Qasimiya University Enhances Quality of Life for Seniors in Kalba Summer Resort
Omar RahmanUAE University Pioneers Digital Inclusion for Seniors Through Photography and Wellness Programs
Al Qasimia University in the UAE has launched an innovative community outreach initiative targeting senior citizens, combining digital literacy training with psychological wellness support. The program, conducted in partnership with Kalba's Social Services Department, represents a growing trend across the Gulf region where educational institutions are expanding their mission beyond traditional student demographics to serve aging populations.
Breaking Digital Barriers for the Elderly
The university's Student Affairs Deanery organized two specialized workshops designed to enhance both technical skills and mental well-being among elderly participants. This dual approach reflects a sophisticated understanding of senior citizens' needs in an increasingly digital world.
Mobile Photography Workshop Bridges Technology Gap
The first initiative, titled "Mobile Phone Photography Basics," was led by Professor Iman Al-Maini, the university's Arts Supervisor. The workshop focused on practical, hands-on training to help elderly participants document their memories using smartphone cameras. This approach addresses a critical gap in digital literacy among older adults, who often possess advanced mobile devices but lack the confidence or knowledge to utilize their full potential.
The emphasis on photography as an entry point into digital literacy is particularly strategic. Unlike complex software applications, photography provides immediate, tangible results that can boost confidence and encourage further technological exploration.
Psychological Wellness Through Interactive Dialogue
The second component featured an interactive dialogue session titled "My Age Increased, But My Heart Remains Young," facilitated by Professor Ishraqah Mubarak, a psychological counselor at Al Qasimia University. This session addressed the mental health aspects of aging, promoting positive self-perception and emotional resilience among participants.
Regional Context and Broader Implications
This initiative aligns with broader demographic trends across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where rapidly aging populations are creating new social and economic challenges. The UAE's approach of leveraging educational institutions for senior citizen engagement mirrors successful models in Singapore and Japan, where universities have become community hubs for lifelong learning.
Institutional Social Responsibility in Action
Al Qasimia University's program demonstrates how higher education institutions can expand their social impact beyond traditional academic boundaries. By dedicating faculty resources and expertise to community welfare, the university positions itself as a catalyst for social cohesion and intergenerational dialogue.
The program's focus on lifelong learning and quality of life enhancement reflects evolving educational paradigms where universities serve as community anchors rather than isolated academic institutions. This model could influence other regional universities to develop similar outreach programs, potentially creating a network of senior-focused educational initiatives across the Middle East.
Long-term Impact on Social Integration
The combination of technical training and psychological support creates a comprehensive framework for senior citizen empowerment. As smartphone technology becomes increasingly central to daily life—from healthcare appointments to family communication—ensuring elderly populations can navigate these tools becomes a matter of social inclusion and independence.
The program's emphasis on cultural and human interaction with seniors also addresses isolation issues common among elderly populations, particularly relevant in rapidly modernizing societies where traditional family structures may be evolving.
