The construction of Tonga’s first integrated aged care facility has begun, marking a major step towards developing a formal support system for the country’s growing elderly population.

The facility, being built at Houma, Tongatapu, is part of the Government’s Integrated Aged Care Project, which aims to improve access to care, health support and social services for older people and their families.

Image: MIA

The ground breaking ceremony was held Wednesday, officiated by the Guest of Honour, Hon. ʻAtuamuʻa Vaea, and brought together government leaders, development partners and community representatives. Lord Vaea, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Estate Holder of Houma, was represented during the ceremony.

Funded by the ADB, the Government of Japan and the Government of Tonga, the project is valued at about $39 million pa’anga (US$16 million) and is designed to strengthen Tonga’s social protection system through an integrated model of aged care.

The development comes as Pacific countries experience demographic changes, with longer life expectancy and shifting family structures placing increasing pressure on traditional caregiving arrangements. While families remain central to supporting older relatives in Tonga, new community-based services are being developed to complement existing systems.

ADB data shows people aged 60 years and older made up around nine per cent of Tonga’s population in 2022, with this expected to rise in coming decades.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs said the facility will provide a range of integrated services designed to support older persons, including care assistance and community-focused programmes.

The Houma facility will serve as a pilot for Tonga and a potential model for other Pacific Island countries. The project aims to promote dignity, independence and improved quality of life for older people while supporting families and caregivers.