Doha, November 05 (QNA) - Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has successfully concluded the International Congress on Healthy Aging and Geriatric Rehabilitation 2026 (IC-HAGR 2026), organized by HMC's Rumailah Hospital under the theme "Transforming Global Care through Innovation and Function."
The three-day Congress brought together a wide range of experts, healthcare professionals and researchers from Qatar and around the world. It was preceded by a pre-event held on 28 October at the Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center.
The Congress explored the latest scientific developments and medical practices in healthy aging, brain health, dementia, and geriatric rehabilitation, with a particular focus on Functional Longevity across medical disciplines.
The inaugural ceremony welcomed leaders from HMC, the Ministry of Public Health, Primary Health Care Corporation, private healthcare organizations and the wider social care sector. A senior Qatari community member served as Master of Ceremonies, reinforcing the importance of involving older adults and ensuring their voices are heard in discussions concerning their care.
Prof. Hanadi Al-Hamad, Congress Chair, HMC's Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, and Medical Director of Rumailah Hospital, said: "Our focus is not only on helping people live longer, but also on ensuring that they maintain their functional abilities, independence and quality of life. Through Functional Longevity, evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary collaboration, we aim to transform healthy aging into meaningful outcomes for older adults and support a future where longer lives are healthier and more fulfilling."
The scientific sessions emphasised the importance of shifting the focus from merely extending life expectancy to improving quality of life throughout the aging process. Discussions highlighted the need to preserve older adults' mobility, cognitive abilities and independence in performing daily activities, as well as the critical role of early intervention and preventive healthcare in maintaining health and functional capacity with advancing age.
The Congress also addressed several emerging areas, including precision geriatric medicine, frailty, neurorehabilitation, digital health and applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Other key topics included community-based care, integrated healthcare delivery and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing the complex and diverse healthcare needs of older adults.
Participants further explored the importance of integrating healthcare, rehabilitation and long-term care services to ensure continuity of care across different stages of the healthcare journey. Such integration is essential in preserving functional abilities, promoting independence and improving overall health outcomes among older adults.
The Congress also featured oral scientific presentations and research posters covering topics aligned with its principal themes. The closing ceremony included the announcement of winners of the scientific presentation and research poster awards.
The Congress reaffirmed HMC's commitment to advancing long-term care, rehabilitation and geriatric medicine services, while strengthening the exchange of knowledge and expertise with international healthcare specialists and institutions. These efforts aim to enhance the care provided to older adults, preserve their health and functional abilities, and improve their quality of life. (QNA)