Mauritius

The 2018 Aging Readiness & Competitiveness Report:

Small Innovative Economies

ARC2018. AARPINTERNATIONAL .ORG

 I Overview
Overview

II

Ecosystem for
Policy and
Social Innovation

III

Community
The smallest country covered in this study,
Social
Infrastructure Mauritius, is leading the African region in
proactively identifying aging as a critical
IV
issue for the health and competitiveness of
its society and its economy.
Productive
Opportunity

With a diverse population, deep historic ties internationally, a

V track record of political stability, effective governance, and rapid
economic growth, it has embraced international best practices
by defining a holistic approach to aging policy that reflects the
Technological unique resources and needs of its population.
Engagement

The population of Mauritius began to age rapidly when its baby

VI boom generation started to turn 65 in the past decade. The
country became an aging society in 2008, crossing the threshold
of 7 percent of its population over age 65, and is projected to
enter the category of aged society in just five years, with 14
Health Care
and Wellness percent of its population 65 and older.1 (Figure 1.) For perspective,
it took the United States more than 50 years to make the same

2 OVERVIEW
Figure 1. People Age 65 and Older as Percentage of
Total Population
Mauritius Upper-middle-income-countries High-income-countries
28% 28%

21% SUPER
AGED

14% AGED

2017: 10.9%

7% AGING

0% 0%
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2024
2026
2028
2030
2032
2034
2036
2038
2040
2042
2044
2046
2048
2050
Source: United Nations, Department of Economic
and Social Affairs, Population Division

demographic transition. In Mauritius, the care of the generation that helped build
shift is taking place as the overall population the country. Absolute poverty in Mauritius
shrinks. The government of Mauritius has is low. In 2012, less than two percent of
projected that the country’s total population the population was living on less than
will fall by eight percent to just 1.16 million by USD 2 per day.3 People in Mauritius enjoy
the year 2041.2 financial stability with the combined assets
of a universal pension starting at age 60
Today’s older adults in Mauritius are and earnings-related pensions beginning
fortunate to live in a country with a long at age 65, but the country’s accelerated
tradition of social support, universal pace of aging is beginning to challenge the
pension, free quality health care, and sustainability of the system.
innovative programs focused on taking

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 3

As in many middle-income countries, this With investments in its information
demographic shift arrives at the same time and communication technologies (ICT)
as changing family structures and economic infrastructure, technologically advanced
development. Emigration trends also raise Mauritius seeks to position itself as
the importance and scope of governmental a technological hub. The country is
and non-governmental efforts to improve increasingly focused on bridging the digital
the quality of life for older adults. Multiple divide between older and younger people.
programs offer opportunities for social Though a divide persists, it is narrowing
connection, a sense of community, and as the importance of tech literacy grows
leisure. These include government- and for older adults who seek to keep in touch
non-governmental-organization-led day with emigrated family members, and as
centers, government-run resort-style Senior government services move online. The
Recreation Centers, and individual-led private sector is also beginning to bring
clubs focused on older adults’ well-being. technology to older adults, with one
Though the government is candid as to company offering a tech-based solution to
where improvement is needed, challenges enable aging in place.
persist in facilitating the older population’s
ability to access their communities, Extended longevity is thanks, in part, to
because of significant barriers in Mauritius’ Mauritius’ strong social medicine system,
transportation and built infrastructure. which is in the process of developing
greater focus on age-related health
The government is beginning to examine concerns and the rise of non-communicable
workforce participation among older adults, diseases—with the high incidence of
with a new and ongoing survey by the diabetes throughout the population a
National Productivity and Competitiveness particularly worrying trend. The government
Council and a council chaired by the prime is also beginning to address the growing
minister prioritizing the aging workforce. prevalence of dementia and the need for
However, these early efforts have not a more robust system for long-term care,
yet produced any concrete policies or but NGOs such as Alzheimer Association
programs. Two innovative programs offer Mauritius are already making a difference
great promise for older workers. The first, on a small scale.
Club le Flamboyant, offers opportunities
for older adults to study and advocate for
their own interests. The second, University
of Third Age Mauritius, provides continuing
education that could be leveraged to
support older workers.

4 OVERVIEW
I Ecosystem for
Overview
Policy and Social
II
Innovation
Ecosystem for
Policy and
Social Innovation

III A history of effective governance, a

commitment to social support, a small and
Community
concentrated population, and enduring ties
Social
Infrastructure to international partners are key enablers
for the relative success and foresight of
IV
Mauritius in approaching the aging of its
population.
Productive
Opportunity

Today, the government’s proactive approach to recognizing

V its changing demographics, and the innovative efforts from
government and NGOs, are helping older adults to live happier,
more productive, and healthier lives. Often operating with
Technological government, international organization, or corporate support,
Engagement
NGOs represent another key driving force for innovation among
older adults.
VI

Health Care
and Wellness

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 5

 on government support, the government
successfully focused on preserving the
Key Enablers
social safety net while continuing to grow
the economy and create jobs. In the 1980s,
Key enablers for addressing the needs of
when Bretton Woods’ Structural Adjustment
older adults in Mauritius include a high level
Programmes encouraged economic
of government effectiveness, a commitment
liberalization among African countries by
to social support even in times of economic
lowering public spending, the Mauritian
hardship, and a positive and constructive
government refused to make the proposed
engagement with international actors,
cuts, convinced that it had a moral
whether through bilateral relationships with
imperative to help citizens most affected by
countries, NGO networks, or international
economic hardship.5
organizations.

Another key enabler is the country’s

Compared to countries both regionally in
relatively small size with just 1.2 million
its income group and globally, Mauritius
people and about 790 square miles of land
stands out as an effective, open, and
mass,6 which makes it smaller than 400
stable government. The World Bank
cities worldwide.7 In many ways the national
ranked it second in Africa for government
government has a primary advantage of
effectiveness, political stability, regulatory
direct engagement with its constituencies,
quality, and rule of law in 2016. 4 The country
as cited throughout the Aging Readiness &
is also a world leader in ease of doing
Competitiveness series. Government and
business, scoring 25th globally and third
NGO leaders in Mauritius repeatedly point
among all upper-middle-income countries.
to the country’s physical size as an enabler.8
As part of a broader effort to diversify and
Older adults on the main island are never
grow its economy, Mauritius has sought
more than a 50-mile drive from the capital,
to inculcate a culture and system that
Port Louis, and, per the Ministry of Health’s
facilitates entrepreneurial endeavors and
social medicine plan, never more than about
innovation.
two miles from medical care.

