Ageist attitude restricts older people’s ability to participate in different areas of their lives says Fiji Council of Social Services Executive Director Neil Maharaj.

While Fiji marked the International Day of Older Person’s earlier this week, Maharaj says often older people are not able to participate in the same ways in different areas of their lives as they become older.

He says this is because people assume they are unable to do so, because of their age.

Maharaj says more awareness is needed about how ageism can be a barrier to older people’s participation in society, family and everyday lives.

The theme for this year is “Stepping into the future: Tapping the talents, contributions and Participation of older persons in society.”