Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health, in cooperation with the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly "Ehsan", is launching the Mental Health Promotion Program for senior citizens under the slogan "Quality of Life", Now in its fourth consecutive year, this program aims to raise awareness of the role of senior citizens and highlight their contributions to the social, health, economic and cultural development of the State of Qatar.
Between January and June 2026, the program conducted around 80 awareness workshops and lectures across various regions of the country, benefiting around 180 senior citizens. The activities are scheduled to continue throughout September.
Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs Department at the Ministry of Public Health, emphasised that the initiative is designed to enhance the mental health and overall quality of life of the senior citizens. He highlighted the importance of fostering a culture that respects and values this demographic while also educating the community about their significant contributions to social development and progress.
Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani stressed that the State of Qatar has enacted legislation, policies, and programs to empower senior citizens, enhance their quality of life, and highlight their vital role in society as fundamental contributors to the Qatari family structure.
The program covers various topics related to mental health and well-being through mentoring sessions, workshops, and community activities. Key areas of discussion include mental health, emotional stability, and managing life stressors.
Moreover, the program places a strong emphasis on enhancing mental health for senior citizens, fostering positive coping strategies in response to age-related changes, and strengthening familial and community relationships. Together, these efforts aim to improve the quality of life and mental well-being of senior participants.
The program's effectiveness is evaluated in collaboration with the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly "Ehsan". This evaluation includes measuring participants' mental well-being, social adjustment, and quality of life, as well as monitoring satisfaction levels, community engagement, and mental resilience. The assessment utilises scientific metrics and specialised questionnaires, which help ensure ongoing program development and increase its positive impact on the target population.
