Medical advances have caused life expectancy to rise to levels that would once have been unimaginable. This is obviously good but it also presents a whole new set of societal challenges. As The National reported yesterday, the changing nature of family relationships has meant that some of our elderly have fallen prey to abusive caregivers.
The Federal National Council is due to discuss the issue today and Mohammed bin Ham, an FNC member representing Abu Dhabi, is expected to cite the case of an elderly Emirati man from Dibba. He was exploited by an unscrupulous housemaid. It is a shocking story but unfortunately could be fairly common one. It could also be emblematic of a much wider problem. There are just under a hundred reported cases of elderly Emiratis living alone who are financially exploitated by their carers. It is likely there are many other cases that go unreported.
In the past, the elderly would have been cared for by members of their family. But the rituals of modern life have changed that, such as when members of a family living in the northern Emirates commute to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for work. In such cases, families opt for alternative ways to care for their elderly relatives, and this may include employing carers, some of whom may turn out to be abusive. While the vast majority of paid helpers perform their duties with skill, care and empathy, there will always be some who do not.
This is an important issue and will become increasingly relevant as the population ages, making it worthy of the FNC’s attention and that of the Cabinet. Fortunately, efforts to deal with the situation have already begun. There is a nationwide plan to give the elderly health services and benefits including a steady income. However, as Dr bin Ham notes, it has not yet been implemented.
It goes without saying that the elderly deserve dignity, respect and comfort in the sunset of their lives. Many of the people who are in their seventies or eighties today grew up at a time when life was much more difficult. They helped build this country, turning it into the stable and prosperous society that benefits us all today. They have the right to a life of dignity.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
The five pillars of Islam
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
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Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
The biog
Favourite hobby: I love to sing but I don’t get to sing as much nowadays sadly.
Favourite book: Anything by Sidney Sheldon.
Favourite movie: The Exorcist 2. It is a big thing in our family to sit around together and watch horror movies, I love watching them.
Favourite holiday destination: The favourite place I have been to is Florence, it is a beautiful city. My dream though has always been to visit Cyprus, I really want to go there.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Profile of Bitex UAE
Date of launch: November 2018
Founder: Monark Modi
Based: Business Bay, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: Eight employees
Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings
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