In memory of the "International Day of Elderly" .. MLSD Minister: 14 homes that provide a psychological and social atmosphere and services for more than 1,500 people
30-09-2020
Senior citizens benefiting from financial support services exceed 28,000 His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, affirmed that the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October provides an opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s pioneering regional and international record in delivering care, development, health, legal and rehabilitation services for senior citizens, ensuring them a decent living and high quality of life. These services form part of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain for every citizen—particularly the elderly—and reflect the legislative advances achieved during the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the full support of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and the diligent follow‑up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them. Humaidan made these remarks in a statement marking the International Day of Older Persons, an occasion the United Nations General Assembly has observed annually since 1990. This year’s commemoration carries special significance as the UN highlights the pivotal role of healthcare professionals in safeguarding senior citizens under the theme “Epidemics: Are they changing how we deal with age and ageing?”—a timely reflection amid a global health crisis that has disproportionately affected the elderly worldwide. Humaidan welcomed this year’s International Day of Older Persons theme, describing it as a forward‑looking vision that heightens public understanding of healthy ageing and spotlights the vital contribution of healthcare professionals to seniors’ wellbeing. He stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain has spared no effort in maintaining close, effective engagement with older citizens and in safeguarding their health and social protection—especially amid the COVID‑19 pandemic—through targeted initiatives designed to curb the virus’s spread among this high‑risk group. Measures include comprehensive health and safety protocols at the Ministry‑supervised shelter for the elderly; the suspension of in‑person activities at day‑care centres and parent clubs, replacing them with virtual gatherings while continuing to meet members’ diverse needs—particularly health‑related ones; Ministry of Health tele‑care and home delivery of medicines to shield seniors from exposure; and the Royal Humanitarian Foundation’s “Your Medications at Home” initiative, which supplies prescriptions and essential necessities to its registered families who cannot venture out, arranging hospital visits when required. Humaidan noted that Bahrain was among the first countries in the region to establish a National Committee for the Elderly, a multidisciplinary body drawn from government, civil‑society and private‑sector representatives that devises senior‑citizen strategies. Decree Law No. (58) of 2009 regarding Elderly Rights enshrined dignity and protection for older persons, while the Cabinet‑approved National Strategy for the Elderly focuses on development, health, wellbeing and an age‑inclusive environment. Fourteen day‑care centres and clubs now operate across the governorates, serving about 1,500 men and women; that network will expand to 20 facilities by end‑2021. Additional parent day‑care centres run under community partnerships, and the Ministry supervises a permanent residential home—another is being refurbished—for up to 50 seniors without family support. To streamline services, an Elderly Services Office at the Abdullah bin Yousef Fakhro Social Centre issues an “elderly card”, embedded in the national ID for citizens aged 60 and above. Cardholders receive 50 per cent discounts on numerous government fees, further concessions at private outlets, access to assistive devices and a suite of integrated services that enhance quality of life. Under Social Security Law 18 of 2006, 6,540 seniors receive social‑security benefits; 28,336 access financial‑support services; 1,664 draw disability allowances (figures to August 2020); 42 benefit from support devices; and 13,029 have obtained elderly cards since 2014. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development continues to collaborate with other ministries, state bodies, civil‑society organisations and the private sector to upgrade services, promote “age‑friendly” cities and ensure that support for older Bahrainis aligns with international best practice.