Intergenerational dialogue to foster solidarity in an ageing Mauritius

A consultative workshop on “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives – Launching of Intergenerational Solidarity Dialogues and Initiatives in Mauritius”, organised by the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, opened, today, at the Municipal City Council of Port Louis.

The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Subron; Junior Minister Kugan Parapen; the President of the Senior Citizens Council, Mr Vijay Naraidoo; and other guests were present.

In his address, Minister Subron said that the objective of the workshop was to gather ideas for the launch of the International Day of Older Persons on 01 October and to chart a 12-month roadmap to consolidate dialogue through concrete actions and initiatives.

He pointed out that society is witnessing increasing individualisation, along with different forms of ill-treatment against older people. He also spoke about ecological and social boundaries, stressing the need to rethink the way policies are devised and to adapt them to new exigencies.

Mr Subron recalled that in the last Budget, provision was made for the recruitment of 100 young people over three years to visit persons aged 80 and above and foster intergenerational relations. Other measures include the setting up of a Just Transition Commission within the Ministry of Social Security and the possible establishment of a Senior Volunteer Executive Programme.

Junior Minister Parapen highlighted the significance of the International Day of Older Persons, observed this year under the theme "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives”, stressing the importance of intergenerational dialogue in an evolving society.

He noted that human life expectancy has increased considerably over the years, from around 60 years during the 1950s and 1960s to approximately 76 to 78 years today. According to him, this new reality requires society to renew and adapt itself to the changing needs and circumstances of an ageing population.

He also pointed out that Mauritian society has undergone significant transformation, particularly in terms of family structures. Whereas the extended family was more common some 20 to 30 years ago, the nuclear family has increasingly become the norm, bringing changes in habits and social practices. In this context, he underscored the need to strengthen intergenerational dialogue, which can facilitate the exchange of experiences and knowledge while ensuring the transmission of values and wisdom from older generations to younger ones.

He noted that Generation Z and millennials are growing up in an increasingly digital world, with an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of Gen Z experiencing loneliness, a challenge also faced by many older people. He stressed the need to promote intergenerational dialogue and strengthen connections between young and older people.

As for Mr Naraidoo, he stressed the importance of addressing the needs and challenges of an ageing population. He noted that Mauritius has around 276,000 people aged 60 and above, highlighting the need to create a more age-friendly society where older persons can live with dignity and remain active.

He emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for social interaction, physical activities and healthy lifestyles, while also addressing health-related challenges and diseases associated with ageing.

09 September 2026

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Topics: Social Security