UAE: Doctors offer youngsters tips to care for the elderly on Senior Citizens’ Day

UAE: Doctors offer youngsters tips to care for the elderly on Senior Citizens’ Day

People need more love, care, support and attention during their old age than before

Published: Sat 20 Aug 2022, 5:40 PM

Old age, often referred to as the second childhood, is a delicate phase of life. It's a time when the elderly need more love, care, support and attention than before. For children, it's a time of role reversal, where they have to become parental.

Celebrating Senior Citizens' Day, which falls on August 21, doctors offer some tips for healthcare and well-being of the elderly.

Dr Anwar Al Zaabi, consultant cardiologist, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, noted that elderly people, especially those who are ailing, tend to avoid travelling or going outdoors and prefer to stay home. But children must ensure their medication is provided as prescribed.

"Before you travel, get a weekly medication box. Fill the medication box with the prescribed medication for one week. Do this in the presence of the home caregiver to make sure he/she is familiar with the exact medication timetable for your parents."

Dr Al Zaabi suggested setting up an alarm on the caregiver's mobile phone as a reminder to give medicines on time.

"It's our responsibility towards our parents to set up the alarm and not caregivers to ensure he/she remembers