The Are Pa Metua centre for the elderly celebrated the International Day of Older People yesterday, which is observed on October 1 each year, started in 1991 by the United Nations General Assembly.

Coordinator of the Are Pa Metua, Moana-O-Liliuokalani Marsters said, “this special day for our Mamas and Papas is important and a good reminder of how this centre for the elderly started.”

The Are Pa Metua was first set up by the late Prime Minister Sir Geoffery Henry in the Airport Authority House 2 in 1998.

In 2021 the centre moved out of Nikao, shifting their belongings to the home of Marsters where she continued to run the weekly gatherings for the elderly.

Earlier this year in March, the new Are Pa Metua building was completed at the Punanga Nui Market, and the elderly are “happy” with their new premises.

The Mamas, Papas and invited guests enjoyed a hearty lunch to acknowledge their special day.

The International Day of Older People on Tuesday, is celebrated by raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as dementia and elder abuse.