citizens

5. Full-suite services under one roof (which include applications for National ID card, passport, pension office and NSPA services)

6. Health screening (exercise, health checkups, sessions on healthy nutrition, improving mental health, and skills for healthy living)

7. Social services for senior citizens in vulnerable conditions

In the Maldives, citizens aged 55 and above are considered as senior citizens.