Tunisia joins the global community in celebrating World Elderly Day on October 1st. This annual event serves as an opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of elderly individuals to the nation's development, solidarity, and the transfer of knowledge and experiences across generations.
The Ministry of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly Affairs emphasized that the family is the natural and preferred environment for caring for elderly individuals. The ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting and accompanying families in their role of protection through suitable alternatives, ensuring that elderly individuals can live in a dignified and secure environment that preserves their independence and dignity.
The ministry highlighted that the demographic transition in Tunisia goes beyond addressing the needs of elderly care and protection. It also involves empowering elderly individuals and promoting their active participation in society to benefit from their experiences and skills. This approach aligns with the principles of active and inclusive aging, fostering effective participation in public life.
Tunisia is committed to implementing its national and international engagements regarding elderly protection, as outlined in the constitution, national legislation, and international human rights references, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. The country prioritizes a multisectoral national strategy for elderly individuals by 2030, serving as a framework for national action in this domain.
The Ministry of Family Affairs is working to develop a comprehensive system for protecting elderly individuals, focusing on family-based care through enhanced home support services. Additionally, the ministry provides institutional care for elderly individuals without family or material support and encourages their participation in social, cultural, and economic activities.
The ministry continues to promote mobile teams that provide social and health services to elderly individuals at home. It also strengthens mechanisms for foster care, alternative care, and services within protection institutions to ensure that seniors live in dignified conditions. Furthermore, efforts are being made to revise and update the legal and regulatory framework related to elderly individuals.
Tunisia is promoting a participatory and multisectoral approach that brings together various stakeholders, including public structures, civil society, social partners, and professionals. This collaboration aims to ensure complementarity between social, health, economic, and cultural dimensions concerning elderly issues, ultimately enhancing the well-being and protection of elderly individuals in Tunisia.
Key points
- The Tunisian government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of elderly individuals and promoting their active participation in society.
- A national multisectoral strategy for elderly individuals has been developed, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for their care and protection by 2030.
- The strategy focuses on empowering elderly individuals, enhancing their participation in society, and ensuring that they live in a dignified and secure environment.
