International Day of Older Persons 2026 focuses on Intergenerational Solidarity

Building stronger bonds between generations was at the heart of the observance of the International Day of Older Persons 2026 held, this morning, at the J&J Auditorium in Phoenix. Organised by the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity in collaboration with the Senior Citizens Council, the event centred on the theme, ‘Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives: Launch of Intergenerational Solidarity Dialogues and Initiatives in Mauritius.’

The Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Kumar Subron; the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Mr Muhammad Reza Cassam Uteem; the Junior Minister of Finance, Mr Dhaneshwar Damry; the Junior Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Kuvalayen Kugan Parapen; the Chairperson of the Senior Citizens Council, Mr Naraidoo Gava, and other personalities were present.

In her address, Mrs Navarre-Marie underlined the need to ensure that older persons live with dignity, security and protection, particularly amid changing family structures and an ageing population. Noting that more than 275,000 Mauritians are aged over 60, she outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen support for older persons, including lowering the age at which they can benefit from medical domiciliary visits by doctors from 90 to 85, as well as amendments to the Protection of Elderly Persons Act.

The Acting Prime Minister further pointed out that domestic violence and abuse against older persons should not be considered a private family matter, stating that severe measures would be taken against such acts. She also called for stronger protection against physical, psychological and financial abuse and neglect, emphasising that safeguarding older persons is a matter of respect and human dignity.

Speaking about intergenerational solidarity, Mrs Navarre-Marie called for stronger links between generations through schools, libraries, community centres and associations. She stressed the importance of a two-way exchange, with younger generations helping older persons to use technology and artificial intelligence, while older persons transmit traditional knowledge, oral histories and cultural values.

For his part, Minister Subron highlighted the lasting contribution of older persons to the development of Mauritius and the importance of recognising their experiences and contributions. He also underscored Government measures to improve care and support for older persons, including the expansion of long-term care facilities and services addressing health conditions associated with ageing.

As for Junior Minister Parapen, he stressed that ageing should be viewed as a new phase of life, with persons aged 60 and above continuing to contribute to society. He called for policies that respond to demographic changes and for stronger intergenerational dialogue and interaction to rebuild meaningful connections between generations, particularly amid changing family dynamics and the growing influence of technology.

01 October 2026

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Topics: Social Security, Social Integration