But while that overall effectiveness has

Mauritius’ outward engagement through
been a boon to the country in general,
enduring bilateral relationships and
delivering rapid economic development
work with international institutions has
and diversification, the government also
facilitated both funding and the transfer
maintains an enduring focus on preserving
and adaptation of successful programs to
social support programs even in the face
the country. In addition to the country’s
of economic struggle. Despite a flagging
historic ties with France and the United
sugar economy and a surge in population
Kingdom, Mauritius is actively involved in
size at independence that threatened to
international initiatives on aging, adopting
leave more unemployed and dependent

6 ECOSYSTEM FOR POLICY AND SOCIAL INNOVATION

Figure 2. Driving Forces of Innovation and Cross-Sector
Collaboration
Central Government
STRONG

Individuals Local Government

WEAK

Cross-Sector
Collaboration NGO/Community
Businesses
Org./Int’l Org.
High

Medium
Low
Academics

the Madrid International Plan of Action on Security and National Solidarity produced
Aging of 2002 and, in 2008, adopting a new the first aging policy in Africa, under a
policy that reoriented its aging focus from minister who had been a social worker and
a welfare approach to one that emphasized cognizant of aging issues.10 The policy was
development and active aging.9 led by a permanent secretary who had
developed a National Youth Policy in his
previous role as permanent secretary for the
Ministry of Youth and Sports.11 Developing
Attributes in Aging-Related Innovation a youth policy clarified the benefits of an
aging policy. The initial 2001 aging policy
With a small pool of senior civil servants, laid out scores of recommendations,
aging policy in Mauritius reflects a transfer many of which have been successfully
of best practices across both sectors implemented, including the regulation of
and issues. In 2001, the Ministry of Social residential care facilities, establishment of

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 7

day centers throughout the main island, Many innovative programs directed at older
extension of the retirement age from 60 people emerge out of NGOs, particularly
to 65,12 and improvements in health care those building on the country’s international
accessibility. National aging plans were relationships. Examples of these include:
updated once in 2008 and again in 2016,
with the most recent plan placing a greater • The Mauritian branch of France’s
focus on unlocking the productive potential Fédération Internationale des
of older adults and ensuring support for Associations de Personnes Agées
marginalized groups.13 (FIAPA or International Federation of
Associations for Older People);
Building on a history of social support, the
• Alzheimer Association Mauritius,
country has a robust NGO network that
affiliated with London-based15
often addresses the growing specialized
Alzheimer’s Disease International,16 with
needs of older adults, in many cases taking
origins credited to a Frenchwoman who
the practical steps necessary to achieve
was prominent in Mauritius, Denise
ideals promoted by government strategies.
Vaulbert de Chantilly;17 and
While these organizations often receive
government funding, they also benefit • University of Third Age Mauritius, which,
from private sector funds due to a 2009 though operating independently, finds its
requirement that companies contribute inspiration in an organization that began
two percent of their profits to a Corporate in Toulouse, France, and spread to the
Social Responsibility Fund, either directly or United Kingdom.18
through an approved NGO, foundation, or
corporate partner.14

8 ECOSYSTEM FOR POLICY AND SOCIAL INNOVATION

I Community Social
Overview
Infrastructure
II

Ecosystem for
Policy and
Social Innovation

III As are many upper-middle-income

countries, Mauritius is rapidly aging while
Community
simultaneously undergoing other significant
Social
Infrastructure structural changes in its economy and
society, including a high rate of emigration
IV
among educated, working-age people, that
is shrinking the country’s overall population.
Productive
Opportunity

As traditional structures for support in older age erode, the

V government and outside institutions are developing new
networks for social engagement. However, accessibility remains a
hurdle.
Technological
Engagement

VI Well-being

Mauritius’ shift from sugar cane economy at independence to

a diversified economy based on sugar, textiles, tourism, and
Health Care
and Wellness financial services has generated rapid economic growth. The
country has more than tripled its GDP over the past 20 years

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 9

Figure 3. Living Arrangements of Older Adults, 2000 and 2011
2000 2011
90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
Alone or with a Spouse Only With Children and/or in Extended In Institutions
and Composite Households

Source: Statistics Mauritius

alone, from USD 4.17 billion in 1998 to USD change in family structure, which is having
13.34 billion last year,19 and has nearly tripled a significant effect on its older population.
GDP per capita during the same period to Though statistics are outdated, 31 percent
USD 10,547.20 For older adults, the speed of older adults lived independently—either
and scale of the country’s economic growth alone or with only a spouse in 2011,21 a
has brought with it three key changes: dramatic increase from 22 percent in
a shift in family structure, a younger 2000.22 (Figure 3.) While more than two-
generation pursuing more structured and thirds of older people still lived in mixed
time-consuming work in new industries, households as of 2011, the government has
and more commonplace higher education taken note of this trend. According to a 2016
that enables a growing number of younger government report on aging, Mauritius is
people to emigrate for work or further study. dealing with two key challenges in tandem
as its population ages—“the irreversible
While intergenerational living remains breakdown of the extended family” and
common, Mauritius is undergoing a rapid increased life expectancy.23

10 COMMUNITY SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Further shaping the opportunities for social
interaction is change in professional culture
Social Engagement Programs
and workforce policies brought about by
economic development and diversification.
In 2001, the government began to pursue
With long hours and two-breadwinner
aging strategies to keep older adults
households, often working in the demanding
active, happy, and engaged in society, with
hotel services industry, the younger
its first national aging strategy.30 With a
generation is left with less time to interact
notable focus on older adults’ well-being,
with, and care for, their parents, contributing
the National Strategy Paper & Action Plan
to a greater need for new avenues of social
on Ageing 2016-2020 explicitly emphasizes
interaction and support.24
a desire to promote “happy ageing”
among older people, citing “positive life
Growing emigration among younger people
experiences” and “continuous participation
has further contributed to this challenge
in society” as signals of a high quality
as they leave to work and study abroad
of life. The Senior Citizens Council (the
in the United States, Australia, and the
Council) serves as a key link between the
United Kingdom. Free higher education has
government and multiple NGOs to realize
afforded greater opportunities today than
these goals. The Council works with these
were available to older generations. More
entities to expedite financial support
than half of those with tertiary education
for senior associations, and to develop
had emigrated as of 2011.25 In 2017, nearly 12
and promote activities for older adults.
percent of all people born in Mauritius were
Underscoring the country’s longstanding
living abroad—170,000,26 compared with an
focus on older people’s needs, the Council
in-country population of 1.2 million.2728
was formed more than 30 years ago, in
1985.31 Today, it develops, implements,
Although there is growing recognition
and promotes age-related initiatives. The
that changes in family structures,
Council also coordinates activity among
diminished time for family interaction, and
hundreds of local senior associations
emigration contribute to social isolation
around the country, and provides a stipend
among older adults, no one has produced
to those associations based on the sizes
a comprehensive study on the issue.
of their memberships.32 Those local
According to Ibrahim Koodoruth, a senior
associations operate throughout Mauritius,
well-being expert and Professor at the
with 750 as of 2014.33
University of Mauritius, there is a need for
data collection over a range of indicators,
Leveraging the country’s thriving tourism
with sufficient granularity in terms of
industry, the government is giving back to
both age group and geography to enable
the generation born into more challenging
appropriate policy responses.29
circumstances. Mauritius has developed
a network of Senior Recreation Centres

