HMC Celebrates International Day of Older Persons. Doha, Qatar – In a commitment to advancing the health and well-being of older adults, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) recently marked the International Day of Older Persons with a series of impactful activities held on October 1 and 2. The events, designed to engage the community, emphasized the importance of promoting healthy ageing and fostering a supportive environment for the elderly.
The 2024 theme, “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide,” serves as a powerful reminder of the essential role older persons play in society. It underscores the importance of building care systems that not only support their health but also ensure they live with dignity and respect.
HMC Celebrates International Day of Older Persons
At the core of this year’s celebrations were several initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the needs of older persons and promoting best practices in elderly care. Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, Deputy Chief for Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation, and Geriatric Care at HMC, highlighted the critical role of the theme in reminding society to reflect on the contributions of older individuals and the necessity of creating environments that support their well-being.
“This year’s theme reminded us to reflect on the invaluable contributions of older persons in our society and to take action in creating supportive environments for their health and well-being, enabling them to live dignified lives,” said Dr. Al Hamad.
Her words resonate with the broader goals of the International Day of Older Persons, which seeks to honor the elderly and ensure they continue to thrive within their communities. The celebration emphasized the importance of community involvement in promoting active engagement, healthy lifestyles, and overall well-being for the elderly.
Key Initiatives to Support Ageing with Dignity
The objectives of HMC’s celebration focused on enhancing the lives of older adults through various key initiatives. These efforts aligned with Qatar’s commitment to promoting healthy ageing and ensuring that the healthcare system provides comprehensive support for the elderly.
One of the main highlights of the event was the introduction of the Age Friendly Health System and the implementation of the 4Ms Framework—a transformative approach aimed at optimizing care for older adults. The framework, which includes What Matters, Mobility, Mentation, and Medication, was introduced by the AGU-Medical Care and Research Centre to create more personalized, patient-centered care for the elderly.
What Matters focuses on understanding and respecting the preferences of older persons, ensuring that their values guide all care decisions. Mobility emphasizes maintaining physical activity and movement to preserve independence, while Mentation addresses cognitive health, aiming to prevent or manage dementia and other mental health concerns. Lastly, Medication seeks to ensure safe and appropriate use of medications to avoid complications and enhance the overall quality of life.
These initiatives are vital to creating a more age-friendly healthcare system that places older persons at the heart of care decisions and strives to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Collaborating to Raise Awareness and Improve Care
Collaboration was a key focus during the events, as HMC partnered with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) to raise awareness about the resources and support available for older persons. By working together, these organizations aimed to highlight the importance of creating a community that values and cares for its senior members.
Informative sessions led by healthcare professionals were an essential part of the celebration. These sessions provided valuable insights into best practices for elderly care at home, offering families and caregivers practical strategies to improve the well-being of older adults. The sessions covered topics such as nutrition, exercise, cognitive health, and how to create supportive environments that allow older persons to maintain their independence and dignity.
Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad emphasized the critical role of community involvement in these efforts, calling on everyone to contribute to a society that respects and supports older adults. “By promoting active engagement and healthy lifestyles, we can enhance the quality of life for our seniors and celebrate their vital role within our communities,” she said.
A WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing
The awareness programme was organized by HMC’s Department of Geriatrics and Long-Term Care, which is recognized as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing and Dementia. This designation reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of older persons in Qatar and beyond. The WHO Collaborating Centre status also signifies HMC’s leadership in advancing global knowledge and best practices in elderly care.
The events, held at Rumailah Hospital and the Medical Care and Research Centre (MCRC), brought together healthcare professionals, caregivers, and members of the public. Together, they explored age-related health concerns and discussed ways to promote healthy lifestyles among the elderly. The focus on education and collaboration provided a platform for community members to engage with experts and learn how to better care for their loved ones as they age.
Supporting Qatar’s Elderly Population
As Qatar’s population ages, the need for effective support systems becomes more pressing. The country is making significant strides in improving care for older persons, ensuring they are not only well-cared for but that they continue to play a meaningful role in society. Through events like the International Day of Older Persons, Qatar reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality care and support to its elderly citizens.
The ongoing collaboration between HMC, MoPH, and PHCC highlights a unified approach to enhancing elderly care. With the continued implementation of the Age Friendly Health System and the 4Ms Framework, Qatar is setting a global example of how to promote healthy ageing and ensure that older persons live with dignity and respect.
Conclusion
The International Day of Older Persons celebration organized by Hamad Medical Corporation serves as a reminder of the vital contributions of older persons and the importance of fostering environments that support their well-being. Through a series of key initiatives, collaborative efforts, and educational sessions, Qatar is working to build a healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of the elderly, ensuring that they can age with dignity.
As Qatar moves forward, the focus on healthy ageing, community involvement, and the implementation of innovative care frameworks will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for older adults. By continuing to promote active engagement and recognizing the value of older persons, Qatar is setting a powerful example of how to create an age-friendly society that values and supports its senior citizens.