The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar is initiating a National Aging Survey to better understand and address the needs of its growing elderly population. With life expectancy projected to increase from 81 to 83 years, the survey aligns with Qatar’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of older residents, as explained during a press briefing.
Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programmes, highlighted the survey as a vital step for identifying the specific health and social needs of Qatar’s elderly. “The elderly population in Qatar is expected to double,” he noted, “and we must be prepared to provide necessary services.”
The survey, running from November 3, 2024, to January 31, 2025, will gather data through coordinated home visits with 1,808 citizens over age 60. This initiative will contribute to a national database, offering insights to shape policies and programs supporting elderly welfare. Saud Al Shammari, Assistant Director at the National Planning Council, emphasized that the survey will use advanced methods to collect comprehensive data, informing future sustainable policies.
Partnering with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the survey also includes physical and cognitive assessments, as well as health and lifestyle questionnaires. Dr. Hanan Alyafei, Senior Consultant in Home Care at HMC, added that their team’s experience would enhance the survey’s impact. Assuring strict confidentiality, officials confirmed that all collected information will serve statistical purposes only.
This effort also aligns with the objectives of Qatar’s National Health Strategy 2024-2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning the survey as a cornerstone for fostering a supportive, health-focused environment for the elderly.