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 11

 the 2001 launch of the first SRC in Pointe
aux Sables, southwest of the capital, the
“It was a very poor country, so government has opened two more SRCs.
our elderly people faced very The second center opened in 2010 on the
difficult conditions. Leisure east coast of the island; the third, in 2014
in the northwest. A fourth SRC on the main
was almost inexistent. After island’s southern coast is scheduled to open
the economic boom, the focus at the end of 2018.36
of government [was] to reward
these categories of people.” The SRCs are so popular, the government
is struggling to keep up with demand. The
—S. GHOORAHOO, Manager, Lady Sushil Ramgoolam
Recreation Centre for the Elderly and the Disabled three existing SRCs can accommodate
35,000 older adults each year. That number
will increase to 50,000 with the addition of
the fourth.37 Financial stability of the SRCs
(SRCs) to offer highly subsidized getaways.34 may require future changes to rebalance
“It was a very poor country, so our elderly the proportion of the government subsidy,
people faced very difficult conditions. which could result in guests paying closer to
Leisure was almost inexistent,” said S. 50 percent of the actual cost.38 Adding more
Ghoorahoo, Manager of the Lady Sushil than a fourth center will hinge on “what
Ramgoolam Recreation Centre for the motivates the politicians,” said Ghoorahoo.
Elderly and the Disabled. “People were
mostly fending for their basic livings. Since its first aging policy in 2001, Mauritius
After the economic boom, the focus has leveraged its island-wide network of
of government [was] to reward these community centers to build out a network
categories of people,” said Ghoorahoo. of smaller day centers for older adults.
Designed to combat loneliness, the 20
Billed as a residential leisure program for senior centers are adjacent to community
Mauritius’ older population, the SRCs, which centers and SRCs.39 They offer games, yoga
operate year-round, offer a two-night stay sessions, and other daily activities for older
to people age 55 and older, and those with adults. 40 Though they represent the most
mobility challenges, at a heavily subsidized widespread day service, the importance
rate of MUR 250 (USD 7.30) a night, of offering older adults a place for social
approximately a 10th of the government’s connection and activities during the day has
cost.35 Resort amenities include full board, taken hold at NGOs, as well.
swimming pools, and Wi-Fi. They also
host leisure activities. Seminars available FIAPA, the France-based NGO that has
for older adults include subjects such operated in Mauritius since 2005, runs a
as driving safety and crime safety. Since

12 COMMUNITY SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

day center hosting weekly classes in yoga,
line-dancing, and singing, and even offers
therapeutic massage. Though the day “Some [members] can be
center has limited resources, community quite alone during the day.
demand has dictated that the previously [At the day center] they get
bi-weekly classes are now a weekly affair,
out of their homes so you
with 115 individual members who come by
bus or are dropped off by caregivers. “Some diminish the isolation.”
[members] can be quite alone during the – PASCALE DINAN, President,
day,” said Dr. Pascale Dinan, who heads Groupement FIAPA in Mauritius

FIAPA in Mauritius. At the day center, Dinan

said, “they get out of their homes so you
diminish the isolation.”
through the government’s Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) program. As
Though the center itself is small, FIAPA
the government takes greater control of
expands its reach by collaborating with
CSR funding allocation, there is uncertainty
retirement homes to conduct meetings
about the organization’s future financial
every three months. The center works
stability, though it is nonetheless pushing
to produce shows for World Alzheimer’s
ahead. “Everyone working here is doing free
Month in September and the International
work,” Dinan said. “It has to be done.”
Day of Older Persons on October 1.
Other collaborations have gone beyond
Another local initiative is the Senior
recognizing older adults’ needs for
Wellness Club, based in Curepipe, Mauritius’
social interaction and community to
fourth largest city. The Club, with 60
encourage intergenerational interaction.
members, derived its focus not from
FIAPA coordinates directly with Quartier
mimicking other associations for older
de Lumière, another NGO, focused on
adults, but from social and health needs
assisting vulnerable children with tutoring,
often not addressed by others. Founded
along with medical and psychological
in 2014 by Raj Jaddoo, a former assistant
support. 41 Members of FIAPA’s daycare
police commissioner motivated to keep
center work on handicrafts and painting
busy by helping his peers, the Club builds on
with Quartier de Lumière’s children,
Jaddoo’s knowledge of the older population
fostering intergenerational ties that can
and his time on the force. “I am on the
improve the lives of both younger and older
ground. I am among these seniors. I work
participants. 42
together with them,” said Jaddoo.

Funding is a challenge looming over FIAPA’s

future endeavors. Though FIAPA charges a
membership fee, it relies on a combination
of government-allocated funds and funding

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 13

The Club focuses on combating loneliness accessibility and mobility challenges
and promoting its members’ health persist in the built environment and public
through yoga, swimming, dancing, laugh infrastructure. These include inaccessible
therapy, and lectures on nutrition and buses and narrow, sometimes nonexistent,
arthritis. But Jaddoo also takes an active sidewalks. The government has introduced
role in promoting the safety and financial accessibility mandates but is also honest
protection of vulnerable older adults. about enforcement falling short. The
Jaddoo brought in the police to discuss importance of accessibility for older adults
precautions older adults should take on the is clear. Mauritius’ 2011 census counted
streets and in their own homes, and legal 26,837 people age 60 and older, and of
experts to explain the possible pitfalls of those, 17 percent were disabled. 43 Disability
financial transactions between parents and rates were higher in all age groups over age
children. 60 than they had been in the 2000 census. 44

The Club’s popularity has grown through In terms of transportation, older people
word of mouth and a frequently updated and those with mobility challenges have
Facebook page featuring members taking received free public bus service since
part in many of its programs. “Some people 2005. 45 This benefit removed the economic
are inspired by what I am doing,” Jaddoo barrier, but physical challenges remain.
said. However, the Club faces the hurdle The country’s hilly topography, narrow
of finding instructors willing to work on a sidewalks, and inaccessible bus shelters
volunteer basis. Though Club members pay still make transportation difficult for older
a nominal membership fee, they come from adults. In addition, citizens have reported
different economic means, and may face that, often, bus drivers refuse to stop for
difficulty covering fees for swimming, yoga, older people, whom they view as slowing
and other classes they’ve come to enjoy, if down the bus service. Travel to areas
instructors were unwilling to work free of outside the capital is offered through
charge. private, paid services.

