Government says it is aware of the stigma that old people are subjected to in society.
Eastern Province Assistant Secretary Loyd Tembo says old people in society and in the media are regarded as confused, disoriented, absent and clumsy.
Mr. Tembo was speaking in Chipata yesterday during the commemoration of the United Nations International Day of older persons.
He challenged families and other stakeholders to understand the serious impact that stigma has on old people so that they care for the aged.
Mr. Tembo added that it is important for government to address the plight of pensioners because at old age, senior citizens are more prone to poverty, diseases and destitution than other adults.
He says government is committed to ensuring that the senior citizens are accorded the necessary respect that they deserve through PSPF, the Public Service Pensions Fund.
And the PSPF, is looking after more than 58 thousand pensioners who saved under the scheme countrywide.
PSPF Board Chairperson, Moses Banda says this is done through the payment of pension’s benefits that save as a form of social security and safety net to older persons.