Importance of Health and Sports Culture for the Elderly

The Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly is working to cooperate, coordinate, and collaborate with numerous government, charitable, and private institutions, as well as with influential and active figures, individuals, civil society organizations, and various volunteer groups, to achieve its objectives to the fullest extent. Through our work at the Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly, we aim to root and strengthen community engagement with the elderly in alignment with the teachings of our noble Islamic faith, our Constitution, and our authentic Arab traditions. Guided by our moral and social responsibility to bolster civil society efforts toward the elderly, we have undertaken the importance of continuing to implement the Social Partnership Program and enhancing the role of individuals and civil society institutions in supporting programs and activities related to the care, service, and rehabilitation of the elderly. This support enables and empowers state ministries and institutions to achieve their general objectives regarding the provision of the best services and attention to the general affairs and issues of the elderly, ensuring they receive all their rights through various care, service, and rehabilitation systems and methods.

In this context, we have undertaken to provide material and moral support for the publication of the first edition (2026) of the book “Sports Activities for the Health and Fitness of the Elderly” by Dr. Mustafa Jawhar Hayyat. One of the Association’s objectives is to raise awareness among the elderly and their families about the elderly care services provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs and other institutions and ministries, and to educate them about the Law for the Care of the Elderly. We also work to raise awareness among the elderly, their families, and society at large about the characteristics of aging and the changes that occur in the elderly due to aging, as well as how to help overcome their problems.

Through my review and study of the scientific content of Dr. Mustafa Jawhar Hayyat’s distinguished publication, “Sports Activities for the Health and Fitness of the Elderly,” which contains essential advice that every person needs today—especially the elderly, men and women over the age of forty, those suffering from chronic diseases and other health problems, and even healthy individuals for prevention and treatment—in an elegant and clear style, I note that the first part of the book focuses on information, facts, and practical and scientific advice and guidelines for the elderly regarding the importance of the relationship between general health, physical fitness, healthy nutrition, and physical movement (exercise), and their impact on chronic diseases. The second part of the book focuses on basic sports activities for the elderly, emphasizing the fundamental principles of physical sports training, such as medical examinations and adhering to scientific foundations when engaging in training. The third part presents sensitive medical and health information aimed at replacing outdated cultural perceptions with scientific culture among all age groups, especially the elderly. The book concludes in its fourth part by clarifying and presenting the most important medical and health advice and guidelines to increase knowledge and reinforce health culture among society members, particularly the elderly.

The author has also taken into account the capabilities, needs, and circumstances of the elderly when presenting the book’s content. The book features distinctive pages with colors and images and is printed in excellent quality, facilitating reading and practical application of the activities and programs for the elderly. Since the authorship and publication of this book serve as a scientific resource for everything the elderly need regarding health, sports, chronic diseases, and common health issues among the elderly, and since its content aligns with and fulfills the objectives of the Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly in promoting and disseminating health and sports culture among society members, particularly the elderly, it works to achieve shared goals between the Association and individuals and civil society institutions. It serves as a special guide for the Association, to be utilized in scientific forums, conferences, seminars, and events in which the Association participates at the local, Gulf, and Arab levels.

I am honored and pleased to record my appreciation, pride, and admiration for the work accomplished and achieved by the author, from collecting, preparing, writing, and disseminating information to the issuance of this book, which will contribute to enriching the literary, scientific, and intellectual library. It translates the true and realistic concept of engaging with health and sports issues that address the needs of citizens and residents, individuals and civil society institutions in general, and the elderly in particular, in accordance with the requirements of serving and developing society, and working to foster the development, progress, and prosperity of the nation.