In the built environment, the prevalence of

low-rise buildings presents older adults with
Physical Infrastructure fewer stairs to contend with, and efforts
in recent years have made government
The Mauritian government has made efforts buildings increasingly accessible. Though
in recent years to improve accessibility by challenges remain, improvements have
providing free public transportation to older occurred over a short time. The government
adults, and improving government buildings recognized that a majority of both public
to remove barriers. However, significant and private buildings were inaccessible

14 COMMUNITY SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

to those with mobility challenges and
made efforts to address that by requiring
in the 2007 Building Act that all public
buildings be accessible. 46 By 2014, a United
Nations assessment found that most newly
constructed buildings in Mauritius were free
of barriers. 47

In 2012, the government extended this

legislative mandate to newly constructed
private buildings, 48 but enforcement remains
an issue. “We have guidelines; we’re not
enforcing them,” said Sareeta Issur-Suntah,
Acting Deputy Chief Town and Country
Planning Officer in the Ministry of Housing
and Lands. Experts universally agreed the
government was not enforcing accessibility
regulations, and a Change.org petition
demanded that the government pass a
disability bill by 2017, noting that years had
elapsed since the draft of an initial bill. 49

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 15

 I Productive
Overview
Opportunity
II

Ecosystem for
Policy and
Ecosystem
Social Innovation

III

Community
Nascent efforts to examine the role
Social
Infrastructure of older workers in Mauritius suggest
growing recognition of their importance
IV
to the stability of the country’s labor force,
particularly as younger workers emigrate.
Productive
Opportunity

The focus to date has been on pension sector reform, particularly

V extending the retirement eligibility age—a politically controversial
issue, particularly in the absence of complementary programs to
facilitate continued productive engagement.
Technological
Engagement

VI Labor Force Participation

Active efforts to research workforce participation among older

people in Mauritius are just beginning. In 2018, the government-
Health Care
and Wellness established National Productivity and Competitiveness Council
(NPCC) launched a survey titled The Ageing Workforce:

16 PRODUCTIVE OPPORTUNITY
Challenges and Opportunities for Mauritius,
to understand the current reality and
develop a strategic action plan for the “There is declining productivity
future.50 Though the survey has not in birth rate; we have high
yet been completed, its focus reflects labor cost. We [are] reducing
a clear understanding that Mauritius’
the [number of] expatriates
aging population is a critical resource
for the country’s continued economic to work in Mauritius. And they
competitiveness.51 “In the next 20, 30 years want more Mauritian[s] to be
there won’t be people in Mauritius that will able to take their jobs. But at
replace all those who are going to retire,”
the same time the whole issue
said Deepak Balgobin, NPCC’s Executive
Director. The survey brief argues that the of that workforce getting
climate will require innovation to adapt aged is still there.”
effectively to aging.52 In addition to the – DEEPAK BALGOBIN, Executive Director, National
NPCC, the government’s National Economic Productivity and Competitiveness Council
and Social Council, chaired by the prime
minister and involving trade unionists,
private companies, and government, is
making the issue of an aging workforce a graduated payment system offers monthly
priority.53 payments to BRP-eligible people ages 60
to 89 of MUR 5,810 (USD 169); those ages
Pension reform has been a subject of 90 to 99 receives MUR 15,810 (USD 458),
debate as the number of older workers and those 100 and older receive 20,810
grows. Today, many retirees are likely to (USD 603).56 The government paid MUR 14.1
receive two pensions: Basic Retirement billion (USD 408.3 million) through the BRP
Pension (BRP), provided by the government from July 2015 to June 2016.57 In 2013, the
to all citizens regardless of income; and an BRP accounted for 15.3 percent of GDP per
additional earnings-related pension from capita, and rose to 22.1 percent in 2014, the
their public or private occupation. Earnings- last time data were available.58
related pension reform has gradually
increased the age of eligibility from 60 in Increasing the universal pension age is a
2008 to 65 in 2018 to ensure those pensions politically controversial issue, despite the
are sustainable as the older population cost to the economy.59 A dramatic drop-off
grows.54 in workforce participation occurs at age 65
when the earnings-related pension kicks in.
The BRP eligibility age, however, remains People age 65 and older made up just two
unchanged at 60, and the government has percent of the country’s labor force in 2016,
raised the amount paid to each individual, while those ages 60 to 64 accounted for
with a 50 percent increase in 2014.55 A about four percent of the total labor force.60

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 17

Figure 4. Percentage of Men and Women Participating in
Mauritian Workforce, by Age
50% Male Female

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages
16-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75+

Source: Statistics Mauritius

The International Monetary Fund in 2015 Raising the BRP eligibility age presents a
concluded that raising the universal political challenge, and even those who
pension eligibility age would be more agree that the BRP eligibility age should be
fiscally responsible by decreasing pension raised debate the speed with which such a
expenditure and would also encourage older reform could be implemented in a range of
adults in Mauritius to work.61 It emphasized decades.63
that 48 percent of basic retirement
pension money goes to the wealthiest Even if there were an incentive to remain
40 percent of Mauritius’ population and in the workforce, the educational gap
was therefore poorly targeted, and that between younger and older people, a
increasing workforce participation among new push toward technology-intensive
older adults, in itself, would help temper the jobs, and ageism all present barriers to
financial burden on the pension system.62 workforce participation. Though outdated,

18 PRODUCTIVE OPPORTUNITY
the government’s 2001 National Policy on free in 1976, post-secondary in 1988, and
the Elderly was forthright in saying the preschools in 1984.67
market was unfavorable to employing older
adults or to their re-entry to the workforce. In that context, there has been a
“In Mauritius, we have yet to develop [a] recent push to provide lifelong learning
new attitude towards employment of such opportunities for older adults, but without
persons through advocacy and conducive an explicit focus on their continued
measures,” the report said, arguing that “[p] engagement in the workforce. The country’s
olicy measures should therefore emphasize first educational institution focused on
the concept of ‘productive ageing.’”64 lifelong learning was founded in 2013,
That report recommended introducing inspired by programs that began in France
legislation to stop age-based discrimination in the 1970s. The University of Third Age
in employment, offering flexible retirement Mauritius (U3AM) has 1,000 students just
options, creating an Adult Career Guidance five years after its founding, most of them
Service, and developing programs focused age 60 and older, though it is open to
on the entrepreneurial and technical anyone age 55 and older. Courses include
acumen of older Mauritian women. However, languages, swimming, dancing, yoga,
little has been done to implement these meditation, laughter therapy, gardening, ICT,
recommendations. human values, and health awareness. Giving
older learners a sense of accomplishment
through learning is a key focus for founder
Armoogum Parsuramen.
Lifelong Learning
Though based in the north of the main
The Mauritian government has made island, U3AM is now decentralizing to
significant progress in improving education reach more people, with a location on
in the country since independence, and Rodrigues. It is also promoting the model
successive educational reforms have in Réunion and Mayotte, French-controlled
afforded younger generations greater islands to Mauritius’ west. Looking ahead,
educational opportunity than older adults. U3AM hopes to increase the number of
Roughly 23 percent of those age 60 classes it provides, grow its memberships,
and older had received only preprimary diversify its funding sources, and improve its
education or no education, as of the 2011 management.
census; 80 percent of those were women.65
Just over two percent of people age 60 and
older had a university degree or equivalent;
more than 80 percent of those were men.66 Advocacy in Retirement
Public secondary education was made
Older adults are also organizing to become
forces within their own communities. One

