The number of elders above the age of 80 has increased by 60 percent between 1980 and 2005, said a survey drafted by the Ministry of Health. The same study said their numbers might increase manifolds within 20 years.

An elder in the house represents a source of strength for all family members. But when older persons become so helpless that they can’t serve themselves, the family faces big problems. These might lead to disobedience, neglect and abandonment or younger family members decide to entrust the care to an elders’ home or hospital.

Older fathers make up 90 percent of abandoned elders, said spokesman of Eastern Province police Ziyad Al-Ruqaiti. “Only 10 percent are women,” he pointed out.

Weakened family bonds and decreased religious devotion are among the reasons behind such crimes committed against elders, said Al-Ruqaiti.

Lawyer Huda Al-Senari from the National Society for Human Rights said the institution receives complaints in this regard.

“The society has a role toward seniors, mainly to make sure that no violence is exerted against them, and that they get their lawful rights.”

Neurologist Dr. Ibtesam Al-Thubaiti, said residents of rural are less susceptible to Alzheimer disease, the most common form of dementia, which affects mainly the elderly. “Today’s style of living has led to an increased spread of the disease. Getting old may be accompanied by a number of mental, physical and psychological diseases that may burden other family members,” she said.

Ali Al-Zawad, director of the medical complex at Sayhat Society of Social Services, said the elders’ home at the society is the first of its kind in the region. The home shelters 92 residents, who are treated with medical care and it provides activities for their comfort.

Wid Charitable Society for Family Development holds “the forum of our parents,” said Naima Al-Zamil, the president of the society.

“The forum joins 100 senior women every month to offer them recreational, intellectual and health programs with the participation of other members of their families.”