Health Minister Hails Senior Citizens as Essential Pillars of Maldivian Nation-Building

Health Minister Geela Ali has affirmed that elderly citizens are indispensable contributors to the growth and development of the Maldives, emphasizing that their wisdom and lifelong service form the foundation of the nation's current progress. Speaking at a commemorative event for the International Day of Older Persons in Hulhumalé, Minister Geela expressed gratitude for the enduring values and skills senior citizens have passed to younger generations. She assured the attendees that the government remains committed to recognizing and appreciating the hard work of the country's elders. "We take pride in our mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers who are with us today," the Minister stated. "In building our nation and reaching where we are today, every single one of you has been a vital service provider." The event, organized by the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare, began with a morning walk and concluded at Hulhumalé Central Park with group exercises and a tree-planting initiative. The celebrations aligned with this year's global theme, "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives," with further activities planned for the coming weeks. In tandem with the Ministry's efforts, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is taking steps to make the urban environment more inclusive. Managing Director Ali Zuhair announced that HDC is currently redesigning parks and public spaces to ensure they are fully accessible to senior citizens, describing the project as a high-priority initiative. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) wing, HDC has also launched the "Dhulhaheyo Israhvehin" (Healthy Senior Citizens) program. This free initiative offers group activities three days a week, quarterly health screenings, and monthly excursions to industrial projects across the Maldives. HDC is currently accepting registrations for the program, which aims to enhance the physical and social well-being of the elderly population.