Loading...
Loading...
The session was attended by a group of specialists, including doctors, psychologists, social workers, and caregivers for the elderly, along with several representatives from health and social institutions. The aim was to raise community awareness of the issues of the elderly and highlight their role in preserving human values, cultural heritage, and national identity.
The session began with the national anthem, followed by an opening speech that emphasised the high status enjoyed by the elderly in the United Arab Emirates. They are the living memory of society, the guardians of the system of values and ethics, and a role model for future generations in giving, belonging, and strengthening family and social ties.
The session, held at the Oceanic Resort in Khorfakkan, featured important discussions on issues affecting the elderly from social, health, psychological, and technical perspectives. The session emphasised the role of the elderly as role models for future generations.
The session addressed Alzheimer's disease, addressing its definition, symptoms, and types, the groups most at risk, and the importance of early diagnosis and regular screening. The session also discussed the psychological and health changes affecting those affected, as well as the importance of community awareness to create a friendly environment for them. It also reviewed current treatments, the challenges facing families in caring for the elderly with Alzheimer's, and ways to support caregivers.
At the beginning of the session, Kholoud Abdullah Al Ali, Director of the Elderly Services Centre at SSSD, emphasised the significant efforts made by the department through programmes and initiatives targeting the elderly, which effectively contribute to mitigating the effects of Alzheimer's disease and enhancing their quality of life.
Al Ali pointed out that one of the most prominent of these initiatives is "Al Masyaf" programme for the elderly, which is distinguished by the participation of the elderly themselves in its presentation, enhancing their productivity and strengthening their self-confidence. She explained that the role of the elderly is pivotal in transferring experiences to new generations and preserving customs, traditions, and community heritage, as they represent the living memory of society and a fundamental pillar in sustaining its values and identity.
Dr Hamad Al Sinawi, Chairman of the Oman Alzheimer's Association, discussed Alzheimer's disease from various aspects, explaining its causes, symptoms, and psychological and social effects on those affected and their families, as well as the close relationship between advancing age and the increased likelihood of developing the disease.
Al Sinawi emphasised the importance of early diagnosis by monitoring early signs and conducting periodic examinations, in addition to the pivotal role of community awareness in improving the quality of life of those affected and supporting their families.
Al Sinawi pointed out that one of the most painful changes caused by Alzheimer's disease is the gradual fading of names, faces, and even road and street names. Over time, patients also lose the ability to speak and become unable to express their feelings in words. He explained that science divides human memory into two types: cognitive memory, which stores names, dates, and skills, and emotional memory, which retains the imprints of feelings associated with different life stages. This explains why some emotions and feelings persist even in the advanced stages of the disease.
Dr Essam Samaha, psychiatric expert at SSSD, also addressed the psychological and health changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, emphasising the importance of building a friendly and supportive environment for older adults with Alzheimer's disease, enabling them to feel safe and integrate into society.
During his intervention, he reviewed the most prominent treatments currently available, including medications, behavioural therapies, and clinical trials, emphasising the need to integrate these efforts with psychosocial support programmes to ensure comprehensive and balanced care. He also offered a set of practical tips to help prevent or mitigate the effects of the disease, most notably adhering to a healthy lifestyle and engaging in normal daily activities, as this plays a significant role in enhancing mental abilities and maintaining the health of older adults for as long as possible.
In the same context, Dr Mohammed Hosni, Head of the Alzheimer's Disease Department at Khorfakkan Hospital, discussed the significant challenges facing families in caring for elderly people with Alzheimer's. He emphasised that these challenges are not limited to medical aspects only, but also extend to include the psychological, social, and economic burdens families bear when providing daily care for the patient.
Dr Hosni emphasised the urgent need to provide specialised training programmes for caregivers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the changing needs of patients and helping them cope with the psychological pressures resulting from the nature of the disease and its increasing demands.
Dr Hosni linked these innovations to a set of tips directed at patients and their families, emphasising the importance of integrating technology with direct humanitarian care and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for the patient. He also encouraged families to balance healthcare, psychological, and social care to ensure the patient's condition is stable and their quality of life is improved as much as possible.
On this occasion, Maryam Nasser Al Suwaidi, Director of the Khorfakkan Branch of SSSD, emphasised that organising this event complements the efforts made to provide the best services to the elderly. She noted that SSSD always strives to enhance its role as an entity concerned with providing various services to various segments of society, especially the elderly, who represent our living memory of the past and present. Hence, the session's theme, "Memory of a Community," emphasised the importance of this precious group.
Al Suwaidi also expressed her thanks and appreciation to the participating individuals and the founder.
The Department and its partners were thanked for their support and contributions to the success of this event, emphasising the Department's aspiration to leverage the recommendations presented to improve the quality of services provided to the elderly, contributing to a dignified and safe life for them.
The session concluded with a set of recommendations, most notably the need for concerted efforts between health and social institutions to provide integrated and comprehensive services for the elderly. It also emphasised the importance of expanding community awareness campaigns on age-related diseases, encouraging initiatives that contribute to the integration of the elderly into social and cultural activities, and ensuring the continuity of their active role in transmitting experiences and values to new generations.
The participants emphasised that caring for the elderly is not limited to providing healthcare alone, but also includes enabling them to continue their contributions and vital role in society, strengthening the social fabric and preserving the national and humanitarian identity of the UAE.
For an optimal experience, please
rotate your device to portrait mode.