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 19

notable group is providing retired civil
servants an opportunity to leverage their
skills and relationships built in government,
by studying and advocating for older adults.
Founded in 2002, Club le Flamboyant has
become a force in advocacy around aging
issues. The Club’s president, Virjanan
Mulloo, a former permanent secretary and
former chairperson of the government’s
Observatory on Ageing, spearheaded the
publication of the Club’s 2014 report, The
Economic & Social Contribution of the
Elderly in Mauritius. The report sought to
reframe the discourse of aging to emphasize
not only the economic contributions of older
generations in the country’s development,
but also their continued economic value to
society, whether it be tapping their decades
of professional expertise, volunteerism, and
continued work, or their role as consumers
or investors in new enterprises. The report
called not just for a mindset shift, but for
specific policy changes, including providing
for training to reenter the workforce in new
industries.

20 PRODUCTIVE OPPORTUNITY
I Technological
Overview
Engagement
II

Ecosystem for
Policy and
Social Innovation

III

Community
Mauritius has an advanced ICT
Social
Infrastructure infrastructure, including free public Wi-Fi,
broadband cables connecting it to the rest
IV
of the world, and a cyber city positioning
the country as a regional technology hub.
Productive
Opportunity

Where infrastructure investment has dominated its technology

V focus, the government has recognized the digital divide as an
area in need of greater attention. As many government services
move online, the importance of tech literacy grows for older
Technological adults who to date have been motivated largely by a desire to
Engagement
keep in touch with family abroad. In addition to government, tech-
based services are also beginning to offer people new tools to
VI age in place.

Health Care
and Wellness

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 21

 50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Ages 5 to Ages 12 Ages 20 Ages 30 Ages 40 Ages 50 Ages 60+

Figure 5. Internet Use by Age Figure 6. Computer Literacy

11 to 19 to 29 to 39 to 49 to 59

by Age
100% 2014 2016 100% 2014 2016
90% 90%
80% 80%
70% 70%
60% 60%
50% 50%
40% 40%
30% 30%
20% 20%
10% 10%
0% 0%
Ages 5 to Ages 12 Ages 20 Ages 30 Ages 40 Ages 50 Ages 60+ Ages 5 Ages 12 Ages 20 Ages 30 Ages 40 Ages 50 Ages 60+
11 to 19 to 29 to 39 to 49 to 59 to 11 to 19 to 29 to 39 to 49 to 59

Source: National Computer Board

100% 2014 2016

90%
80%
70%
60%
phones on different networks for data
50%
and voice use at favorable rates.72
The
40% Digital Divide
30%
• There were 86.3 internet subscriptions
20%
The government’s National Computer per 100 inhabitants.73
10%
Board wears multiple hats: running the
0% • Bandwidth increased from 16.9 kilobits
government’s
Ages 5 Agesservers,
12 Ages 20promoting use
Ages 30 Ages 40 of
Ages 50 Ages 60+
to 11 to 19 to 29 to 39 to 49 to 59 per second per inhabitant in 2015 to
technology and facilitating its distribution,
33.6 kilobits per second per inhabitant in
and providing ICT training increasingly
2016.74
geared toward older adults. The country
ranked first in Africa for ICT development,68
Though Mauritius stands out among African
network readiness,69 and cybersecurity.70 A
nations for its advanced ICT development
government assessment of connectivity in
and network connectivity, a pronounced
Mauritius in 2016 found that:
divide in computer and internet use and
technological literacy remains. In 2016,
• Mauritius has significantly more mobile
computer and internet use was roughly
phone subscriptions than it does
four times as common among the broader
people, with 143.6 subscriptions per
population as it was among those age 60
100 inhabitants,71 owing in part to a
and older.75 (Figure 5.) Similarly, just 17.9
preference for dual-network phones or
percent of those age 60 and older were
computer literate in 2016, compared to 60.5

22 TECHNOLOGICAL ENGAGEMENT
percent of the overall population.76 (Figure
6.) In both cases, gains in the 60 and older
population outpaced other age groups, but “They are fascinated by
the digital divide remains substantial.77
technology, things that they
For those who have had the opportunity haven’t seen in their youth, and
to be exposed to new technologies, the once they have access to the
value is clear.78 “They are fascinated by Internet, they know that the
technology, things that they haven’t seen in
their youth, and once they have access to
world opens to them.”
the internet, they know that the world opens —VIK BHOYROO, Acting Executive Director,
National Computer Board
to them,” said Vik Bhoyroo, Acting Executive
Director of the National Computer Board.

Social media, news, and keeping in touch

throughout the main island, provides 350
with family, especially the many Mauritians
free hotspots in post offices and community
living abroad, are key motivating factors for
centers.83 In 2001, Mauritius began
older adults in Mauritius to use technology.79
construction on Ebène Cybercity in an effort
In addition, more than 100 government
to position the country as a technology hub.
services are now conducted online, which
Ebène Cybercity, designed as a smart city
offer convenience, compared to the still
alternative to the capital nine miles away,
available offline versions.80 The government
features uncharacteristic modern high-
is proactively promoting tech literacy among
rises, which house Mauritius branches of
older adults to enable them to use the
private foreign companies and government
conveniences available, such as checking
offices.84 Mauritius’ ICT accounted for 5.7
their pensions online, and ensuring they
percent of its GDP in 2016, up from 4.3
will not be left behind in the future as the
percent in 2000.8586
government moves to exclusively online
platforms.81
Governmental efforts to promote digital
inclusion of older adults through training
are growing in scale, building on past
success in promoting technology among
Digital Inclusion
other vulnerable populations. Forty-five-
hour courses in the government’s Internet
Though infrastructure investments have
and Computing Core Certification (IC3)
dominated the government’s agenda,
program87 are offered at community centers
Mauritius has pursued an aggressive
and schools throughout the main island.
strategy to position itself as a world
While they are open to all age groups,
technology center.82 Wi-Fi Mauritius, a
fees are waived for older adults. Subjects
government effort to give free Wi-Fi access

