On the International Day of Older Persons … Activities promote Caring for Them and Affirm Their rights
The International Day of Older Persons represents an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of caring for the elderly and ensuring their rights, and to highlight the challenges they may face in their daily lives, it also emphasizes the importance of providing social and health care and support services, which contribute to preserving their dignity, enhancing their independence, and ensuring their participation in society.
In this context, GOPA-DERD’s team, continue their efforts to support the elderly and respond to their needs through a set of activities implemented by GOPA-DERD’s team in several regions.
In Rural Damascus, and as caring for older persons is not merely a health responsibility, but an appreciation of their contributions and an enhancement of their role and standing in society, GOPA-DERD’s Community Center’s team in Nashabiyeh, implemented an event titled “Your Health is in Your Control”.
The event included a range of recreational, interactive, and awareness-raising activities tailored for older persons, focusing on enhancing awareness of the importance of mental and physical health, supporting self-confidence and social participation, and encouraging older adults to adopt healthy and active lifestyles.
The older persons also participated in a handicraft activity making wooden rosaries (prayer beads), aiming to enhance motor and visual coordination and to encourage interaction and participation.
In Daraa, and reaffirming their valued status and expertise, which form an essential pillar in building the family and enhancing societal cohesion, GOPA-DERD’s Community Center’s team implemented a series of various activities in Daraa, Bosra Al-Harir, and Ghabagheb.
The activities included awareness sessions on the concept of self-care and its importance in maintaining physical and mental health, alongside a range of recreational, physical, and interactive activities for over 50 women, aimed at fostering team spirit and encouraging social communication and integration among participants.
In turn, GOPA-DERD’s Community Center’s team in Lattakia, carried out an interactive activity in the city of Jableh, as part of the Comprehensive Care Program.
The activity aimed to enhance the social participation of older persons and reinforce their sense of belonging and appreciation. It featured physical activities to maintain their vitality, a “Community Map” activity to raise participants’ awareness of resources, services, and places available in their community, and sharing perspectives on the needs of this community.
The activity concluded with an “Interactive Radio Studio,” which provided older adults with a platform to express their views and experiences, boosting the presence of their voices and their active participation in society, This took place in cooperation with UNHCR.
GOPA-DERD’s “Darb” Center, the Youth Friendly and Safe Space in Hasakah, also organized an activity in Tell Tamer, in coordination with the “Maryam” Foundation for Elderly Care, and in cooperation with UNFPA.
The activity included various recreational segments, the screening of an awareness film, and competitions featuring popular proverbs and traditional songs.
In Hama GOPA-DERD’s team, carried out a visit to an elderly care home, with the aim of offering them attention and support, and fostering communication with them.
During the visit, the team provided some necessary supplies, and conducted basic medical checkups, including measuring blood pressure and blood sugar levels, in addition to spending time with the elderly, listening to their stories and memories, and sharing moments of warmth and care with them.