President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that senior citizens must be respected and cared for and added that it was a trait that every youngster needs to be taught.

The President made the statement during the event held to celebrate the 15th anniversary of ‘Manfaa Center’ which specializes in several activities for the elderly.

President Solih noted that, it should be your responsibility to be kind and giving towards everyone, apart from your parents. He noted that welfare benefits for the elderly was not the most important thing, but to ensure an active and healthy lifestyle for them was.

“Even though we are grown up and living our own lives, we should never forget the sacrifices of our parents. It is our responsibility to try and find a happy and joyful life for our parents,” the President added.

He noted that there are many who feel the pain of abandonment by their own children, the day they get older. He added that being welcomed by such a pain causes severe mental health issues.

President Solih also stressed that they do not want a maid to be in their service when they grow old, but children who will nourish them with love and kindness like they had done once before.