Abu Dhabi: The Family Development Foundation (FDF) has unveiled a new guide titled 'Let Us Protect Our Elders with Love,' directed by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the FDF. The launch event took place during a press conference at the Foundation's Abu Dhabi Centre.
According to Emirates News Agency, the guide is designed to increase awareness about the importance of providing respectful care to senior citizens. It outlines key principles to ensure the elderly lead a dignified life, characterized by appreciation, inclusion, and active engagement within the family and society. The launch coincided with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, emphasizing community awareness on the challenges faced by elderly people and the crucial role families play in creating a safe, supportive environment that enhances their mental and physical well-being.
The event aimed to reinforce values of loyalty, gratitude, and intergenerational solidarity. Attendees included Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director-General of the FDF; Abdulrahman Al Baloushi, Director of the Strategic Planning and Institutional Development Department; Saeed Al Ghafli, Director of Support Services Department; and Wafa Al Ali, Director of the Family Development Department at FDF, along with social experts, strategic partners, representatives from partner entities, media professionals, and senior citizens.
Mariam Al Rumaithi emphasized that the guide reflects FDF's commitment to protecting senior citizens, providing them with compassionate and respectful care. It serves as an educational reference, highlighting unintentionally harmful emotional behaviors and suggesting positive alternatives to foster genuine human connection and a nurturing environment for elders. Al Rumaithi reiterated the guide's alignment with the vision of UAE's leadership under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who prioritizes instilling values of loyalty and national recognition.
Al Rumaithi expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikha Fatima for her unwavering support for senior citizens, praising her efforts in promoting compassion and appreciation within Emirati society. She highlighted the guide's role in raising awareness about subtle forms of emotional ill-treatment and its comprehensive set of positive behavioral alternatives to enhance the psychological well-being of the elderly.
Through the guide, FDF aims to raise community awareness of the emotional care needed for senior citizens. It underscores the importance of understanding well-intentioned practices that might unintentionally impact the elderly's psychological health, while fostering a family and community environment rooted in respect and genuine appreciation for their wisdom and experience.
Al Rumaithi concluded by stating that the guide prioritizes the well-being of the elderly, emphasizing that caring for senior citizens is an act of awareness, fairness, and mature emotion. The guide serves as a message of love, offering appreciation and fostering a sense of belonging.
Following the press conference, various events and public discussions were held to highlight the key themes of the 'Let Us Protect Our Elders with Love' guide, including a presentation on the 'Proactive Steps for Protecting Senior Citizens' training program aimed at improving skills and knowledge in conscious care practices.