In this week’s radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed appealed to the people to be more compassionate towards and prevent neglect of elderly in the society.
He stated that it was distressing and worrying to see many elderly people being deprived of proper care, in poor living conditions and without a relative or anybody else to take care of them.
Speaking in this regard, he shared a recent incident that involved a 79 year old man, who was taken into the government care, June 8, after three of his children refused to take him in and the government was unable to find any other relative who was willing to care for him.
The elderly man, who came to Male’ from his island, seeking medical care has since passed away on June 12.
In today’s radio address, the President expressed his sorrow and concern over the incident.
Noting that that having an elderly person die in such anguish, without anybody else but the government to take care of was not acceptable, the President said the elderly should be given utmost compassion and care from all members of their families.
“Elderly need the help and care of their children and all the members of their families. It is the responsibility of every member of their families to treat them with care with compassion and keep them happy,” the President added.
