The Department of Community Developmentin Abu Dhabi (DCD)today (October 1) marked the International Day of Older Persons, highlighting its keenness to improve the quality of life ofseniors and in recognition of their role in family and social cohesion,as well as theircontributions to the country.

His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD, reaffirmed the Department's keennessto provide every possible care to senior citizens and residents in Abu Dhabi and to ensure their active and continuous participation in society.He pointed out that the Department works tirelessly to enhance the levels of happiness,satisfaction and wellbeing of senior citizens and residents in the emirate,while trying to improve their quality of life.

Dr. Al Khailiexpressed his gratitude to the UAE’s leadership for promoting the causes of the elderly, reminding society about the necessity to care for them and protect their dignity in appreciation of the role they played in building the society, catalysing social cohesion and driving development and prosperity of various development sectors. He said that the directives of the leadership provided impetus to the Department to improve the quality of life in Abu Dhabi and to formulate initiatives to support senior citizens and residents.

“The Department believes that a collective role can accelerate comprehensive and sustainable development and help achieve family prosperity and social cohesion in Au Dhabi,” Dr Al Khaili said,stressingthe important role of the social sector in building a resilient and effective ecosystem and nurturing an educated and responsible generation that knows its rights and duties towards community and the nation.

He noted that people over 60 years scored 7.75 out of 10 in the happiness index, which is based on the quality-of-life survey that focused on factors such as overall satisfaction with life and housing, time spent with family and friends, and the sense of safety, security, and comfort.

Dr. Al Khaili emphasised the importance of supporting seniors and enabling them to participate in society, an objective that aligns with the agenda of the National Policy for Senior Emiratis that is considered a model for Abu Dhabi’s effort to ensure a high standard of living for every member of society.

The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi collaborates with all partner entities involved in providing care for the elderly,raising awareness about challenges faced by themand finding solutions.

The United Nations designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Personsto highlight opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.

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