The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), has launched the Mental Health Promotion Program for senior citizens under the theme “Quality of Life.”

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the programme aims to increase awareness of the important role older persons play in society, while highlighting their contributions to Qatar’s social, economic, cultural, and health development.

Between January and June 2026, the initiative delivered nearly 80 awareness sessions, workshops, and lectures across various regions in the country, reaching around 180 senior participants. Activities are set to continue through September.

Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs Department at MoPH, said the programme focuses on improving mental well-being and enhancing the overall quality of life of senior citizens. He underscored the importance of promoting a culture that values and respects older individuals, while raising public awareness about their contributions to societal progress.

He also noted that Qatar has introduced a range of legislation, policies, and programmes aimed at empowering senior citizens, improving their living standards, and reinforcing their role as key pillars within the family structure.

The programme addresses various aspects of mental health and well-being through mentoring sessions, workshops, and community-based activities. Topics include emotional stability, stress management, and coping with life changes associated with ageing.

In addition, the initiative places emphasis on developing positive coping strategies, strengthening social and family connections, and promoting resilience among participants, with the goal of supporting their mental health and overall well-being.

The programme’s impact is assessed in partnership with Ehsan through scientific evaluation tools and specialised questionnaires. These measure participants’ mental health, social adjustment, quality of life, as well as satisfaction levels and community engagement, ensuring continuous improvement and greater effectiveness of the initiative.