English
العربية
Français
Deutsch
Español
русский
हिंदी
اردو
LoginInternational Day of Older Persons 2026: A Call to Adopt Comprehensive Policies Ensuring Dignity, Productivity of Older Persons
Doha, September 30 (QNA) - The State of Qatar joins the rest of the world on October 1st in observing International Day of Older Persons, under the theme 'The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.' Established by the UN General Assembly on Dec. 14, 1990, this day highlights one of the most significant contemporary demographic shifts, the unprecedented rise in life expectancy, and the resulting opportunities and challenges for individuals, societies, and economies.
The 2026 International Day of Older Persons calls on societies to shift from viewing aging solely as a challenge to seeing it as an opportunity to rebuild systems that are more equitable, resilient, and sustainable. Investing in the health, dignity, and participation of older persons is not merely a moral obligation but a developmental necessity, ensuring that the years of longevity are filled with vitality, productivity, and respect for all.
This year's theme emphasizes the need to align health systems, labor markets, social protection, education, housing, and public policies with the reality of longer lives. Longevity can yield positive outcomes when accompanied by sustained health, productivity, and full participation; however, it exacerbates inequalities if the negative repercussions accumulated over a lifetime are not addressed. Observing this day underscores the need to recognize older persons as active contributors to society, rather than mere recipients of care, and to genuinely involve them in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
The UN will organize a major event at its headquarters in New York on Oct. 8, 2026, bringing together Member States, UN organizations, civil society, academia, the private sector, and older persons themselves to discuss innovative policies that can help ensure longer, healthier, and more productive lives, as well as financial security and dignity. Discussions will highlight evidence regarding healthy longevity, the importance of prevention and lifelong well-being, age-inclusive labor markets, social protection, integrated care, and whole-of-government approaches that recognize the interlinkages between various sectors concerning longevity.
In a message marking the occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that people today are living longer than ever before, a major achievement of our time and a testament to improved health and strengthened social protection in many parts of the world. At the same time, this shift brings both risks and opportunities, as it transforms economies and societies.
Guterres added that this year’s theme serves as an urgent call to address the needs of an aging world, noting that for many, growing older means facing insecurity and the risk of being left behind. He emphasized that older persons are leaders and caregivers who play a vital role in families, communities, and economies, and called for intergenerational solidarity and for action to implement policies that ensure a life of dignity for older persons, one characterized by choice, security, and respect.
The State of Qatar consistently affirms that the dignity, humanity, and enjoyment of rights of the elderly remain a priority, regardless of their age or changes in their health and cognitive capabilities. Qatar has attached great importance to this group, adopting the term "Kibar Al-Qadr" to elevate their status and acknowledge their contributions to society and the nation. Furthermore, the country has implemented a comprehensive legislative and healthcare framework designed to protect this demographic and provide the necessary support to manage their affairs while upholding their dignity and humanity.
The State of Qatar has officially formalized this approach by directing all institutions to use the term "Kibar Al-Qadr" (persons of high standing) instead of "Kibar Al-Sin" (the elderly), reflecting the appreciation and high status they enjoy in society. The protection and promotion of their rights are grounded in the Permanent Constitution, the Qatar National Vision 2030, and various development strategies and plans, as well as in religious, cultural, and societal values that call for respecting, honoring, and properly caring for them.
The State of Qatar has established institutions and developed programs aimed at providing care, promoting social integration, and delivering healthcare services to "Kibar Al-Qadr", in order to ensure their well-being and active participation in society. Senior citizens are a group that has contributed greatly in the past and deserves respect in the present, ensuring that their contributions can continue for future generations.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family plays a key role in supporting senior citizens by providing social protection programs and financial assistance to eligible citizens, including pensions and social security for those who are unable to work or do not have an adequate source of income. The Ministry also provides family support programs aimed at strengthening family stability and ensuring a suitable environment for caring for older persons within their family surroundings.
The Ministry also provides community care services, including case follow-up by social workers, assessment of the needs of senior citizens, and referral to the relevant authorities to obtain appropriate healthcare or rehabilitation services. The Ministry supports the provision of assistive devices in coordination with the relevant authorities, such as wheelchairs and medical beds for cases requiring them.
As part of its efforts to promote social integration, the Ministry implements awareness-raising and social initiatives and programs aimed at increasing awareness of the rights and needs of senior citizens and encouraging their respect and care within the family and the wider community. It also organizes community and educational activities that help involve senior citizens in social and cultural activities, thereby strengthening their sense of belonging and reducing social isolation.
As for the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (EHSAN), it is a non-profit organization that provides healthcare and social care services to senior citizens. These services are available to both citizens and residents. The Primary Health Care Corporation provides comprehensive and specialized services for senior citizens, including memory clinics, home visits, and mobile units, with the aim of enhancing their quality of life and facilitating access to care for this group. The Corporation focuses on providing specialized and continuous medical care, supported by qualified medical teams to meet the health and social needs of older persons.
Advances in healthcare have contributed to an increase in life expectancy in Qatar and, by all measures, are considered among the factors contributing to the overall care of senior citizens. The State continuously organizes events and programs to help integrate senior citizens into society.
Qatar’s efforts reflect a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life of senior citizens through an integrated system of healthcare, social support, and community initiatives. These efforts contribute to enabling senior citizens to live with dignity and independence while maintaining their active role within the family and society.
The number of people aged 60 and above worldwide increased from approximately 634 million in 2002 to 1.26 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach 2.11 billion by 2050. Their share of the global population is also expected to increase from 15.2% in 2026 to 21.8% in 2050. The population aged 80 and above is growing at an even faster rate, from approximately 174 million in 2026 to a projected 446 million by 2050.
This demographic transformation is occurring across all regions, although at varying rates, with relatively faster increases in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and Western Asia. (QNA)
chat
Hello! How can we help?
Beta
