FDF Launches Comprehensive Guide On Respectful Care For Elders With Love

The Family Development Foundation (FDF) has introduced a guide titled ‘Let Us Protect Our Elders with Love.’ This initiative, guided by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, aims to promote respectful care for senior citizens. The launch took place at the Foundation’s Abu Dhabi Centre, coinciding with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and emphasised the importance of family roles in creating supportive environments for the elderly.

During the event, Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director-General of FDF, highlighted the guide's significance. She stated, "The ‘Let Us Protect Our Elders with Love’ guide is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protect senior citizens and highlight our strong belief in providing them respectful, compassionate and psychologically aware care." The guide combines various expertise to address unintentional emotional harm and offers positive alternatives for better elder care.

The conference gathered notable attendees including Abdulrahman Al Baloushi, Saeed Al Ghafli, Wafa Al Ali, social experts, strategic partners, media professionals, and senior citizens. The event aimed to foster community awareness about challenges faced by elderly individuals while reinforcing values like loyalty and gratitude. It also included discussions on how families can ensure a nurturing environment for seniors.

Al Rumaithi expressed gratitude towards H.H. Sheikha Fatima for her continuous support of senior citizens. She noted that this gesture reflects high standards of loyalty and generosity within Emirati society. The guide aligns with UAE’s leadership vision under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who emphasises loyalty and national recognition.

The guide seeks to raise awareness about subtle forms of emotional ill-treatment that might occur unintentionally in daily life. It provides positive behavioural alternatives that enhance inclusivity within families and communities while improving the psychological well-being of elderly people. This aligns with FDF’s core values and the nation’s vision for safeguarding dignity at every life stage.

Al Rumaithi stressed that respecting elders is inspired by UAE’s wise leadership. She reaffirmed FDF's commitment to progress under H.H. Sheikha Fatima’s guidance. The foundation aims to honour those who have contributed significantly to nation-building by ensuring their dignity is preserved.

Training Programme Introduction

Following the press conference, additional events were organised including public discussions on key themes from the guide. A training programme titled ‘Proactive Steps for Protecting Senior Citizens’ was presented to enhance skills in conscious care practices. This initiative aims to equip individuals with knowledge necessary for providing thoughtful care to seniors.

Al Rumaithi concluded by stating that caring for seniors goes beyond social obligation; it involves awareness and mature emotion. "We dedicate this guide to everyone who understands that caring for our senior citizens is not simply a social commitment," she said. The guide serves as a message of love translated into daily practices promoting appreciation and belonging among elders.

With inputs from WAM