Oman experts call for inclusive elderly care
Muscat – A symposium in the wilayat of Ibri has called for greater community involvement and improved support systems for the elderly, as Oman grapples with the challenges posed by changing family structures and signs of social disintegration.
Organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in coordination with Dhahirah governorate, the one-day event focused on the rising needs of the ageing population. Titled 'Caring for the Elderly in Light of Family Challenges: Between Social Disintegration and Care Needs', the symposium was conducted by the Health Committee in collaboration with the Elderly Care and Community Health Programme.
The event aimed to raise public awareness of the issues affecting senior citizens and promote closer family ties, while encouraging the development of more inclusive care systems.
Four working papers were presented, covering health, psychological, and social aspects of elderly care. Badriya bint Humaid al Mahrami, a member of the Elderly Care Programme in Dhahirah, opened the session by outlining the daily challenges facing the elderly in the region and the support provided through the National Home Care Programme.
Dr Huda bint Salim al Badia, a family medicine specialist, presented the second paper. She highlighted the emotional and social impact of family breakdown. 'Neglect and emotional distance are becoming more common, affecting the mental wellbeing of our elderly,' she said, referencing local case studies.
In the third presentation, Dr Ali Talib al Hadrami discussed psychological strategies to strengthen family bonds. He underlined the importance of communication and mutual trust in sustaining supportive inter-generational relationships.
Yousef al Lamki, head of the Ihsan Association branch in South Batinah, delivered the final paper, stressing the value of community involvement. 'Community-led initiatives are crucial in bridging service gaps and delivering emotional and practical support,' he said.
A panel discussion followed the presentations, resulting in a series of recommendations. These included expanding access to comprehensive healthcare, establishing social centres offering psychological and recreational services, adapting urban spaces to be more elder-friendly, providing financial support to low-income families, and building stronger volunteer networks across the country.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Health initiative to provide safe educational environment
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works on Wednesday signed a cooperation agreement to support the "Health-Promoting Schools" initiative. The initiative aims to provide a safe and health-enhancing educational environment that enables students to improve their academic performance, acquire essential life skills and integrate into society. The agreement was signed by Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Education; Sulaiman bin Nasser al Hiji, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Administrative and Financial Affairs; and Dina al Khalili, Director-General of Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works. Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, stated that this five-year initiative holds significant importance in enhancing students' health environment, serving as a key tool that positively impacts their academic achievement. He added that the total number of schools participating in the initiative since its launch has reached 566 across various educational directorates in the governorates. These schools implement the initiative's programmes in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works. Sulaiman bin Nasser al Hiji, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Administrative and Financial Affairs, emphasised that this initiative stems from a strategic partnership to serve the public good, particularly by promoting health in school environments. This will be achieved through improving students' learning conditions, enhancing their academic performance, preventing diseases, reducing absenteeism, supporting their mental well-being and instilling lasting healthy habits — enabling them to focus, engage and learn more effectively. Dina al Khalili, Director-General of Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works, stated that this strategic partnership reflects the convergence of health and education efforts, realising a shared vision to provide a healthy school environment that enhances students' academic success and develops their essential life skills. She reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to creating a sustainable impact for students and society. Al Jisr Foundation will fund sustainable projects for three schools that have achieved the highest gold-level rating in the "Health-Promoting Schools" initiative over five years. Additionally, the foundation will oversee the initiative's implementation and collaborate with specialised teams from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to develop a visual identity and an operational guide for the initiative. Efforts are also underway to prepare an electronic platform, which will be launched at a later stage. - ONA
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Royal Decree transfers Directorate General of Medical Services to Ministry of Health
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued a Royal Decree transferring the Directorate General of Medical Services from the Diwan of Royal Court to the Ministry of Health.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Follow animal handling guidelines to avoid Congo fever during Eid: MoH
Muscat: As Oman prepares for Eid, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised the public to take precautions against Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans. According to the ministry, the slaughter of livestock poses potential health risks if proper safety measures are not followed. In a recent awareness campaign, the MOH highlighted the importance of preventive actions when dealing with animals and animal products. The ministry emphasised that Congo fever is a viral disease that can be transmitted through several means: Tick bites from infected ticks. Direct contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals during slaughter. Direct contact with an infected person or their bodily fluids. The campaign urges citizens and residents to use personal protective equipment when handling animals and meat, especially during slaughtering and meat processing. The ministry stressed, 'The best protection is to follow all preventive measures while dealing with animals and their remains." The awareness drive came as part of the government's broader public health strategy to prevent zoonotic diseases and ensure a safe Eid celebration across the country. Meanwhile, Muscat Municipality said in a statement that slaughterhouses and fruit and vegetable markets undergo intensive preparations during the festive seasons to provide integrated services for consumers, as municipality continues its efforts to ensure service quality and maintain public health and safety.
