Kuwait Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly on World Elderly Day 2026

Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, affirmed that the care and empowerment of the elderly constitute a priority within the social work system. She emphasized that caring for this group extends beyond providing basic care to enhancing their social participation and leveraging their experience and contributions to the development process.

Speaking at the Ministry of Social Affairs’ celebration of World Elderly Day, which showcased the system of services and care provided to this demographic, Dr. Al-Huwail stated that the occasion embodies the highest meanings of gratitude and appreciation for a generation that contributed greatly and served as a witness and partner in Kuwait’s nation-building journey. She noted that this day represents a moment of reverence, respect, and renewal of commitment to the pioneering generation of fathers and mothers.

She explained that the Ministry of Social Affairs, guided by its conviction that quality of life is not age-dependent, is working to develop a comprehensive care system for the elderly that encompasses health, psychological, and social aspects, ensuring them a dignified life and a secure future.

Dr. Al-Huwail highlighted the Ministry’s continued efforts to enhance care services for the elderly, including mobile home care services utilized by a large number of seniors across various regions of the country. She also pointed to ongoing work to strengthen legislation and laws that protect their rights and grant them priority in accessing government services.

Furthermore, she noted that the Ministry is launching and promoting community initiatives aimed at harnessing the life and professional expertise of the elderly in the development process, and building bridges for knowledge and experience exchange with younger generations. She stressed that the state’s vision regarding the elderly is not limited to acknowledging their past, but focuses on what they can contribute to the future. She emphasized the necessity of moving beyond the traditional concept of care to a broader approach based on empowerment, capacity building, and utilizing their expertise and ideas.

Dr. Al-Huwail stated that this requires expanding the space for elderly participation in society, listening to their opinions, and responding to their aspirations and needs, thereby enhancing their sense of appreciation and the status they deserve. Addressing the elderly directly, she said, “You are not on the margins of life; rather, you are at the heart of our concern and at the forefront of our priorities.” She affirmed that the Ministry of Social Affairs, under the guidance and support of the wise leadership, is committed to exerting all efforts to provide dignity, comfort, and peace of mind to the elderly, and to repay the contributions they have made throughout their lives.

Dr. Al-Huwail expressed her sincere gratitude and appreciation to all who dedicate their efforts to serving the elderly, all professionals in this humanitarian field, and all institutions and members of society supporting national efforts to enhance quality of life and elevate the status of individuals in the State of Kuwait. She affirmed that the elderly will remain a firmly entrenched value in Kuwaiti society, carrying forward experiences, wisdom, and generosity from one generation to the next, and called for continuing to instill a culture of gratitude and appreciation for them.

In a separate statement regarding the association’s participation in the World Elderly Day celebrations, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Baghl, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ibrahim Taher Al-Baghl Foundation for the Filial Son and the Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly, extended his deepest thanks and appreciation to H.E. Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, and to the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi. He commended their role and dedication to developing the social care sector, upgrading services and initiatives directed at the elderly, and their distinguished support for the foundation, the association, and civil society individuals and institutions in the State of Kuwait.

Colonel Ibrahim Al-Baghlí spoke to Al-Nahar newspaper, detailing his practical and professional experience with the Ibrahim Taha Al-Baghlí Foundation for the Filial Son and the Kuwaiti Charitable Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly in the State of Kuwait. He highlighted his work on a charitable volunteer project, which he undertook at the age of 65. The project, supported by the boards of directors of both the Association and the Foundation, ran for twenty years and continues to this day. This realistic experience encompassed numerous initiatives and perspectives, providing living examples that prove age is not a barrier to creativity or impact, aligning with the state’s and the Ministry of Social Affairs’ directives regarding the care, service, and rehabilitation of the elderly.

Colonel Ibrahim Al-Baghlí, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwaiti Charitable Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly, stated that, in implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation in the field of care, service, and rehabilitation of the elderly, signed between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Kuwaiti Charitable Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly, the Association reaffirmed its social responsibility to support the Ministry’s mission in this field, in accordance with issued ministerial regulations and decisions, and in line with the Association’s mandates and objectives as outlined in its charter. Accordingly, the Association provided material, moral, and technical support as a contribution to the events of the 2026 World Day of Older Persons, organized under the patronage of Her Excellency the Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with distinguished participation from government ministries and civil society organizations.

Colonel Al-Baghlí further emphasized that the Ibrahim Taha Al-Baghlí Foundation for the Filial Son and the Kuwaiti Charitable Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly operate on a charitable and volunteer basis to establish and strengthen community work for the benefit of the elderly, in accordance with the teachings of Islam, the Constitution of the State of Kuwait, and authentic Arab customs and traditions. Guided by moral and social responsibility, they have taken upon themselves the importance of continuing to support social partnership programs with the Ministry of Social Affairs, government institutions, and civil society individuals and organizations. Many programs and activities related to the care, service, and rehabilitation of the elderly have been implemented, at a level that enables state ministries and institutions to achieve their general objectives in providing the best services, addressing the general affairs and issues of the elderly, and ensuring they receive all their rights through various care, service, and rehabilitation systems and methods.

