Comprehensive National Plan Launched to Boost Senior Citizen Healthcare

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention launched a comprehensive national plan to support elderly health, introducing a month-long awareness campaign called "Stay Close.. Your Presence is Health and Prevention" alongside a new National Framework for Healthy Aging and Care 2025-2031. The initiative targets people aged 60 and above, focusing on early detection of age-related changes and reducing social isolation among seniors.

The ministry unveiled these programs during an event in Dubai, attended by representatives from the World Health Organization, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Family Affairs, and several health authorities. The campaign aims to build stronger family and community connections with elderly citizens while promoting preventive health screenings and sustainable healthy behaviors.

The National Framework for Healthy Aging builds on WHO's global plan for healthy aging and aligns with the UAE's Vision 2071 and national health targets for the next 50 years. It seeks to provide integrated health, social, and psychological care while maintaining seniors' dignity and independence.

A key component is the "Health and Longevity Ambassadors" initiative, developed with Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and the Ministry of Sports. This program trains middle-aged individuals who maintain healthy, socially active lifestyles to become ambassadors spreading positive health messages across all seven emirates. These ambassadors will serve as real-world examples of healthy aging practices.

The campaign addresses growing concerns about elderly isolation and aims to strengthen family bonds during the UAE's "Year of Community." It emphasizes early detection of physical, functional, and mental changes associated with aging while creating supportive environments that enhance mental health.

Dr. Hussein Al-Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Sector at the ministry, described the plan as a strategic milestone reflecting the UAE's commitment to community health across all age groups. He emphasized that elderly citizens represent the nation's living memory and deserve comprehensive care ranging from integrated healthcare to active community participation.

The initiative relies on extensive national partnerships between government entities and community organizations to ensure coordinated efforts. This approach aims to create lasting impact by building a cohesive, healthy society that places human development at its center and positions elderly health as fundamental to social welfare and quality of life.