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 23

include fundamentals of computing; living response. One such company, Serenity,
online; and focused lessons in word- was founded in 2012 by Nicolas Tadebois,
processing, spreadsheet, and presentation who was inspired to look at technology
applications.88 The courses draw older solutions abroad when a friend was
participants interested in technology for considering a retirement home for an
social media, keeping in touch with family, or older family member. Noting the decline
using government services.89 in intergenerational living and the growing
expense of traditional paid caregivers
In recognition of the need for tailored, offering nightly house calls, Serenity uses
focused engagement with older adults, the an imported technology solution comprised
National Computer Board has drawn on a of a wired base station with a speaker, a
resource developed specifically to reach microphone, and a small, wireless panic
other underserved groups: Cyber Caravans. button to wear around the neck. The system
The computer-equipped and internet- connects older people who experience an
connected buses have been operating emergency at home to a Serenity operator,
since 2000, successfully bringing ICT to who can then communicate via the home
underserved communities, including older base station and call neighbors, family, or, in
adults. By the end of 2017, Cyber Caravans more serious circumstances, fire and rescue
trained 2,491 older adults in ICT Awareness or police.
and IC3 courses. Working in cooperation
with the Council to develop a program As with other aging-related products
specific to the interests and needs of older elsewhere in the world, perceptions of need
adults, in 2018, Cyber Caravans began represent a significant barrier. Tadebois
to make weekend visits to the country’s said that in the six years since launching,
SRCs, offering multiple classes a day to the market for Serenity’s service remains
groups of 10 older adults at a time.90 Though small.92 A lack of data available on the
the program is government run, it has older Mauritian market presented another
been independently funded with support challenge when starting the business,
from Microsoft, Mauritius Telecom, The forcing Tadebois to rely on information
Information & Communication Technologies about older consumers in the United
Authority, and the United Nations.91 Kingdom and France, which suggested a
desire to age at home. But, “sometimes you
meet people who are 85, 87 years old, you
present them the system, and they tell you,
ICT Products and Services ‘yes, but I am still young,’” he said.

The market for technology products

related to aging is just developing in
Mauritius, with several companies offering
connected in-home systems for emergency

24 TECHNOLOGICAL ENGAGEMENT
I Health Care
Overview
and Wellness
II

Ecosystem for
Policy and
Social Innovation

III

Community
Social
Infrastructure Older people in Mauritius are living
healthily longer, driven in large part by a
IV
long-established, high-quality public health
care system.
Productive
Opportunity

The country is adapting to new challenges including the growth in

V non-communicable diseases, with the prevalence of diabetes and
age-related conditions such as dementia surging over the past
decade.
Technological
Engagement

VI Health Status

Older adults’ life expectancy (LE) and healthy life expectancy

(HALE) have both grown significantly in Mauritius in recent years.
Health Care
and Wellness As of 2016, at age 60 one could expect to live another 20.7 years,
15.9 of which would be in good health. Since the year 2000, LE

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 25

extended by 3.1 years and HALE 2.6 years. on dementia.96 Using 20 residential care
(Figure 7.) While the trend is positive overall, facilities as a sample, they found that 12
the growing gap between LE and HALE percent of their residents suffered from the
points to a greater demand for care going disease.97
forward, with the growing period of older
adults living in poor health extending their
time of greatest health care need.
The Health Care System
Despite these gains in life expectancy, the
people of Mauritius face important chronic The Ministry of Health has structured a
health challenges, led by diabetes, heart hierarchal system of community and area
disease, and stroke. Diabetes and diabetes- health clinics on the main island such
caused kidney disease are of primary that there is a health facility within three
concern. According to a 2015 survey, kilometers of all homes.98 In addition to
an estimated 265,000 people between clinics, Mauritius has five public regional
the ages of 20 and 74 were affected by hospitals, all on the main island, as well
diabetes, which is equivalent to 20.5 as three general hospitals, two in-patient
percent of that population.93 Minister of health centers, and various specialized
Health Mohammad Anwar Husnoo noted hospitals, centers, and clinics.99
that the problem is even direr than those
statistics suggest, as nearly 20 percent of Universal public health care is free of charge
the population is prediabetic.94 Diabetes and in Mauritius from the level of primary health
diabetes-caused kidney disease were the to regional hospitals, and free ambulance
leading causes of death in Mauritius as of service is provided for urgent needs.100
2016, accounting for nearly a quarter of all Though paid private health care is available,
deaths in the country. (Figure 8.) 80 percent of the population visits public
hospitals compared to 20 percent visiting
Dementia has emerged as a growing private clinics. As of a 2016 report, Mauritius
challenge recognized by the government, had 3,885 public and 653 private hospital
but a lack of accurate data presents beds.101 Some 2,769 doctors were registered
difficulties in formulating a policy with the medical council, which is the
response. The most recent statistics equivalent of 2.2 doctors per 1,000 people
from the World Alzheimer Report of 2009 and a ratio in line with New Zealand.102
estimates between 4,000 and 7,000
people in Mauritius suffer from Alzheimer’s People 75 and older who are confined to
disease.95 In 2014, the Ministry of Social their beds receive free health care visits
Security, National Solidarity and Reform at home; those 90 and older receive
Institutions’ Observatory on Ageing monthly in-home doctor visits, also free of
produced an assessment of the needs of charge.103 Providing medical professionals
the older population, with a special focus with training to better care for older adults

26 HEALTH CARE AND WELLNESS

Figure 7. Life Expectancy and Healthy Life Expectancy of Older
Adults, in Years
Life Expectancy at Age 60 Healthy Life Expectancy at Age 60

22

20

18

16

14

12

10
2000 2005 2010 2015 2016

Source: World Health Organization

Global Health Observatory

has been identified as a key area needing to their communities following treatment
attention. A lively discussion is occurring include an allowance for informal caregivers
on how best to care for older people within and free, in-home medical visits for older
the system. Minister Husnoo favors caring adults who are confined to their beds.
for older adults in general medical wards
with other patients rather than in separate As infectious diseases have become less
geriatric wards. “We don’t want to have a prevalent, the public health care system has
ward [as] happens in some places where shifted its focus over the past two decades
people are dumped there,” he said. Instead, to non-communicable diseases (NCDs),
he emphasized a desire to “treat them” and which today account for 80 percent of the
“send [them] back to the community.” Broad health budget.104 The country offers free
efforts to foster older adults’ ability to return screening for NCDs, including diabetes,

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 27

Figure 8. Major Causes of Death in Mauritius

Diabetes and Diabetes-Caused Kidney Disease

Ischemic Heart Disease

Stroke

Dementia

Other Chronic Kidney Diseases

Hypertensive Heart Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Lower Respiratory Infections

Tracheal, Bronchus, and Lung Cancer

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Source: University of Washington Institute for

