A delegation from Sharjah Media Corporation, SMC, paid a visit on Tuesday to Old People Home in Sharjah in commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons.

The visit to the institution, which falls under the umbrella of the Social Services Department – Government of Sharjah, was made to thank the residents of the home for all that they have done to build the nation.

Marked on 1st October each year, the International Day of Older Persons is celebrated by raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly and to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society. The visit to the Old People Home in Sharjah was undertaken to express solidarity with its residents and in recognition of the invaluable role that senior citizens play in passing on their lifetime of experiences and expertise to the younger generations.

The SMC’s delegation comprised Fatima Yousif Bin Sandal, Director of Governmental Communications and Marketing at SMC and a number of the broadcaster’s managers and personnel.

They expressed their delight over the activity, saying that they considered it in the context of a family visit. They pointed out that grandfathers and grandmothers are the founding blocks of today’s society and expressed that it was important for the community to take care of them and meet their needs.

On the sidelines of the visit, SMC organised a gala lunch for the residents of the home to emphasise the importance of community engagement, exemplified by the values of selflessness, solidarity and compassion. The Dibba Al Harbiya band for popular dance also took part in the activity, with its members creating an entertaining musical backdrop to the visit.

Fatima Yousif Bin Sandal underscored the importance of the excursion to Old People Home and commented that it reflected SMC’s commitment to enhancing social solidarity, which aligns with the directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

She stressed the need for all community members to take an active role in providing senior citizens with care and support, as meaningful action reaffirms their position as an integral part of UAE society.

During the visit, the SMC delegation was briefed on the operations of the Old People Home and reviewed how it met the needs of its residents. They spoke to many of the older persons there, listening to their concerns and hearing stories about their lives. The representatives also offered the residents a collection of gifts as an expression of appreciation, wishing them good health and wellbeing.