Many older Malawians say growing hardship is making life unbearable, with some struggling to afford healthcare while others face abuse and neglect.
Their plea comes as calls grow for stronger government support to protect one of the country’s most vulnerable groups.
The concerns dominated this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day commemorations held on Friday at Kaphatenga Primary School Ground in Salima District, where government officials, human rights bodies and other stakeholders met to discuss the welfare and protection of older persons.
Speaking on behalf of older persons at the event, Mary Mlongoti said many elderly people remain excluded from government economic programmes despite facing growing challenges.
She said many older persons struggle to access essential medicines in public hospitals. According to her, they are often told that the remaining drugs are reserved for children and are asked to step aside.
She also alleged that some older persons are abused by their own children and relatives, who sell their land and even force them out of their homes.
Salima Central legislator Gerald Kapiseni Phiri called on the government to allocate a dedicated budget for older persons to improve their living conditions.
Phiri said the funding should support the construction of safe and decent houses for older persons and establish economic empowerment programmes to reduce their dependence on selling assets.
Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Martha Mzomera Ngwira said protecting older persons is the responsibility of every citizen.
She said while the government continues to enforce laws and impose stiff penalties against those who abuse older persons, communities must report cases of abuse to the relevant authorities.
Ngwira also responded to calls from Senior Chief Salima for government food assistance, saying existing programmes already provide support to vulnerable older persons, including food distribution initiatives.
She further urged Malawians to care for older persons, describing them as parents and custodians of society.
Malawi Human Rights Commission Commissioner Bonface Massa said the commission wants all elder abuse cases reported this year to be concluded through the courts.
Massa said the commission will continue working with relevant institutions to tackle abuse and ensure justice for victims.
Representing the Inspector General of Police, Salima Police Officer-in-Charge Samuel Nkhwazi said the police will continue raising awareness on the rights of older persons while arresting those who violate them.
This year’s commemoration, held under the theme “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work,” highlighted Malawi’s commitment to implementing the Older Persons Act of 2024, strengthening community protection structures and promoting the dignity, safety and rights of older persons.
