The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) concluded an awareness campaign from October 1 to 10 aimed at highlighting the vital role older persons play within families and society. The initiative, organized through the Community Care Department, coincided with the International and Arab Days of Older Persons and involved participation from various government entities, institutions, and community centers.
The campaign focused on elevating public understanding of the significant contributions of older individuals, emphasizing their accumulated expertise and experiences as integral to the collective memory and ongoing development of society. Central to the initiative was the promotion of spaces for older persons to share their knowledge, enabling stronger engagement and interaction across different community segments, particularly between generations.
Activities ranged from interactive programs and panel discussions to familiarization visits, offering direct opportunities for older persons and younger community members to exchange insights. These events underscored the importance of valuing the experiences of older generations in enriching societal knowledge and fostering intergenerational solidarity.
An awareness video produced as part of the campaign illustrated the enduring connection between generations, portraying older persons as pivotal contributors to the nation’s growth and progress. The narrative stressed that their influence extends beyond historical contributions, remaining vital to the present and future development of the community.
The MSDF also organized an awareness lecture entitled “Blessings of a Lifetime” that addressed various aspects of aging, including the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles to support physical, mental, and social well-being in later years. Complementing this, a mini-exhibition showcased the creative work, products, and handicrafts of families led by older persons, demonstrating their active engagement and ongoing contributions to community sustainability.
Interactive murals were installed on Gewan Island and in Msheireb, inviting community members to share messages of appreciation and respect for older persons, reflecting their valued status within families and society at large.
The campaign saw collaboration among the MSDF, Qatar Social Work Foundation, the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), the Family Consulting Center (Wifaq), and the Social Development Center (Nama), with widespread community participation.
In addition, the MSDF partnered with the Ministry of Sports and Youth to host a two-day panel discussion on themes of impact and memory. The sessions took place at the Friends of the Environment Center, a youth center managed by the Ministry of Sports and Youth, further encouraging dialogue between generations and reinforcing the campaign’s objectives.