The programme for improving the physical activities of the elderly in Qatar (2023- 2024) aims at reducing the rate of their inactivity by 15% or more during 2023, it was pointed out by Ali Abdulla al-Khater, chief communications officer at Hamad Medical Corporation and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Healthcare Communication at the Ministry of Public Health.
He told local Arabic daily Arrayah that the initiative was signed by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth last week. The official explained that on the basis of recommendations from the World Health Organisation in this regard, the two ministries agreed with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to adopt national action plan to improve the level of physical activities among Qatar residents, with special focus on the elderly.
The four key strategic targets of the new initiative include the creation of active communities, surroundings and systems. Al-Khater noted that a national communication plan should be adopted to increase awareness on the issue and introduce the health benefits of being physically active.
"All the educational, cultural and sport channels and systems should be engaged in such efforts to reach out to the largest possible number of people and encourage the elderly to adopt a more active lifestyle," the official said while suggesting that the major sport and culture events are ideal platforms to promote awareness.
"There are various initiatives to engage the public in sport and physical activities across the country with free participation open for all. Accordingly, the open places and green areas should be made more easily accessible for the elderly people including those using wheelchairs.
Ali Abdulla al-Khater
