Muscat: The symposium, titled "Following up on the Implementation of the Arab Strategy for the Elderly between Potential and Challenges," emphasized the critical need for the integration of best practices to elevate the standard of care for the elderly throughout the Arab region. Convened in Muscat, the event highlighted the imperative of augmenting health and social services for the elderly to ensure a superior quality of life.
Safiya Al Omiri, the Director of Elderly Affairs at Oman’s Ministry of Social Development, advocated for the inclusion of digital technologies to facilitate the elderly's access to services and maintain social connections. Al Omiri called for a collaborative effort among government entities, the private sector, and civil society organizations to support training initiatives, simplify technological solutions, and provide funding and digital services that are specifically designed to meet the needs of the elderly.
In Saudi Arabia, Ibtisam Al-Humaizi, the Director General of Elderly Care, reported on the proactive measures taken to improve the quality of life for the elderly, noting a senior population exceeding 1.5 million, which represents 4.7% of the country's total population. The strategy of Saudi Arabia is centered on ensuring a dignified and secure environment, coupled with high-quality social care services and community support.
Fatima Al Zarouni from the UAE’s Ministry of Community Development stressed the importance of preventive measures and community engagement. She highlighted initiatives such as “Meeting Across Generations,” which fosters connections between youth and senior citizens, and “We Are Your Family,” a volunteer-driven program aimed at the welfare of the elderly.
Ali Al Shamsi from the GCC Statistical Centre presented data indicating an anticipated increase in the elderly population of the GCC to 29.6% by 2050. The GCC is planning to update its strategy for elderly care to align with the demographic shifts in the region.
The symposium underscored a collective commitment to the integration and support of the elderly through coordinated policies and programs across the Arab region.
