KUWAIT: Kuwait needs to start preparing to meet the needs of its growing elderly population, said Dr Ali Alqattan, consultant in geriatric medicine. Individuals aged 65 and older now comprise five percent of the country’s total population, with over 135,000 people in that age group. This number is projected to grow to 15 percent. So, to effectively address this phenomenon before it’s too late, Dr Alqattan called for a collaborative effort across all sectors in Kuwait to enhance access to healthcare services, improve social services and review laws impacting the elderly.

He noted that this demographic shift extends beyond Kuwait, as life expectancy is rising globally, with some countries reporting elderly populations of 25 percent to 30 percent. According to the UN World Social Report 2023, the number of individuals aged 65 and older worldwide is projected to more than double, increasing from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion by 2050.

Life after retirement

“Since the numbers are already on the rise, let’s promote active ageing from now,” urged Dr Alqattan, who is also the Head of the Geriatric Unit at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital. The World Health Organization defines active ageing as the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security to enhance quality of life as people grow older. Dr Alqattan emphasized the need to review retirement laws and establish routines for life after retirement in Kuwait, particularly for mid- to late-career retirees who do not have alternative plans, such as starting their own businesses.

He noted that without these plans, mental and physical inactivity can become increasingly prevalent among retirees. He advocates for a gradual transition into retirement, rather than an abrupt end to working life, by suggesting moving from full-time to part-time work and gradually reducing hours — from four to two. “Many of the retired people express that working just two hours is the perfect solution for them. They don’t want a full-time job, but they also want to ensure their expertise and experience are not completely lost,” Alqattan added.

Early management of diseases

Drawing examples from western countries, he said that elderly individuals mostly begin new chapters in their lives after retirement, often returning to school or pursuing a bachelor’s degree. “Promoting mental engagement during retirement is one of the key messages we want to convey to our citizens,” said Dr Alqattan. “Please, continue your giving to the society, both mentally and physically. As we often say, ‘Life begins after retirement,’” he added.

Proper nutrition, exercise, and mental activities are also among the factors that Dr Alqattan recommended to help in implementing the active ageing concept. He advised early management of chronic diseases — especially those related to heart conditions, diabetes, and recurrent strokes. He urged against the ignorant behavior of certain conditions that elder people mostly encounter, assuming they are merely a natural part of ageing when they can indicate serious health issues, such as cognitive decline, dementia, falls, incontinence, and polypharmacy.