Health Metrics and Evaluation

and people can receive NCD tests in any is in the process of implementing a
health center in the country’s five regions.105 National Service Framework for diabetes,
Mauritius has adopted the World Health focused on prevention of diabetes and
Organization’s 2008-2013 Action Plan on its complications, and ameliorating the
non-communicable diseases, and has set lives of those with complications from the
up an international advisory committee disease.108 On the prevention side, it added
to advise on preventing and controlling a sugar tax to soft drinks in 2013,109 and has
diabetes, in particular.106 Though there are national action plans on tobacco smoking,
human resources, protocols, and guidelines physical activity, and nutrition.110
in place, a 2016-2017 WHO report noted that
access, integration, and coordination still Age-related diseases, such as dementia,
need improvement, and the organization are also poised to demand greater funding
has provided funding for training on and focus. The 2014 Observatory on Ageing
diabetes care and provided diabetes-related report found major gaps in the capacity of
supplies.107 The Mauritian government

28 HEALTH CARE AND WELLNESS

the current system to meet these needs, will be able to refer patients to the clinic
namely: for specialized evaluation. Sorefan hopes
for greater governmental integration in
• Lack of specialized, tailored care and the future, advocating the incorporation of
activities for those living with dementia in the dementia day center model in existing
residential care facilities; government-run centers for older adults and
the creation of similar centers run by other
• Lack of awareness of dementia and
NGOs.
Alzheimer’s disease by managers and
formal caregivers;

• Lack of support for informal caregivers;

and Long-Term Care

• Insufficient interaction between health

The Mauritian government and the country’s
professionals, management, and
NGOs have been working to improve
caregivers, with families not involved in
long-term care, as demand grows amid
the development of care plans.
changing family structures and extended
lifespans. Nearly 99 percent of older adults
In its 2017-2021 Health Sector Strategy, the
lived outside of institutions as of the 2011
government committed to developing and
census,111 but support for informal caregiving
implementing an Action Plan on Dementia,
is limited to a monthly caregiver’s allowance
but, thus far, the primary actor addressing
of MUR 3,000 (USD 87) and training.112
this challenge is one NGO: Alzheimer
Association Mauritius. Since 2004, the
The government has made progress on
organization has run the only day center
regulating the country’s limited network
for older adults suffering from Alzheimer’s
of formal long-term care facilities to
or dementia, and focuses on supporting
ensure a higher quality of care. In 2003,
families. Though the day center serves just
the government passed acts to establish
60 people each week, the organization
a series of standards and enforcement of
hopes to expand its reach with a larger,
residential facilities.113 In 2015, while the
more centrally located facility. It also plans
United Nations recognized that the number
to launch Mauritius’ first early dementia
of affordable private retirement homes
diagnosis clinic this year, which will not only
had grown, it also noted that the number
facilitate early treatment, but also start to
of public retirement homes available
provide better statistics on the prevalence
was “grossly insufficient.”114 As of 2015,
of Alzheimer’s and dementia in the country.
there were just 22 charitable institutional
“We’ll start to have data on early diagnosis;
homes that provided nursing, paramedical
we’ll have numbers,” said Dr. Ameenah
assistance, and weekly medical visits.115
Sorefan, President of the Association.
Neurologists, physicians, and psychiatrists

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 29

Since 2010, the government has been
ramping up efforts to train caregivers. In
2010, the government launched a six-month “There is [a] big need for
training course for formal caregivers116 and training, training in the
added a short training course in 2013. Close different fields, training of
to 450 informal caregivers and 200 formal
caregivers were trained that year.117
doctors, of GPs, of those who
in their practice have to meet
The government is also working with with the elderly.”
training service MobiQual to extend its – PASCALE DINAN, Head of MobiQual
reach. Working with the government’s
Mauritius Qualifications Authority, MobiQual
offers formal caregivers courses in specific
topics related to older adults’ health, new initiative is the combined effort of
including depression, older age well-being, two occupational therapists who hope
nutrition, palliative care, and Alzheimer’s to bring an individual-centered approach
disease. A neuropsychologist, along with to Mauritius’ residential care homes. The
four doctors, leads courses for leaders of method is inspired by the so-called Eden
residential care homes, nurses, paramedics, Alternative approach, developed by a U.S.
and other caregivers. “There is a big need physician, with which Living Change’s
for training, training in the different fields, Founder, Charlene van Zyl, became
training of doctors, of GPs, of those who familiar in South Africa.118 “We don’t treat a
in their practice have to meet with the person like ‘okay he’s bed-ridden and [has]
elderly,” said Pascale Dinan, head of the Alzheimer[‘s].’ That person has a name, he
MobiQual initiative and Groupement FIAPA has a story, he has a background, has his
in Mauritius. Recognizing the value of quality likes and dislikes,” said Living Change’s Zoya
care at home, MobiQual this year has shifted Janabadi. The organization plans to begin
focus from formal to informal care training, operating this year, and has already hosted
adapting its course framework to the reality a three-day training course with a visiting
of where many of Mauritius’ older people expert from South Africa that was attended
receive care. by managers of homes, therapists, ministry
workers, and a doctor.
Where MobiQual has taken a distinctly
medical approach to train residential Formal care quality presents another
caregivers, Living Change, a new effort challenge and can vary substantially among
gives a greater personal focus on the facilities.119 Though the Residential Care
needs of older adults as individuals. That

30 HEALTH CARE AND WELLNESS

Homes Act represents a laudable effort to
ensure high quality of care, its effect has
been tempered by the fact that it monitors
only registered retirement homes. Only
27 homes had registered as of 2015—all
homes legally required to do so,120 but many
continue to operate without registering,
effectively bypassing government-enforced
quality control.121

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 31

Endnotes

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govmu.org/English/Publications/Documents/MIF/ Alzheimer Association Mauritius. March, 2018.
MIF_2016.pdf
11   Interview with Virjanan Mulloo, President, Club le
3   United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Flamboyant. March, 2018.
(2017). Country Profile 2016: Mauritius. Retrieved from
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documents/CountryProfiles/2017/mauritius_en.pdf Working Paper: Pension Reforms in Mauritius: Fair
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Insight, Issue 107. Retrieved from http://www.igd.org.za/ News/Pages/Elderly-National-Strategy-Paper-and-
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6   (2018, April 12). Mauritius Country Profile. In BBC 14   Republic of Mauritius. (2016). The New Corporate
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New20CSR20Franework202016.pdf
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8   Interview with Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, Minister 16   Interview with Ameenah Sorefan, President,
of Health, Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. March, Alzheimer Association Mauritius. March, 2018.
2018; Ameenah Sorefan, President, Alzheimer Association
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Acting Executive Director, National Computer Board. Alzheimer Association. Retrieved from http://www.
March, 2018. alzheimer.mu/about-us.aspx

32 ENDNOTES
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Senior Citizen Welfare and Reform Institutions. (2001).
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CD?locations=MU uploads/2012/11/060_21-Mauritius-2001-Ageing-With-
Dignity-National-Policy-on-th.pdf
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NY.GDP.PCAP.CD?locations=MU Retrieved from http://socialsecurity.govmu.org/
English/Documents/senior20citizen20council/
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Economic Development, Statistics Mauritius. (2014).
2011 Housing and Population Census. Retrieved from 32   Senior Citizens Council. Annual Report 2014.
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Census20and20Population202011/VolIII-ageing20pop. English/Documents/senior20citizen20council/
pdf Annual20Report202014.pdf

