IIMSAM Marks International Day of Older Peoples

Doha, Qatar, October 01, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Observing International Day of Older Peoples Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council said “this day is an opportunity to say thank you for the huge contribution that older people make to society in every walk of life, as grandparents, friends, colleagues, and as mentors to the younger generations. This day is a great opportunity to honor, respect and acknowledge older peoples contribution to the society.”

For social security, population ageing is at the heart of the challenge brought by demographic changes. The impact of an ageing population on social security is manifold. It increases the dependency ratio between the non-working and the working population, as well as the demand on the healthcare system. In some contexts, ageing may weaken the sustainability of old-age insurance schemes, and increase needs for long-term care programmes. Worldwide research confirms that social security schemes worldwide are adopting proactive policies and measures to invest in people, and to promote health and employment, in order to cope with these developments. “As a society we must ensure older people are not excluded from society, disadvantaged or left vulnerable in anyway. We must do all what we can to help those who are most vulnerable, those who live with financial hardship, those who live with poverty, those who live lonely and isolated lives and those who fear for their personal safety," asserted Dr. Homoud.

“On this International Day of Older Persons, I call upon governments and all concerned actors to promote a society for people of all ages, to expedite implementation of the provisions of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, and to work towards changing attitudes, policies and practices so that, in the twenty-first century the enormous potential of older persons may be fulfilled,” said Dr. Homoud. He further urged stakeholders to give serious thoughts to the issue of advancing health and well being for today’s older persons. He advocated to ensure that ageing of society does not become a burden, but instead that it adds value and opportunities for development through actively engaged older populations.

IIMSAM reiterates its commitment to create a society for all ages where elders get their due in terms of leading a healthy, active and dignified ageing. IIMSAM through its camps has been taking a number of pro-active steps in this regard. On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), IIMSAM under visionary guidance of its DG, H.E Ambassador R. Maradona reaffirms its commitment to keep working for welfare of older peoples and for ensuring dignified life for them through its various programmes, asserted Dr. Homoud.

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