The total number of older Emiratis who received social financial assistance stood at 18,150, a senior official at the Ministry of Community Development revealed.

''The UAE has introduced legislations that guarantee provision of decent and safe living, health, social, housing and other services to older persons,'' Naji Al Hai, Acting Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development for Social Development Sector, said in a statement, on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, which is observed on 1st October every year.

''To ensure that older persons enjoy a comfortable life, the ministry recently launched the Masarra Card for elderly people, to recognise and appreciate the role of senior citizens and their contribution to the community by providing special facilities and services, in collaboration with government and private entities,'' he stated, adding that 13,500 cards have been issued.

The ministry launched a diverse programme of 50 events and activities across its ten social development centres in the country to mark the day. The theme this year is "Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society."

International Day of Older Persons seeks to enable and expand the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societ aty large. It focuses on the pathways that support full and effective participation in old age, in accordance with their basic rights, needs and preferences.

This year's theme underscores the link between tapping the talents and contributions of older persons, and achieving the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging, which is currently undergoing its third review and appraisal process.