Mariam bint Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, has said that the elderly people in the U.A.E. have been enjoying special care through coverage of social security law since the inception of the U.A.E..
Marking the International Day of the Elderly, Al Roumi said 13, 461 elderly people get grant of Dh950 million annually, while there are shelters for elderly people who have no guardians, adding that they also get health, social and psychological care through mobile units to ensure better stay for those residing with their families.
She added that the U.A.E. observes the International Day of the Elderly, which corresponds with 1st October each year to draw attention to the elderly people who had contributed to the development of their communities.
Al Roumi noted that the Ministry had prepared the first draft law of the elderly people rights, taking into the account The Vienna International Plan of Action on Aging, United Nations Principles for Older Persons and others in this respect.
International Day of the Elderly is dedicated to honour, respect and care for the world's elderly. In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1st as the International Day for the Elderly, also known as the International Day for Older persons. This is a result of the UN World Assembly on Aging, which was formed in 1982 to explore and tend to the needs of the elderly in the world. The Day has become an annual event around the world, with various activities organised in commemoration of contributions of older persons.

Source: WAM