Kiran call on improved accessibility for the elderly to business houses, transport sector and financial institutions

Business houses, the transport sector, financial institutions and service providers need to improve accessibility not only for pensioners but for our elderly population.

While speaking during the Fiji Pensioner’s Association Annual General Meeting, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran has raised concerns and says there is a need to improve accessibility to public transport including lowering of steps and allocated seating arrangements on all public transport.

Kiran says seating spaces and personnel to prioritise serving the elderly in banks and medical facilities needs to be prioritised as well to ensure they are not kept waiting in long queues.

Kiran is calling on business houses, the transport sector, financial institutions and service providers to improve accessibility not only for pensioners but for our elderly population.

Kiran says there is a need for access to parking and priority services in the retail and service sector and as part of development initiatives, it is only right that we develop an understanding of the aging process, pay a little more attention to their needs and improve their access to basic services if we are to be an age-inclusive society.

The assistant minister says not only because we owe it to them but more importantly it will ensure their rights and well-being are taken care of and they continue to live a life of dignity.

She also acknowledged the invaluable contribution they have committed towards nation-building, saying that it is only appropriate that we as a nation recognise, and acknowledge that their wisdom and good deeds over the years have positively impacted our lives today.