A'Dhahirah: 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.
According to Oman News Agency, the event was organized today by the Health Committee in Ibri, A'Dhahirah Governorate, in collaboration with the Elderly Care and Community Health Program. It aimed to raise awareness about the importance of elderly care, strengthen family bonds, and discuss challenges faced by this demographic amid social changes. The seminar also encouraged local community engagement in supporting such efforts.
The seminar featured four working papers. The first, presented by Badriya Hameed Al Mukhrami, a member of A'Dhahirah's Elderly Care Program, examined the realities of elderly life in the governorate, the health and social challenges of aging, and initiatives under the National Home Care Program.
The second paper, delivered by Dr. Huda Salim 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.
In the third paper, presented by Dr. Ali Talib Al Hadhrami, ways to strengthen family ties from a psychological perspective were discussed, focusing on fostering effective communication and mutual trust. The fourth paper, by Youssef Al Lamki, Executive Director of the Ribat Center for Community Initiatives and head of the Ihsan Association's South Al Batinah branch, emphasized the role of volunteer organizations 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 centers offering psychological support and activities, adapting urban environments to elderly needs, supporting low-income families, and promoting volunteerism for this demographic.
The symposium was inaugurated by Sheikh Dr. Said Humaid Al-Harthy, Wali of Ibri, at the Ibri branch of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences.