UAE: Here’s How Senior Citizens Are Proving Age Is Just A Number Through Fun Initiatives

As we get older, staying connected with others becomes even more essential. Dr. Rahul Unnikrishnan, a specialist in geriatric care, emphasises how friendships can be a lifeline for seniors. “With ageing, isolation becomes a major issue,” he explains. “Many elderly people struggle with cognitive decline or mobility problems, which limits their ability to socialise.” To counter this, Dr. Unnikrishnan advocates for dedicated spaces where seniors can meet, enjoy activities, and rekindle the joys of social interaction. Come with me, and I’ll tell you all the incredible initiatives happening in UAE that help advocate for seniors!

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The UAE’s Support For Senior Citizens

Within the UAE, several initiatives are in place to help seniors stay active, healthy, and connected. These initiatives reflect the UAE’s commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors by offering them the resources they need to stay involved in their communities. Some key facilities available for older adults include:

• Seniors’ Happiness Centre: Offering 24-hour medical, nursing, and social care, this centre is a one-stop hub for seniors’ medical, cultural, and recreational needs.
• Thukher Club in Al Safa: A club exclusively for Emiratis aged 60 and above, featuring a gym, health centre, library, and social spaces for seniors to meet and stay active.
• Elder Square: A daycare centre dedicated to providing seniors with a safe and engaging environment throughout the day.

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Keeping The Mind Active Through Fun & Nostalgia

One of the best ways to keep seniors engaged is through activities that tap into their past. Dr. Unnikrishnan suggests that clubs or community groups should provide social spaces and opportunities for seniors to play games, sing, dance, or engage in activities that bring back memories from their youth. “These kinds of experiences can lift their spirits, stimulate their minds, and make them feel important within the community,” he adds. These fun activities can give seniors a renewed sense of belonging and purpose.

A recent initiative by the SmartLife Foundation proves that age is no barrier to fun. The foundation organises regular meetups for seniors, typically involving yoga and conversations. In a recent meeting, they handed the planning over to the seniors themselves. The result? A day filled with games like building paper cup pyramids and naming actors from the past. The laughter and joy that filled the room were a reminder that seniors still have plenty of energy for fun!

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Combating Loneliness With Connection

As people live longer, there’s an increasing risk that seniors might face loneliness. October 1st is recognized globally as the International Day of Older Persons, with a special focus this year on promoting dignity and better support systems for the elderly. Initiatives like SmartLife’s meetups help combat isolation by fostering strong bonds among senior members. “We may be grandparents, but we still have so much to offer,” says Manjula Ramakrishnan, project lead for Smart Senior Citizen. These gatherings offer seniors a sense of community and belonging.

Putting Health & Well-Being First

Thanks to advancements in healthcare, seniors today are living longer than ever before. Dr. Salwa Alsuwaidi, a consultant geriatrician, highlights the leap in life expectancy within the UAE. “Before the country’s unification, the average life expectancy was 53,” she says, “but today, it has risen to 80.” With people living longer, there’s an increasing focus on addressing seniors’ health and well-being, making geriatric care a growing field of importance.

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Shining A Light On Geriatric Care

To ensure that seniors receive the care they need, the Emirates Geriatrics Society (EGS) was founded under the Emirates Medical Association. Dr. Salwa Alsuwaidi, who leads the EGS, explains that geriatric care requires a holistic approach, considering not just physical health but also cognitive, social, and family dynamics. “There are critical issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia that affect the elderly, yet they are rarely talked about,” she says. The EGS aims to raise awareness of these issues and ensure seniors get the attention and care they deserve.

Through these various programs and initiatives, the UAE is helping seniors not only live longer but also live more fulfilling, connected, and engaged lives!

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