Representatives of 247 elderly associations from 25 provinces and cities, which represent over 30,000 individuals, gathered at the fourth National Elderly Forum to urge the government to improve social protection, enhance financial support and address physical and mental health needs.
At the forum, Chhon Samet, vice president of the Cambodian Senior Citizens Network, highlighted 10 priorities for the elderly, which he hoped the government and other stakeholders will support. They include access to free healthcare, nationwide distribution of social security cards and housing.
Khon Chheng Ly, 64, head of the Elderly Association in Nam village, Kampong Svay district in Kampong Thom province, mentioned that elderly people faced challenges in the community. He said many of the individuals lack the financial resources for medical treatment, and there is no support at the sub-national level.
“Although the association has been established, there is still little support for it. Therefore, the support where attention is needed is not known to the government, and the elderly association is not recognized,” he said.
He urged relevant authorities to provide community cards to help with healthcare and support for the elderly in the future.
Similarly, Nhung Yeoun, 70, head of the association of elders from Kraing Swat Village in Chhnas Moan Commune, Kas Kral District, Battambang Province, shared that many elderly people lacked proper shelter. Financial support was also a major concern as most seniors do not have enough money to pay for their daily needs.
“I urge the government to establish shelters and support packages for all elderly people,” she said.
Nhung Yeoun noted that the association meets once a month to discuss these issues, and while local authorities have been supportive, much more is needed to address the broader challenges faced by the elderly.
She also talked about her personal struggles, adding that she has no children to help her, which often leaves her feeling sad and helpless. She said she supports herself through farming, growing vegetables and raising animals.
“How can I do it? When I feel down, I always exercise. When I exercise with elderly group members, my health is better.” At night, she listens to dhamma teachings to strengthen her mental wellbeing.
Nut Mak, 72, a representative of the Senior Citizens Association in Koh Khel Sa’Ang commune, Kandal province, with nearly 630 members, told CamboJA News that 50% of the population in the province consists of elderly individuals, many of whom are vulnerable and lack adequate support.
He emphasized the importance of a collaboration between the community, government and stakeholders to allocate resources and address the living conditions of the elderly.
“Some 50 percent of the elderly are dependent [on help] and lack support. The association will work with the government and relevant parties to contribute to the budget to reduce their living expenses,” he said in conjunction with Senior Citizens’ Day.
In order for elderly persons to live with dignity and ensure good mental wellbeing, it is crucial to provide necessary support, so that they can live confidently and not fall into emotional distress.
He believed that the policy of “Older Persons in a Digital Revolution” was a positive step taken by the country in the digital technology era. However, he noted that many older people in his association cannot understand technology.
He urged the younger generation to pick up digital skills and work with the elderly to train them to navigate technology.
According to the 2019 census, about 55.8% of Cambodia’s 15.6 million population was below the age of 30. However, the older generation is rapidly increasing. In 2019, people aged 60 and above accounted for 8.9% of the population, up from 5.3% in the last two decades.
The report said the figure is expected to increase to 21% by 2050. The rapid increase of older people is due to two main factors; a decline in fertility rates and growth in life expectancy. These trends indicate that in the coming decades, the working-age population will decline, leading to a rise in the need for care for older people.
On August 27, 2024, the government issued a circular on Cambodian Older Persons Day and International Older Persons Day which happened on October 1, 2024. The theme for the 26th Cambodian Day of Older Persons and International Day of Older Persons was “Older Persons in a Digital Revolution”.
In line with this, the government instructed sub-national administrations to continue supporting the setting up of more senior citizens’ associations in local communities in Cambodia. These initiatives are part of a broader plan to foster solidarity and mutual support among the elderly.
“Special attention should be given to help the elderly as well as sick, disabled, poor and helpless people. Development partners, non-governmental organizations and international organizations, please continue to support existing programs to develop senior citizens’ associations,” the government urged.
The Ministry of Health should hold meetings with the elderly in accordance with the National Policy on the Elderly 2017-2030 at local temples, monasteries and religious places to introduce health measures to those target groups, it added.
Dam Moeun, deputy director of the Department of Elderly and Veterans under the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, said despite the efforts and progress by the ministry and other ministries, challenges remain in addressing the needs of the elderly.
These include incomplete data on the number of elderly people which made it difficult to fully understand their needs and plan effectively. He added that there was limited research on legal requirements and protection for older persons, as well as ongoing issues with the policy framework supporting the elderly.
“Implementing activities to respond to the National Policy on the Elderly 2017 to 2030 requires a lot of budget,” he said, adding that support from development partners to promote the welfare of older persons was limited. Only two active partners, UNDP and Cambodian Elderly Organization, focused in this sector.
However, he emphasized that his ministry and specialized departments have developed a sectoral vision to address the challenges. It includes developing a law to protect the rights of elders and establishing the Cambodian Elderly Foundation to improve the overall quality of life of older persons.