Al-Baghlí clarified that since the establishment and official recognition of the Foundation and the Association until today, numerous events, programs, and activities for the benefit of the elderly have been implemented in accordance with the terms of the MoU signed with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Health, including the following:

- Organizing the Al-Baghlí Award for the Filial Son for the twentieth consecutive year to promote the virtue of kindness, filial piety, and respect for the elderly in society.

- Operating a physiotherapy clinic within the mobile service unit for the elderly in the Al-Mubarakiya Governorate.

- Organizing the Scientific Excellence Award for specialized studies and research on the care and rehabilitation of the elderly.

- Conducting 50 training and rehabilitation workshops in various fields.

- Providing support and participating in all local, national, continental, and international celebrations and occasions related to the care, service, and rehabilitation of the elderly.

Al-Baghlawi affirmed that he is proud of the distinguished journey initiated by grandparents and fathers, which has become a model followed by successive generations in the past, present, and future. He praised this noble path, stating: “With our elders, giving will continue and bear fruit for all, as they have managed to leave a positive imprint in their communities—locally, within the Gulf, across the Arab world, and globally—becoming role models for individuals who have overcome challenges associated with aging. They have achieved remarkable accomplishments in various fields such as leadership, technology, philanthropy, economics, arts, and media. Through these efforts, they have helped break the stereotype surrounding the post-sixties stage and reinforced the concept of continuous giving by providing living examples that prove age is not an obstacle to creativity or impact. This is achieved through the presence of seniors, with their determination, experience, and wisdom, and by empowering them through individuals and societal institutions.”

In recognition of the importance of strengthening cooperation ties between the Association and the Elderly Care Administration, thereby enabling the exchange of expertise, opinions, and initiatives, and identifying achievements in the care, service, and rehabilitation of the elderly to achieve common goals, and in light of the Association’s belief in the importance of supporting efforts undertaken by governmental and civil institutions, based on its moral and social responsibility, collaboration and coordination were established to implement programs, activities, and events for the care, service, and rehabilitation of the elderly across all fields.

The Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly participated in implementing numerous events, workshops, and lectures organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs, represented by the Mobile Home Care Department in the Al-Mubarakiya Governorate, for the benefit of the elderly and their caregivers. The training workshops and scientific lectures, with their diverse topics, aim to meet and address the needs of the elderly and contribute to improving their quality of life.

Furthermore, the Association will participate in supporting the implementation of events, activities, and artistic workshops carried out by the Elderly Care Administration in coordination with the Association, for the benefit of the elderly and their caregivers, in accordance with the Association’s mandates and objectives and the provisions of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Association and the Ministry. Among the most important of these events are:

- Supporting and participating with the Elderly Care Administration in celebrating national holidays under the slogan “Glory and Pride.”

- Supporting and participating with the Elderly Care Administration in celebrating World Parents’ Day.

- Supporting, participating, and contributing to the Arab Day for the Elderly celebrations.

- Participating and contributing to World Elderly Day celebrations.

- Supporting, participating, and contributing to Greening Day celebrations.

- Organizing and executing a sea trip and fishing competition for the benefit of the elderly.

- Implementing a workshop titled “I Create with My Hands: Spoon Recycling.”

- Organizing a workshop titled “The Art of Decoupage.”

- Implementing a workshop on shaping wooden sticks for the benefit of the elderly and their caregivers.

- Organizing a workshop titled “The Art of Wood Printing.”

- Implementing a workshop titled “The Art of Ceramic Decoration.”

- Implementing a workshop titled “The Art of 3D Frame Decoration.”

- Organizing an Open Family Day event to foster intergenerational interaction.

- Organizing an awareness lecture titled “Ma Atla’ min Jazakum.”

- Supporting and participating with the Ministry of Social Affairs in the Gulf Family Forum events.

- Implementing a workshop titled “Decorating Tissue Boxes.”

- Implementing a workshop titled “Making Roses with Ribbons.”

- Organizing a workshop titled “Coloring Crystal Paintings.”

- Implementing a workshop on shaping wooden sticks.

- Organizing an artistic workshop titled “Designing Mats from Hessian Fabric.”

- Organizing an artistic workshop titled “Felt Bags.”

