(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Family Forum Centre is a place for senior citizens to gather and reminisce
Dubai: The Family Forum Centre run by the Dubai Health Authority at Al Mamzar area is a welcome place for the elderly. Several Emirati seniors both men and women along with their children grandchildren friends and dignitaries gathered at the 21-year-old centre on Thursday as part of the celebrations of the International Day of Older Persons which falls on October 1.
Ahmed S Buaisha (left) and Abdulaziz Al Gassab. — Supplied photo
The event was organised by Dr Suad Mahmud Mohammed in collaboration with the centre under the theme: ‘We are in debt to them. I want to show our seniors some respect pay part of the debt and make them happy on this particular day” Saud told Khaleej Times.
The Emirati pharmacist added that volunteers can chip in and organise an event from A to Z just like employees. “Seniors are a source of happiness and we have to support them as they sincerely did when they were young.”
According to the World health Organisation there are around 600 million persons aged 60 years worldwide; this total will double by 2025 and will reach almost two billion by 2050 — the vast majority of them in the developing world.
Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi Director and Specialist Senior Registrar (Geriatrics) Family Gathering told Khaleej Times that they celebrate the in-patients and out-patients every year to say thank you and give them the attention they deserve.
“We have 27 inpatients in the Family Forum Centre inaugurated in 1993 against around 75 outpatients to receive the services being provided.”
The services include physiotherapy occupational therapy rehabilitation as well as medical nursing and social services entertainment and quality time filled with diverse activities she elaborated. “These are apart from religious and heritage programmes let alone puzzles and games and exercise.”
Dr Al Suwaidi said some of the seniors registered come to chat and recall old memories. “Our qualified social workers also recite the Holy Quran and some supplications to them while some elderly have their say on the news read to them. We do not have depressed seniors; ours do enjoy their time here.”
She added that up to 20 volunteers are cooperating with the centre as is the case with this event. “This means many people are willing to do something for the elders but they just need somebody to tell them what exactly is needed.”
Umm Khalifa an Emirati woman said she has been a frequent visitor to the centre for over ten years. “The centre spares no effort but we wish they would renovate the entrance expand the centre and add more activities.”
Ahmed S Buaisha 75 and an Emirati agricultural engineer on pension said though he is staying in Al Rashidiya area he visits the centre regularly to receive physiotherapy and meet friends.
“I am still fit because I follow a strict diet regular exercise and go swimming for one hour every day at Al Mamzar beach.
Buaisha who has taught all his children and grandchildren how to swim used to play hockey billiard football and table-tennis when he was young. “I am a professional painter as well.”
Buaisha who is also a landscape artist hopes to have a computer room at the centre for the seniors. “We’d like to have a swimming pool as well and practice different games” he said advising the young to be active exercise read more and maximize their time before it is too late.
Emirati Abdulaziz Al Gassab 70 said he has been frequently visiting the centre for over ten years so far to share such moments with his elder brother and other seniors particularly inpatients recall old memories and make them happy.
“Initially we did not like the centre but the valuable services being provided changed our mind and we are so grateful for them but wish to see swimming pools with different temperatures to keep their muscles active.”
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