Kuwait pledges dignity, care for its elderly citizens, leads regional efforts for their well-being

• ‘The Kuwaiti elderly are a bright page of the nation’s history — guardians of values and experiences who deserve gratitude, recognition, and comprehensive care’.

The Ministry of Social Affairs announced that more than 40,000 “Priority Cards” have been distributed to elderly citizens since the program’s launch. The card, issued through the Elderly Care Department, is designed to facilitate access to government and private services, easing the daily lives of senior citizens.

The announcement came during the Ministry’s celebration of the International Day of Older Persons, held under the patronage of Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah. The event gathered senior Gulf officials, representatives of the GCC Secretariat General, the UN Population Fund, and ESCWA.

In her speech, Dr. Al-Huwailah reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to expanding healthcare services, adopting innovative initiatives, and strengthening partnerships for elderly care. She highlighted that these efforts align with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the Arab Strategy for the Elderly, while also promoting regional cooperation under the GCC framework.

The Minister emphasized that the celebration seeks to develop a Gulf Index for the Quality of Life of the Elderly and reinforce international partnerships in shaping advanced social policies. She stressed that Kuwait has consistently sought to guarantee the dignity and rights of senior citizens, while acknowledging their lifelong contributions to the nation.

Al-Huwailah underlined that caring for the elderly is not just a governmental responsibility, but a shared national and societal duty. She described older persons as the “blessing of homes and the history of nations,” deserving a safe, healthy life with dignity and active community participation.

Mohammed Al-Obaidli, Director General of the GCC Executive Office for Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs, called for intensified efforts to ensure a dignified life for the elderly across the region. He highlighted that the recent GCC ministerial meeting in Kuwait approved the development of a unified Gulf index for elderly welfare.

From Kuwait’s side, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi, stressed that the Elderly Care Department offers advanced, specialized services to seniors. Among them, the Priority Card stands out, easing access to essential services and rights. He reiterated that over 40,000 cards have already been distributed.

Director of the Elderly Care Department, Abdulrahman Al-Anzi, explained that the ministry works to provide a comprehensive care system, including healthcare, psychological, and social services. He noted that programs include residential care, day centers, mobile home services, and community integration initiatives, all aimed at preserving dignity and enhancing well-being.

Al-Ajmi also announced further specialized initiatives, such as priority parking spaces for the elderly in public places and strict law enforcement against misuse of these facilities. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to integrating elderly care into the sustainable development goals.

Looking ahead, the GCC and UN will jointly launch the “Future of Ageing Platform” in Doha on November 5, 2025, as part of the World Summit for Social Development. Meanwhile, civil society voices, like Saad Al-Otaibi of Namaa Charity, reminded that the elderly remain a bright page in Kuwait’s history—guardians of values and experiences who deserve gratitude, recognition, and comprehensive care.

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