Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, National Health Strategy Lead for Healthy Ageing
Doha: On International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), Healthy Ageing Program team at Hamad Medical Corporation collaborated with Qatar Museums to conduct targeted activities for patients over 60 and their families in the National Museum of Qatar.
Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, National Health Strategy Lead for Healthy Ageing, advised that practical health literacy, effective health screening programs, and the adoption of healthier lifestyles are essential in helping promote better health in older adults.
“When I was a young doctor the overall life expectancy in Qatar was significantly lower and the overall belief was that after the age of 60 you were old and should preferably stay at home. With better healthcare services and improved living conditions, the life expectancy in Qatar now is around 80 years and people should be able to continue to live productive and happier lives when they are well above 60,” said Dr. Al Hamad, who is also the Lead of the Qatar National Dementia Plan and the Chairperson of the Department of Geriatrics and Long-Term Care at Hamad Medical Corporation.
“But while the public health sector can help promote healthier living, every individual has the responsibility to invest in their physical health and mental well-being and they should do this when they are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s to reap the benefits later in life. That is why are so delighted to collaborate with partners such as Qatar Museums to promote social and cultural activities for older adults that are important in helping to promote both physical and emotional health.”
She added, “As people age, they have a higher risk of common chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, which can raise the risk of stroke and dementia. We want more adults to be more aware of these drivers of illness and disability and proactively prevent or at least minimise the effects of these diseases to improve the quality of life in older age. We conduct regular health literacy campaigns and offer multiple health screening clinics and services that are targeted towards people over the age of 60. We also conduct widespread professional geriatric training for healthcare professionals working in other fields, so they are more knowledgeable about the needs of this patient group.”
As the Lead for Healthy Ageing, Dr. Al Hamad supports the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Age-friendly Cities Guide, which ‘regards active ageing as a lifelong process shaped by several factors that, alone and acting together, favour health, participation, and security in older adult life.’ This promotes the importance that older people continue to have a good reason to go out and participate. Cultural offers and entertainment that cater to the interests of older people, opportunities for volunteering or civic engagement contribute to a fulfilling and enjoyable older age.
