06-05-2025
Seminar addresses family challenges in elderly care
IBRI: A seminar titled 'Elderly Care Amid Family Challenges: Between Social Fragmentation and Care Needs" reviewed several working papers covering the social, psychological and health aspects related to the elderly, the impact of family breakdown on their quality of life, and initiatives to enhance care services.
The event, organised on Tuesday by the Health Committee in Ibri, Al Dhahirah Governorate, in collaboration with the Elderly Care and Community Health Programme, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of elderly care, strengthen family bonds and discuss challenges faced by the elderly amid social changes. It also encouraged local community engagement in supporting such efforts.
The seminar featured four working papers. The first, presented by Badriya al Mukhrami, a member of Al Dhahirah's Elderly Care Programme, examined the realities of elderly life in the governorate, the health and social challenges of aging and initiatives under the National Home Care Programme.
The second paper, delivered by Dr Huda al Badi, a family medicine specialist, explored the psychological and social effects of family disintegration on the elderly, supported by real-life cases highlighting the negative consequences of inadequate family care.
The third paper, presented by Dr Ali al Hadhrami, discussed ways to strengthen family ties from a psychological perspective by fostering effective communication and mutual trust.
The fourth paper, by Youssef al Lamki, Executive Director of the Ribat Centre for Community Initiatives and head of the Ihsan Association in Al Batinah South branch, emphasised the role of volunteer organisations and community initiatives in supporting the elderly, advocating for volunteer networks to enhance psychosocial care and provide direct services to those in need.
A panel discussion followed, proposing practical solutions to improve health and social services for the elderly.
Key recommendations included expanding comprehensive healthcare services, establishing social centres, offering psychological support and activities, adapting urban environments to elderly needs and supporting low-income families.
The seminar was inaugurated by Shaikh Dr Said bin Humaid al Harthy, Wali of Ibri, at the Ibri branch of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences.
