07/10/2026
âWe Need More Places Like This.â â What Our Seniors Are Really Asking For
This Saturday, Community Nurse Volunteers (CNV) joined the International Day of Older Persons celebration organised by the Senior Citizens Association of Maldives and Aged Care Maldives in collaboration with organisations working with older persons, including the Diabetes Society of Maldives and Charm Clinic.
The day was full of activity â singing, dancing, screenings, consultations and conversation.
At the CNV stall, we chose something simple:
We sat down, asked, and listened.
A total of 99 older persons visited our stall and reflected on what they felt they were already doing well, and what they wanted to improve as part of active and healthy ageing.
What they were proud of
Many spoke with real pride about the new things they are learning and enjoying later in life:
⢠Handicrafts, painting and craft work
⢠Writing poetry and reciting madhaha
⢠Learning new activities at the centre
⢠Memorising the Holy Qurâan as a new personal ambition
⢠Spending meaningful time with grandchildren
⢠Volunteering, advocating and organising activities for fellow seniors
These were powerful reminders that ageing can still be a time of growth, creativity, learning and purpose.
What they want more of
There was repeated appreciation for Israh Vehinge Naadhee, under Ministry of Health which many women described as a safe and welcoming space for companionship, activity and belonging. Several encouraged more older people to come and experience that sense of community.
Seniors from HulhumalĂŠ raised concerns about the limited size of the senior citizensâ centre they currently use, highlighting the need for larger, accessible spaces where older adults can meet and participate comfortably.
Other conversations touched on:
⢠Sleep difficulties and changing sleep patterns
⢠Recurrent urinary problems and other health concerns
⢠Coping with the loss of a spouse and loneliness
⢠Strengthening relationships with sons and daughters
⢠The need for family and relationship support
⢠Hopes of travelling to Makkah for Hajj or Umrah
One of the highlights was a round-circle discussion on lifestyle and healthy ageing with Dr. Abdul Azeez Yoosuf, who reminded everyone:
Ageing does not begin when we become old. It begins with life itself.
The choices we make today shape how we experience tomorrow.
Our biggest takeaway from the day was simple:
Healthy ageing is about more than medical care.
Older persons also need connection, purpose, relationships, opportunities to learn, safe spaces to gather, faith, hope and something to look forward to.
Active ageing is not only about adding years to life.
It is about making sure those years continue to hold meaning, belonging and possibility.
And sometimes, the most valuable thing we can do is simply sit down, ask, and listen. đ
Special thsnks to CNV volunteers Zeena Aishath Haleemath Zulfaree Aminath Shifana Mariyam Niyan
â Donât forget to read some of the messages shared on our thought board in the images.