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Ramgoolam Recreation Centre for the Elderly and the
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Ramgoolam Recreation Centre for the Elderly and the
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Club. March, 2018. 07/19/18

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40   Interview with S. Ghoorahoo, Manager, Lady Sushil 49   Enact the Disability Bill in Mauritius by 2017.
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external/pubs/ft/wp/2015/wp15126.pdf

34 ENDNOTES
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61   Soto, M., & Thakoor, V., & Petri, M. (2015). IMF global-information-technology-report-2016/networked-
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63   Antoine, R. (2018, May 26). Retraite: Rs 6 milliards 72   Interview with Vik Bhoyroo, Acting Executive
d’économie avec la pension à 65 ans. Defimedia.info. Director, et al., National Computer Board. March, 2018.
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milliards-deconomie-avec-la-pension-65-ans 73   Republic of Mauritius. (2017). ICT Statistics Year
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66   Republic of Mauritius, Ministry of Finance and 78   Interview with Vik Bhoyroo, Acting Executive
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2011 Housing and Population Census. Retrieved from
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Census20and20Population202011/VolIII-ageing20pop. Director, et al., National Computer Board. March, 2018.
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Director, et al., National Computer Board. March, 2018.

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81   Interview with Vik Bhoyroo, Acting Executive 94   Interview with Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, Minister
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March, 2018.
82   Gillwald, A., & Islam, B. (preparers). National
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83   Wi-Fi Mauritius. Retrieved from http://www. Documents/Health.pdf
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84   Schuetze, C.F. (2016, May 23). Story of Cities #48: Reforms Institutions. (2014). Observatory on Ageing
Cybercity, Mauritius – a vision of Africa’s ‘smart future?. Report: Thematic Area Health: Management of Dementia
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com/cities/2016/may/23/story-cities-48-ebene- Retrieved from http://socialsecurity.govmu.org/English/
cybercity-mauritius-vision-africa-smart-future Documents/Health.pdf

85   Republic of Mauritius. (2017). ICT Statistics Year 97   Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity and
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86   Statistics Mauritius. Information and Communication Retrieved from http://socialsecurity.govmu.org/English/
Technologies (ICT) Statistics – 2006. Retrieved from Documents/Health.pdf
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ei648/toc.htm 98   Interview with Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, Minister
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87   Republic of Mauritius. About the Internet and March, 2018.
Computing Core Certification (IC3). Retrieved from http://
uiep.govmu.org/English/IC3/Pages/About-the-IC3.aspx 99   Health Statistics Unit, Ministry of Health and
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uiep.govmu.org/English/IC3/Pages/About-the-IC3.aspx health20statistics20report202016.pdf

89   Interview with Vik Bhoyroo, Acting Executive 100   Interview with Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, Minister
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90   Interview with Vik Bhoyroo, Acting Executive
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92   Interview with Nicolas Tadebois, Founder, Serenity. 05/08/18
June, 2018.

93   Magliano, D., et al. (2015). The Mauritius Non

Communicable Diseases Survey 2015. Retrieved from
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36 ENDNOTES
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Island of Mauritius and Island of Rodrigues. Retrieved 2011 Housing and Population Census. Retrieved from
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health20statistics20report202016.pdf accessed Census20and20Population202011/VolIII-ageing20pop.
05/08/18 pdf

103   Interview with Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, Minister 112   Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity
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March, 2018. Non Contributory Benefits. Retrieved from http://
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104   Interview with Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, Minister Contributory-Benefits.aspx
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March, 2018. 113   Republic of Mauritius. (2004). Residential Care
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105   World Health Organization Country Office govmu.org/English/Documents/A-Z20Acts/P/Page201/
Mauritius. Biennium Report 2016 | 2017. Retrieved from PRESIDENTIAL20CARE20HOMES20ACT.pdf; United
https://www.afro.who.int/sites/default/files/2018-03/ Nations Human Rights Council. (2015). Report of the
WHO20Mauritius20Biennium20Report202016-2017.pdf Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human
Rights by Older Persons. Retrieved from http://www.
106   Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. Draft Health ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/
Sector Strategy 2017-2021. Retrieved from http://www. Session30/Documents/A_HRC_30_43_Add_3_ENG.
nationalplanningcycles.org/sites/default/files/planning_ docx
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strategy_mauritius_2017-2021.pdf 114   United Nations Human Rights Council. (2015).
Report of the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All
107   World Health Organization Country Office Human Rights by Older Persons. Retrieved from http://
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WHO20Mauritius20Biennium20Report202016-2017.pdf docx

108   Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. Draft Health 115   United Nations Human Rights Council. (2015).
Sector Strategy 2017-2021. Retrieved from http://www. Report of the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All
nationalplanningcycles.org/sites/default/files/planning_ Human Rights by Older Persons. Retrieved from http://
cycle_repository/mauritius/draft_health_sector_ www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/
strategy_mauritius_2017-2021.pdf Session30/Documents/A_HRC_30_43_Add_3_ENG.
docx
109   Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. Draft Health
Sector Strategy 2017-2021. Retrieved from http://www. 116   (2013, July 26). Welfare State – Government
nationalplanningcycles.org/sites/default/files/planning_ Launches Training Programme for Informal Carers. In
cycle_repository/mauritius/draft_health_sector_ Republic of Mauritius: News. Retrieved From http://
strategy_mauritius_2017-2021.pdf www.govmu.org/English/News/Pages/Welfare-State---
Government-Launches-Training-Programme-for-Informal-
110   Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. Draft Health Carers.aspx 05/13/18
Sector Strategy 2017-2021. Retrieved from http://www.
nationalplanningcycles.org/sites/default/files/planning_ 117   United Nations Human Rights Council. (2015).
cycle_repository/mauritius/draft_health_sector_ Report of the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All
strategy_mauritius_2017-2021.pdf Human Rights by Older Persons. Retrieved from http://
www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/
Session30/Documents/A_HRC_30_43_Add_3_ENG.
docx

SMALL INNOVATIVE ECONOMIES: Mauritius 37

118   About. Retrieved from https://drbillthomas.org/
about/

119   Interview with Pascale Dinan, President,

Groupement FIAPA. March, 2018.

120   Interview with Zoya Janabadi, Deputy General

Manager/Occupational Therapist, Global Rainbow
Foundation. September, 2018.

121   United Nations Human Rights Council. (2015).

Report of the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All
Human Rights by Older Persons. Retrieved from http://
www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/
Session30/Documents/A_HRC_30_43_Add_3_ENG.
docx

© 2018. This report was produced by FP Analytics, in collaboration with and

underwritten by AARP. FP Analytics is the independent research and analytics arm
of The FP Group.

38 ENDNOTES