- Organizing a workshop on the basics of crochet. - Organizing a social event titled “Limmah Habayeb” (Gathering of Loved Ones). - Organizing a heritage workshop titled “Qadeemak Nadimak” (Your Old Companion). At the conclusion of his statement, Al-Baghl said: “We wish to share with you some dimensions and pillars that must be considered when addressing issues affecting older persons, in a manner that helps them achieve social adaptation, psychological harmony, natural integration, and participation in social development: - The continuous focus on preparing specialized research and studies in the field of services, care, rehabilitation, and training for older persons, ensuring they keep pace with rapid global developments and changes in dealing with the variables of aging. - Emphasizing the activation of early intervention programs for older persons, day-care systems, and home-care systems, as approaches to prevention, treatment, and mitigating the spread of aging-related problems, while removing human, social, and psychological barriers that hinder the progress and daily lives of older persons. - Activating, developing, and refining laws and legislation pertaining to older persons, in a manner commensurate with their capacities, ensuring their needs are met and their various requirements are fulfilled. - Involving older persons in all forums and issues through which plans and strategies related to their care, services, and rehabilitation are formulated. For his part, Dr. Jassem Al-Kandari, Director of the Social Care Department at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, affirmed that caring for older persons and enhancing their participation in society represent a national and human commitment. He stressed the importance of developing the services and programs provided to them to meet their social, psychological, and living needs, and to support their roles within the family and society. Al-Kandari stated that the occasion serves as an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of older persons to building the family, society, and the nation, and to renew the commitment to safeguarding their dignity, protecting their rights, listening to their needs, enhancing their participation and quality of life. He noted that this year’s celebration theme underscores that digital progress is incomplete without inclusion, amid rapid technological transformations that have become part of daily life details. He emphasized the importance of empowering older persons to benefit from technology and modern services by providing clear, easy, and safe services, alongside training programs tailored to their needs and capacities.

Al-Kandari also praised the efforts of Ibrahim Taher Al-Baghlai, the Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly, and the Al-Baghlai Initiative for the Elderly, alongside the government and civil society entities and civil society institutions supporting the occasion.

For her part, Assistant Undersecretary for the Social Development Sector at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Iman Al-Anzi, confirmed that the Ministry celebrated World Elderly Day, which falls on October 1, under the presence and patronage of the Minister of Social Affairs. She noted that the event was distinctive and highlighted the most prominent services provided by the Ministry to the elderly, particularly in the field of digital transformation, along with the efforts of supporting government entities, foremost among them the Ministries of Interior and Health. Al-Anzi stated that the Ministry of Social Affairs has made significant progress in completing its digital services targeted at the elderly, including priority cards and parking cards, as well as a number of other services and needs specific to this group, which are now available through an easy-to-use application, enabling the elderly to apply for them electronically in a more convenient and accessible manner. She added that the Ministry is working during the upcoming phase on designing and implementing the Smart File for the Elderly, which aims to achieve a complete transition from paper files to electronic files, ensuring that each elderly person has a comprehensive electronic file with the administration. She clarified that the project is still in the preparation and implementation stage and will be executed in subsequent phases.

For her part, Dr. Huda Al-Mahdi confirmed that the Social Care Sector at the Ministry of Health provides a comprehensive package of preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services for the elderly. These include periodic clinics in residential care homes, awareness campaigns targeted at the elderly and their caregivers, as well as the Integrated Home Care Service Program, which involves conducting home and family environment health surveys and providing necessary care to contribute to improving the quality of life for the elderly. She explained that therapeutic services include clinics available in social care homes, primary healthcare and nursing services, in addition to home visits and coordination with the Ministry of Health to provide various levels of healthcare. Furthermore, continuous social care services are provided by elderly care homes and institutions and centers affiliated with the sector.

For his part, a representative from the Ministry of Interior presented a video recording shown during the World Elderly Day events, explaining that the Ministry of Interior has opened specialized departments to provide services to the elderly and persons with disabilities. It has also worked on developing service centers to ensure easy access for individuals unable to visit main centers. The Ministry clarified that service centers have been equipped with suitable corridors and facilities, along with providing support and assistance to visitors and offering wireless internet (WiFi), thereby facilitating the electronic processing of transactions, saving time and effort, and enhancing ease of access to services. It was confirmed that the General Directorate of Service Centers has obtained the ISO certification for its quality management system, as part of applying quality standards and improving performance efficiency. The Ministry pointed to ongoing plans to develop the service center system to provide more efficient and reliable services that meet the needs of citizens and residents, particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Khulood Al-Khalidi, head of the elderly social services department in the Al-Mubarrah Al-Kabeer governorate, confirmed that elderly care in Kuwait began in 1955 and has since evolved into a comprehensive system encompassing residential, mobile, daytime, health, social, and rehabilitative services, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults and preserving their dignity. She explained that the administration is implementing several initiatives, most notably the “Friends of the Elderly” program to promote social integration, and “Wa’i” (Awareness) for professional development of staff, alongside efforts to launch the Smart File project for mobile care services to accelerate and improve the accuracy of service delivery. She emphasized the importance of community partnerships in supporting older adults and enhancing their active participation in society.