Tuesday 30 / September / 2025
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman joins the world in celebrating the International Day of Older Persons, which falls on October 1 of each year, embodying the values of respect and pride in the status of the elderly as a fundamental pillar of the Omani social fabric.
The Ministry of Social Development continues its efforts to develop an integrated system of programmes and services for the elderly, meeting their needs, protecting their rights, enhancing their quality of life, and ensuring their effective integration into family and society.
Radhia bint Saeed Al Fahdiya, Director of the Elderly Department at the Ministry of Social Development, explained that the Ministry provides a number of services for the elderly, the most prominent of which is: the home care programme, which is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, to provide a package of social and health services at the residence of the elderly without the need for them to move, and the number of beneficiaries from it reached 1,499 during the first half of this year.
She added that the Ministry provided 1,217 prosthetic and medical aid devices during the first half of this year, including wheelchairs, medical beds, hearing aids, and other tools that enable the elderly to practice their daily lives with comfort and safety.
She pointed out that the number of Omanis who received care within the framework of alternative families reached 105 cases until the middle of this year, and the number of residents in the Social Welfare Home in Rustaq reached 35 residents until June 2025, as the elderly receive integrated services that include full accommodation and medical and psychological care, in addition to cultural and entertainment programmes.
She stated that the Ministry provides a comprehensive package of services to support the elderly and their families, most notably preparing homes to suit their needs and ensure their safety and comfort.
This is achieved through a cooperation agreement with the Ihsan Association to implement home preparation programmes for alternative families.
The Ministry also provides a package of social assistance to support these families and facilitate the fulfillment of the basic needs of the elderly. It also empowers and trains families on appropriate care methods and provides psychological and social support to ensure a supportive and safe environment.
She indicated that the total number of beneficiaries of various social services provided to the elderly and their families reached 2,800 during the first half of this year, reflecting the extent of efforts exerted to enhance their quality of life and achieve their social well-being.
Al-Fahdiya stated that the ministry is working to expand the establishment of daycare centres, which are private or non-governmental social institutions dedicated to providing comprehensive care to the elderly during daylight hours only. This includes social, psychological, rehabilitation, and cultural services, enabling them to remain within their families while receiving the necessary care.
