Thanks to the very many breakthroughs in modern medicine, better care facilities and ability to provide better living standards, the modern world is in the midst of a longevity revolution. According to United Nations World Population Prospects 2019, one in six people in the world will be over the age of 65 by 2050, up from one in 11 in 2019. According to the UN report every society will pass through this extraordinary transition, in which the chance of surviving to age 65 rises from less than 50 percent to more than 90 percent at present in countries with the highest life expectancy.
This fact should be an eye-opener for every government and organisations involved in social activities, as the rising number of the elderly will result in new challenges for societies, in terms of providing enough care for them, ensuring their stable financial status, means for socialising and entertainment and more than anything else, making sure that the older population is passing through a dignified life until they reach the pinnacle of their lifetime.
Qatar is one of the few countries to read the writing on the wall much in advance, and make several plans and programmes for the care of this important section of the society. Qatar once again reiterated its commitment to the older people in a statement at the 12th session of the UN’s Open-ended Working Group on Ageing. The statement mentioned the Cabinet Resolution No.26 of 1019, ratified by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which established the National Committee for the Affairs of Woman, Children, the Elderly and People with Disabilities, under the direct supervision of the Minister of Social Development and Family.
Qatar’s excellent track record of human rights, especially of the elderly and other vulnerable sections, has been attracting world-wide applause. This was ensured through legal, administrative and other well thought out measures. Care for the elderly occupies a prominent place in the Qatar National Vision 2030, which serves as a roadmap for the country’s future. Qatar constantly strives to see that its achievements in the field of economic growth and other developments in all other sectors benefit every section of the society, whether it is children, women, differently-abled people, the elderly or others.
The country’s concern about its older population was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when aged people across the world have been falling victim to the illness as the virus raged through the care homes and other special centres. While many countries were forced to ignore the elderly in their bid to save others, Qatar has been taking extra care for the aged, which is evident from the fact the country was among the very few states which could keep the death rate to the minimum.
