HH Shaikh Nasser’s interest in ‘senior citizens’ praised by Labour Minister

Manama, Aug. 8 (BNA): Labour and Social Development Minister, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, has lauded the directives of HM the King’s Representative for Charity Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council fo Youth and Sport, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to the Labour and Social Development Ministry to use the term “Senior Citizens” instead of “Elderly people”. HH Shaikh Nasser’s directives are in line with his interest and belief in the importance of enhancing the status of the elderly and promoting their positive role in serving society, being citizens with distinguished expertise, capabilities and values, and who enjoy the respect of all, the minister said. The Labour Minister praised HH Shaikh Nasser’s efforts to support senior citizens thnrough providing them with everything that would make them happier and more satisfied, as well as activating their role in the comprehensive development the kingdom is witnessing during the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Humaidan pointed out that changing the name of this influential social segment is a token of appreciation to its members for being the source of positive production energy and creative values, and thanks to the tremendous efforts they have exerted in building the nation, as well as for the effective role they have played for sake of maintaining social cohesion and motivating the citizens. He added that the Labour and Social Development Ministry will issue the necessary administrative and legal tools to implement HH Shaikh Nasser’s directives, noting that all the Ministry’s elderly care-related facilities and services will be renamed according to HH Shaikh Nasser’s directives. The minister pointed out that the move will contribute to opening up new horizons for senior citizens, and ensuring their effective and continuous participation, which will pave the way for taking optimum advantage of their experience and creative ideas. It is to be noted that Bahrain is a leader at the Arab, regional and international levels regarding the care services it provides for senior citizens, in accordance with the Constitution, and the legislative developments it has adopted, under HM the King’s leadership. The government has exerted tremendous efforts to preserve the dignity of senior citizens through meeting their needs and providing them with the requirements of decent life in recognition of their role in building the nation and enhancing its progress.