The focus is on how good health throughout life can help older men and women to lead full and productive lives and be resources for their families and communities.

The Ministry of Health has been striving to provide maximum care for the old in line with the Islamic teachings and the world health care priorities, which put special stress on psychological, social and organic aspects of the old age, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The ministry provides comprehensive health service to the aged in its health centers in all parts of the Kingdom. A special register is kept at each center to record health services offered to the aged. The services include preventive treatment against common diseases such as diabetes, bone complaints, psychological problems and rehabilitation for the aged in addition to educating their relatives on matters such as food, medicines and the first aid needed by the old.

This service is apart from the ministry’s celebration of the International Day of Older Persons on Oct. 1 every year. The ministry devotes the day to educate people about the need to take preventive measures, providing health care and rehabilitation programs for the old just like any other age group is taken care of. The day also emphasizes the early detection of physical and mental complications that old people suffer.

One of the major steps taken by the Kingdom for the care of the elderly was the issue of the Riyadh Charter on the care of the old at the Gulf Forum on the Care of the Old three years ago. The forum recommended better primary health care for the elderly, setting up of old-friendly health centers, teaching in schools about the importance of caring of the elderly, training doctors, health workers and community workers on the care of the elderly and increasing the national medical workforce in the field of geriatrics. The recommendations of the forum also stressed the need to give priority treatment to the old at public places and allotment of seats and offering reduced rates in public transports and parks and other special events.

The General Administration for Girls Activities at the Ministry of Education is also participating in the celebration of the day with contests on the topic of the care of the old.