Saudi Gazette Adding life to years and not years to life is the ideal approach to healthcare for the elderly. Those who exceed the rest of us in years also exceed us in their knowledge and experience besides having a broader perspective toward life. Rather than marginalizing the elderly, society should respect, value, and learn from them. Aramco Company and Jeddah Ministry of Health organized an event for a day, to honor the elderly women and to celebrate their valuable role in our society, in Aramco Company Jeddah. The event was dedicated to bringing joy to these special women as it coincided with celebrations from all over the world for the ‘World Day for the Elderly'. The elderly guests admired a show from Saudi folklore and enjoyed traditional music, and entertaining contests. The center was decorated in traditional Hijazi style, marked by signature red carpets and large tents. The fun filled day also included lectures on preventive medicine, adequate nutrition, and on ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. Many women reported that this event brought back fond memories of parties, lectures and functions, which they had attended when they were young and active. More than 80 elderly women benefited from this pleasant day. Around 30 medical experts, 15 volunteers, and 25 leading women in both the government and private sector worked together to make this celebration a success and a worthwhile learning experience. Dr. Noha Mostafa Filimban, specialist in family medicine, along with other health professionals, addressed common health concerns faced by older women such as osteoporosis, menopause, arthritis, and diabetes. Remedies and treatments were also thoroughly explained to them. The overall theme was empowering elderly women to take care of themselves and to improve the quality of their lifestyle. Again, the focus was on quality not quantity. Dr. Rowayda Idris instructed the audience on the importance of balanced nutrition and physical exercise. Hands on workshops included checking blood pressure, measuring weight and height, and diet counseling. Activities like this should become a mainstay in our communities to offer the elderly social support and helpful information they need. Dr. Fathiya Fallata from the Primary Health Care Administration hopes that more clinics and hospitals will upgrade their services and train their medical staff in communicating and caring for the elderly. Dr. Fallata added, “More private companies should follow Aramco's lead in contributing to the physical, psychological and social welfare of the elderly, who are a treasured segment of the society.” __
