The percentage of elderly expatriates over 65 during the first half of this year reached 44.8 percent, with a total of 65,889 -- 20 percent increase compared to last year’s 52,631. The number of expatriates aged 60-64 reached 71,786. By nationality, the number of Arabs over the age of 64 reached 42,163 or 58.7 percent of the total; followed by Asians with 20,910 or 29 percent; North Americans with 1,057; Africans with 159, South Americans with 78 and Australians with 63.

In a related development, Fatima Al- Tawari -- Health Awareness and Education Officer at the Health Services Department for the Elderly in the Ministry of Health, revealed that World Polypharmacy Awareness Week will be celebrated for five consecutive days, from Aug 17-21. In a statement to the newspaper, Al- Tawari revealed the campaign slogan is “Health through Balanced Medication,” which includes various awareness activities in the governorates to emphasize the importance of reviewing medications to ensure their safe and effective use.

She revealed that the activities will start on Sunday at the Capital Mall, then the Eye Center in Jahra Governorate, Mahmoud Haidar Center in Hawally Governorate and Bayat Center in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate. She said the campaign will conclude next Thursday with a comprehensive awareness lecture for doctors and the public on the dangers of polypharmacy at Jaber Hospital. She confirmed that a group of pharmacists will participate to provide various tips and guidance on the optimal use of medications, methods for reminding people of medication times through medication boxes and other methods that help the elderly remember medication times; such as adding a list to their phones for reminders and periodic alerts, as well as linking medications to daily routines for prayer times, meals and other activities.