The Community Service and Continuing Education Centre has organised the “Elderly Appreciation Week”, which runs until 22 May. The initiative aims to serve the community and raise awareness of issues affecting different social groups, with a particular focus on the needs of the elderly and their active role in society. It also seeks to empower them with skills and knowledge that enhance their quality of life.

This is the first time the Centre has launched such a programme, as part of its broader efforts to promote the values of appreciation and respect for older people and to create interactive and community-oriented spaces that enable their positive contribution to public life.

The event is overseen by the Community Service Section at the Centre and features a series of workshops and activities tailored for this demographic. Among them is a workshop on Digital Literacy: Safe Use of Smartphones for the Elderly, delivered by Ahlam bint Abdullah Al-Toubi, Business Development Manager for Transformation at Mohsin Haider Darwish Information Technology. The session aims to equip participants with the confidence and skills to use smart devices securely.

Also held today was a workshop entitled Creative Art Space for the Elderly, led by visual artist Yousuf bin Ali Al-Nahwi, Supervisor of the Fine Arts Group at the Deanship of Student Affairs. The session sought to highlight artistic talents and encourage participants to express themselves through art.

On Tuesday, a workshop titled Nutrition and Health for the Elderly will be held, addressing general health indicators and proper nutrition, with the aim of promoting healthy dietary habits among the elderly. It will be delivered by Hussein bin Ali Al-Nasri, a nutrition specialist at Nizwa Hospital, and Dr. Maryam bint Mohammed Al-Harrasi, Assistant Dean of the College of Nursing.

Wednesday’s programme includes a session on Physical Fitness for the Elderly, led by coach Maryam bint Mohammed Al-Mahrouqi from the Ministry of Health. The session is designed to improve physical fitness and support energy and vitality. The final day, Thursday 22 May, will feature a lecture entitled How to Volunteer in the Field of Elderly Care, presented by Jokha bint Mohammed Al-Farsi, Chair of the Board of Directors of Ihsan Association.

Alongside the workshops and lectures, the event will also host the “Souq Al-Tayyibeen”, a market showcasing products made by the elderly, aimed at supporting them economically.