Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has launched the National Elderly Action Plan 2019-2021.

The plan was officially unveiled at a special ceremony in Hotel Jen on Monday morning, by First Lady Fazna Ahmed.

The National Elderly Action Plan will see the implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons based on four primary areas of action; care and protection; independence and participation; health and wellbeing; and preparation for old age.

The plan also outlines ways to recognize socio-economic challenges to the elderly, ways to improve their wellbeing and protection and encourage their participation in the community.

Furthermore, Gender Minister Shidhatha Shareef announced the decision to declare 1st of September as ‘National Grandparents Day’ from now on, “to honour grandparents and recognise their contributions to the family and society.”

Also at the function, the minister noted difficulties in providing residential services to older persons.

She noted that there is only one such facility in the country currently, at the disabilities center in Guraidhoo island.

She said that there are issues as the center is not solely dedicated to providing such services, and added that there have been obstacles to establishing a home for elderly people.

The gender minister had, in October, assured that the elderly homes will be established “within two years”; one is to be opened in capital Malé City, while the location of the second home “is yet to be confirmed.”

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had, during his address at the year's inaugural parliament sitting, announced plans to establish the country’s first ever housing programme; targeting elders left without care.