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MLSD joins the international community to celebrate the international day of older persons

Publication date: 21 September 2022 - 25 Safar 1444
"العمل والتنمية الاجتماعية" تشارك المجتمع الدولي في اليوم العالمي للمسنين.. غدا

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development celebrated on Sunday the International Day of Older Persons alongside a number of government sectors and the civil society, which annually joins the international community on October 1st (Muharram 11).

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s participation came as part of its keenness to honor this important occasion as per the Islamic teachings and inherent values that promote taking care of older persons.

Khaled Abalkhail, spokesman at MLSD, clarified the ministry prepared a special program for the day consisting of several activities and events conducted across regions of the Kingdom, adding they aim to increase cultural and social awareness of elderly people among all segments of society and serve this category who used to offer noble services for the society and family.

Abalkhail reiterated the ministry spares no effort to support senior citizens through medical services and various social programs, saying such services included visits to the homes of older people and provision of assistive devices and technologies.

He mentioned that social programs are being provided by a wide range of social development centers, private development committees, Dewaniya (reception halls), charitable organizations and specialized charities for elderly people.

Meanwhile, Abalkhail said older persons with disabilities have also access to medical and care services including financial assistance, medical devices, car loan program, discount vouchers, visas for domestic helpers and special parking space.

Abalkhail stated that the ministry has allocated 12 nursing homes located in various cities and rural areas in order to take care of senior citizens whose conditions compelled them to live without their families.

They have access to all medical, treatment and rehabilitation services and physiotherapy at these homes as qualified staff and full-fledged medical teams serve around 394 male inmates and 238 females, Abalkhail mentioned.

The spokesman emphasized the ministry is keen to continue offering care services to senior citizens, as well as developing the provided services. He commended Saudi families’ efforts to show care, concern, respect and appreciation for this segment, which stems from the Islamic teachings.

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