As Kuwait joins the global community in celebrating the International Day for Older Persons, the nation’s dedication to the elderly shines through its continuous efforts to enhance support systems and social services. On this significant occasion, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, reaffirmed Kuwait’s long-standing commitment to bolstering and expanding its elderly care services.
Kuwait Constitution: A Foundation for Elderly Care
Dr. Al-Huwailah, speaking to KUNA, highlighted that elderly care has been enshrined in Kuwait’s core principles, with a strong foundation in the Kuwait Constitution. Article 11 of the constitution explicitly mandates the State to “ensure aid for citizens in old age, sickness, or inability to work.” This principle extends beyond financial support, encompassing social security, medical care, and an array of social services aimed at ensuring a dignified life for the elderly population.
The minister’s statement on the International Day for Older Persons emphasizes how the country has structured its policies around the growing needs of the aging population. As populations worldwide grow older, Kuwait has proven to be proactive in addressing the challenges associated with aging, making elderly care a cornerstone of its social policy.
Expansion of Elderly Care Services in Kuwait
Kuwait has made significant strides in providing comprehensive services to its senior citizens. As of August 2024, 3,888 elderly individuals benefit from the extensive support offered by the government. These services range from physiotherapy to specialized medical care, illustrating Kuwait’s commitment to delivering quality care for its older residents. Moreover, the Elderly Care Department currently houses 17 elderly individuals, providing them with personalized care and attention.
In a major development this year, Kuwait launched a mobile elderly care unit based in Hawally Governorate. This innovative service has made transportation more accessible for the elderly, enabling them to travel to and from facilities offering services such as physiotherapy and access to a health club. This unit represents a major step forward in enhancing the mobility of older persons, giving them greater access to the services they need to maintain their health and well-being.
The introduction of the mobile unit reflects Kuwait’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring that even the most vulnerable segments of society have access to vital healthcare services. By offering transport and direct care, Kuwait empowers the elderly to maintain their independence and dignity, which aligns with this year’s International Day theme: “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.”
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The Role of Elderly Diwaniyas
In addition to the mobile care unit, Kuwait has established dedicated spaces for the elderly to engage with the community. The Diwaniyas, or gathering halls, in areas like West Abdullah Al-Mubarak and Al-Firdaws, serve as social hubs where the elderly can interact with their peers and engage in meaningful conversations and activities. These spaces are instrumental in reducing the isolation that often accompanies old age and in fostering a sense of community and belonging among the elderly.
The creation of Diwaniyas shows Kuwait’s holistic approach to elderly care, which not only focuses on physical well-being but also on mental and emotional health. Integrating older persons into society and providing them with opportunities for social engagement ensures they remain active participants in community life, preserving their dignity and sense of purpose.
Global Recognition for Kuwait Elderly Care Initiatives
Kuwait’s dedication to elderly care is not confined to the national level. On the international stage, Kuwait has been a strong advocate for advancing the rights and care of older persons. In 2004, the country launched the Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for elderly care and health research. This prestigious prize aims to promote scientific research focused on improving elderly care and to encourage countries around the world to develop better support systems for their aging populations.
By fostering global discussions on elderly care, Kuwait is contributing to a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities posed by aging populations worldwide. This year’s theme, “Ageing with Dignity,” resonates deeply with Kuwait’s approach, underscoring the importance of respect, care, and support for the elderly across all societies.
A Long-Term Vision for Elderly Care
Looking ahead, Kuwait continues to prioritize the welfare of its elderly population through both short-term and long-term strategies. The government’s commitment to expanding services, improving accessibility, and fostering social engagement shows that Kuwait is not only responding to the current needs of its elderly citizens but also preparing for the future.
The International Day for Older Persons celebrated annually on October 1st since 1991, serves as a reminder for governments and societies worldwide to reflect on the needs of older persons and reaffirm their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for this crucial segment of society. In Kuwait, this day is marked with renewed vows to support and care for the elderly, ensuring they continue to live with dignity, respect, and access to the services they deserve.