In the last few years, the number of older people has increased dramatically. Moreover, social, economic and cultural conditions impose a multitude of tasks and duties on the younger members of the family, making it very difficult on them to take care of their older parents. Youth leave the villages in search for better opportunities, leaving behind elderly relatives who live most often a lonely life without financial or social support. In addition, there is a lack of vital medical care for this category of people.
Lebanon does not yet provide social security for retired individuals in the private sector. The elderly are left without medical coverage or any kind of pension. A great number of elderly individuals are not included in any retirement program.
Despite efforts by the government to provide some kind of assistance to senior citizens through the establishment of retirement homes, it has been proven that keeping these individuals in their own homes is preferable, especially when social centers and day care institutions where they can meet are available.
Since 2004, the Order of Malta Lebanon has decided to embark on a program of socio-medical day activities for these individuals.
The 2 day care centers for the elderly in Roum (South Lebanon) and Kefraya (West Bekaa) operate five days a week. They offer round trip transportation of the elderly to these centers from nearby villages. They aim to:
- Provide health care to the elderly by offering them monthly exams (or whenever necessary). This is done by doctors and nurses affiliated with the centers. Medicines for chronic and non-chronic diseases are also provided.
- Strengthen the social relations and exchanges between seniors belonging to different communities and confessions.
- Empower the seniors to remain independent by encouraging them to participate in different educational sessions about aging.
Beside these 2 Day Care Centers in Roum and Kefraya, the Order of Malta also has an Elderly program in Zouk and 6 Warm Homes in nearby villages with the purpose of providing facilities where seniors can meet two or three times a week in addition to the days where they meet in the day centers.
