MoHAP Launches Nationwide Campaign To Promote Healthy Ageing And Elderly Wellbeing

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in the UAE has initiated a series of awareness activities focused on elderly health. These events are part of a month-long national campaign titled "Your presence…. brings health and wellness." The campaign aims to improve the health of older adults by promoting healthy ageing and strengthening family and community ties.

Ambassadors of Healthy Ageing played a significant role in these activities, leading educational sessions and organising physical events. They shared practical advice on increasing activity levels, such as daily walks and achieving 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly. The ambassadors also emphasised resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises for those over 50.

The campaign underscored the importance of regular health check-ups and vaccinations. It highlighted screenings for conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Additionally, it advocated for a balanced diet low in sugar and saturated fats to prevent chronic diseases.

Community involvement was encouraged through field events that brought families together to support elderly wellbeing. The activities included student theatre performances, heritage exhibitions, and free medical screenings for senior citizens. These efforts aimed to foster a supportive environment for older adults.

The awareness activities were held across various emirates including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. They were organised with partners such as the Ministry of Community Empowerment, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Dubai Health Authority, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Key objectives include promoting preventive screenings and vaccinations while empowering families with essential knowledge. The campaign also seeks to enhance multi-sectoral coordination in delivering integrated care for the elderly. This aligns with the "We the UAE 2031" vision.

Building Sustainable Care Models

The initiative aims to build sustainable models of care focused on prevention. It seeks to align health services with individual needs while evaluating outcomes through performance indicators. This approach is designed to reduce chronic disease risk factors through improved nutrition and physical activity.

Furthermore, the campaign encourages community participation to uphold the dignity, independence, and quality of life of older adults. It promotes a healthy social balance that enhances quality of life while reinforcing values of community solidarity that protect older generations.

The nationwide campaign strives to establish a culture of healthy ageing by encouraging families to play an active role in ensuring elderly wellbeing. By creating supportive environments and promoting community cohesion, it aims to empower older individuals while enhancing their quality of life.

With inputs from WAM