Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Doha, Qatar celebrated the International Day of Older Persons with activities aimed at promoting healthy ageing on October 1 and 2. The theme for this year was “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide,” highlighting the need to recognize the contributions of older individuals and create supportive environments for their well-being. The celebration focused on initiatives to enhance the well-being of older persons, including raising awareness about the Age Friendly Health System and the transformative 4Ms Framework.
Collaboration was a key aspect of the celebration, with HMC partnering with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) to increase awareness and resources for older persons. Informative sessions led by healthcare experts focused on best practices for caring for the elderly at home and strategies to enhance their quality of life. Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, HMC’s Deputy Chief for Long-Term Care, highlighted the importance of creating supportive environments for older individuals and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The awareness programme was organized by HMC’s Department of Geriatrics and Long-Term Care, a WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing and Dementia. The events took place at Rumailah Hospital and the Medical Care and Research Centre (MCRC), bringing together healthcare professionals, elderly care teams, and the public to learn about age-related health concerns and the benefits of active, healthy lifestyles. Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad emphasized the significance of reflecting on the contributions of older persons in society and taking action to support their health and well-being.
Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad invited the community to join in fostering a society that values and supports older adults by promoting active engagement and healthy lifestyles. By enhancing the quality of life for seniors and celebrating their vital role within communities, individuals can create a supportive environment for the elderly. The International Day of Older Persons highlighted the importance of recognizing and respecting older individuals while creating an environment that promotes their health and well-being.
Overall, the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons at HMC in Doha, Qatar focused on promoting healthy ageing and creating supportive environments for older individuals. Through initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of older persons and raising awareness about age-related health concerns, the event emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of older individuals in society. With collaboration from various organizations and informative sessions led by healthcare experts, the programme aimed to enhance the quality of life for seniors and celebrate their vital role within communities.