The Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr Aishath Shiham, has announced that the Government is developing policies to prioritise families who care for elderly parents within their housing schemes.

The announcement came during the Ahaa Ministerial Forum, a joint initiative by the President's Office and Public Service Media (PSM) allowing public questioning of Government Ministers. Responding to a public query, the Minister addressed concerns about senior citizens and outlined ongoing work to identify and resolve challenges they face.

In alignment with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's manifesto, the Minister explained that they have initiated numerous programmes to implement necessary policy changes aimed at ensuring dignified and honourable lives for senior citizens.

She revealed that alongside developing policies that award extra points to senior citizens in housing schemes, they are working to prioritise families who care for elderly parents.

"We recognise that living with family reduces loneliness and increases contentment among the elderly," she said. "Therefore, the Housing Ministry is currently revising policies to award additional points to families who wish to live with their parents."

As part of their initiatives for senior citizens' wellbeing, the Minister also highlighted ongoing consultations with Island Councils to designate community spaces for elderly gatherings – she noted that 60 councils have already expressed interest in this project.