The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is established by the United Nations (UN) and celebrated worldwide on 1 October to encourage countries to draw attention to the negative stereotypes and misconceptions about older persons and ageing, and to enable older persons to still realise their full potential.
National Health Strategy for Healthy Ageing Lead Dr Hanadi Al-Hamad and her team wholeheartedly support health awareness and promotion for adults aged 60 and above to help them remain healthier, more active and independent for as long as possible.
To mark this year’s IDOP, the Healthy Ageing Program team collaborated with Qatar Museums to conduct targeted activities for patients over 60 years old and their families at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ).
Dr Al-Hamad, who is also the lead of the Qatar National Dementia Plan and the Chairperson of the Department of Geriatrics and Long-Term Care at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), advised that practical health literacy, effective health screening programmes and healthier lifestyles are essential in promoting better health in older adults.
She said that when she was a young doctor, the overall life expectancy in Qatar was significantly lower and the overall belief was that after the age of 60, you should preferably stay at home. With better healthcare services and improved living conditions, the life expectancy in Qatar now is around 80 years and people should be able to continue to live productive and happier lives when they are well above 60.
But while the public health sector can help promote healthier living, every individual has the responsibility to invest in their physical health and mental well-being and they should do this when they are in their 30s, 40s and 50s to reap the benefits later in life.
That is why we are so delighted to collaborate with partners such as Qatar Museums to promote social and cultural activities for older adults that are important in promoting both physical and emotional health.
Higher risk for chronic diseases
Dr Al-Hamad said that as people age, they have a higher risk of common chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which can raise the risk of stroke and dementia. They want more adults to be more aware of these drivers of illnesses and disability and proactively prevent or at least minimise the effects of these diseases to improve quality of life in older age.
She explained that they conduct regular health literacy campaigns and offer multiple health screening clinics and services that are targeted toward people over the age of 60. They also conduct widespread professional geriatric training for healthcare professionals working in other fields, so they are more knowledgeable about the needs of this patient group.
While Qatar still has a relatively young population, we must focus now on the health and social care needs of the next generation of older people and encourage all adults to understand the concept and importance of healthy ageing.
She said that a great way to share this message is through joint activities with partners such as Qatar Museums.
As the Lead for Healthy Ageing, Dr Al-Hamad supports the Global Age-friendly Cities Guide of the World Health Organization (WHO), which regards active ageing as a lifelong process shaped by several factors that, alone and acting together, favour health, participation and security in older adult life.
This guide promotes the importance for older people to continue to go out and participate in cultural and entertainment activities and join opportunities for volunteering or civic engagement.
In line with the UN’s purpose for establishing the International Day of Older Persons, Dr Shirmila Syamala said they just don’t want people to experience less illness in later years, but for them to be happier and continue to contribute to society using the wealth and experience they have gained over a lifetime. Dr Syamala is a senior consultant for Geriatric and a member of the NHS 2 Healthy Aging Taskforce.
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