Amal bint Abdullatif Al MannaiChief Executive Officer

Qatar Foundation for Social Work

Qatar International Geriatric & Gerontology Conference31 October 2019

I am honored and delighted to speak to all of you at the opening ceremony of the first International Geriatric and Gerontology Conference in Qatar. We are grateful for the opportunity we have been awarded as representatives of civil society organizations in Qatar to talk about the current general situation in the field of ageing, both from medical and social perspectives.

I would like to express my appreciation to Her Excellency the Minister of Public Health -Director General of Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Hanan bint Mohammed Al Kuwari for her dedication in promoting and supporting a healthy and active society for all ages, and for providing a platform for experts and healthcare professionals at the international, regional and local levels to hold discussions and exchange experiences at this conference.

Significant demographic shifts are taking place in the world today without exception, and with the increase in the ageing population as a result of low fertility rates and an increase in life expectancy have led to substantial economic, social and health structural challenges. This made the need for empowerment initiatives, protection mechanisms, integrated policies and multisectoral methodologies a requirement, not just a matter of routine.

Ageing has many fields and intersectionalities, whether it is empowerment of older persons, their social welfare, medical care or the human rights of older persons, all point towards one goal; To achieve security and dignity for older persons in old age.

The stunning current demands and future challenges in ageing have given us an opportunity to transform our societies. And let us be candid, there is an encouraging and real opportunity for change.

Population ageing is a clear chance for progress and not a threat to humanity, as it is not only our duty to help older people survive, but to thrive, achieve well-being and good health in old age. It is our collective responsibility to stand behind & support older persons and not become an unnecessary obstacle in their way.

The prevailing belief about full reliance on the proposition that longevity means a medical and social cost must be changed, due to it being a real chance to invest in future generations. As longevity itself can be a decisive factor to the progress of nations and has the means to promote good health and general social well-being in old age. We must strengthen the understanding that older persons need to be able to gradually shift from full social activity to other prospects in life, and that they can serve as a catalyst in the global call for healthy and active aging.

With the increase in life expectancy, health becomes a major concern for older persons because they are prone to disease and disability. Therefore, the projected growth in the number of older people will greatly increase the demand for health and social services, long-term & palliative care, especially for those with disabilities and cognitive challenges. Which will increase the demand for geriatricians and the training and capacity-building of health and social care professionals.

Furthermore, ensuring that current working-age populations have adequate access to preventive health, good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle will directly improve their health potential as they age. Moreover, the level of education of older persons is another crucial factor in their future ageing process.

While indicators tell us that there is substantial improvement in the level of education for older persons, many will not receive formal education when they enter old age, especially women, increasing their disability and restricting their access to health services and social support, putting them at risk of falling under the poverty line.

Family remains the main provider of care for older persons. Direct family support can protect them from isolation, neglect and poverty by providing financial, material and emotional support.

There is an urgent need to develop coherent strategies and a comprehensive policy on ageing to address current gaps in the health and social needs of older persons around the world, as well as to address the growing future requirements arising from population ageing. Although there are noteworthy gaps in knowledge, there is sufficient evidence and data to help policymakers act decisively and correctly. Community responses and population ageing policies must include health and social care reforms that move away from the disease-based therapeutic model and move towards a model of integrated care services that follow a life-cycle-approach.

Ageing offers ample opportunities for a better society and active aging means abundant social prospects. Older people deserve to be healthy and feel sufficiently able to participate, contribute to society and mentor future generations. Older persons - women and men - should have complete freedom to work, learn and volunteer according to their individual needs and preferences that are commensurate with their abundant accumulated experiences and abilities.

Finally, humanity needs to promote equitable processes for all ages and achieve a radical transformation of social responsibility for the benefit of older persons, a shift that encourages the full cooperation of policymakers, health care providers, civil society organizations, advocacy groups, voluntary and social institutions and the stimulation and empowerment of personal responsibility. Most importantly, older persons must be awarded the right and opportunity to be heard and voice their views and become fully involved in developmental processes.

I call on all of us to treat and support older people the way we want to be treated and supported ourselves, in order to ensure a prosperous, safe and healthy future for all.

Thank you.