Muscat – To celebrate International Day of Older Persons observed on October 1, Ihsaan Association and the Ministry of Health will host a special day of entertainment for the elderly in the Sur al Hadeed area of Seeb on October 7.

Jokha Mohammed Khamis al Farsi, head and founder of Ihsaan Association, told Muscat Daily that the event will be held from 4pm to 10pm. Over 300 people are expected to participate.

“The event will feature a variety of activities, including a 1km seaside walk for the elderly and their children, a theatrical performance highlighting the significance of parental care, and screening of short awareness films,” she said.

The venue will also have a dedicated section to showcase items of productive families, including handicrafts, Omani clothes and traditional Omani food.

The aim of this gathering is to underscore the importance of elderly care and support within the community, encourage physical activity among the elderly, and endorse the products of productive families, Jokha informed and urged people to join the event and extend their support to the elderly.

Outlining the association’s ongoing efforts, Jokha said that it provides an ambulance service to help the elderly and the disabled reach hospitals for routine check-ups and other healthcare needs. The association started services of its sixth ambulance recently.

“We hold awareness seminars – in schools and Omani women’s associations – and talks on the assistance required by the elderly. We have provided access to 5,000 elderly persons to hospitals in Oman so far,” Jokha added.

The association also provides medical aid for the elderly at low prices, including prosthetic limbs for individuals with limited income. “We will continue our awareness campaign to cover all wilayats of the sultanate,” Jokha informed.

Discussing the association’s future, Jokha revealed plans to establish a permanent headquarters and expressed her hope that the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning allocate land for the same so that Ihsaan’s valuable services to the elderly community continues.