"They are the country`s assets."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - First Lady Ani Yudhoyono has stated elderly people are not a burden to the public but an asset to the community, considering their contribution to national development.
"The elderly must not be considered as the community`s burden, because they are the country`s assets," Ani said during a meeting with elderly people representing Indonesia`s provinces at the State Palace here on Tuesday.
"And although they are old, they can still develop their capabilities and share their experiences with the younger generation," she added.
The First Lady, who will turn 60 this year, cited some elderly national figures, such as Herawati Diah, Titik Puspa, Moeryati Sudibyo and Martha Tilaar, who were still active despite their advanced age.
She urged the community to care more for the elderly.
The meeting was attended by elderly people representing 33 provinces, including Papua, West Papua and Aceh.
According to the Law No. 13/1998 on the Welfare of Elderly People, those above 60 years of age fall under the category of elderly citizens.
The meeting was held to commemorate the National Day of Elderly People 2012, themed "The Elderly Care for the Promotion of Harmony Among Three Generations".
(T.G003/F001/INE/KR-BSR/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
