Saudi Arabia brings in law to ensure elderly people's well-being

Jeddah: The Cabinet of Saudi Arabia passes a law for the protection of rights of the elderly in the country, Arab News reported.

The law prohibits sending elderly citizens to social care facilities without their consent. The article that mandates the same serves older people's right to live with family. Saudi administration is already providing free care for them and the new law will free them from paying charges. The law expected to produce more statistical information through research that could help in developing initiatives for the elderly people's welfare.

Last April, the Saudi Shura Council had passed a draft bill with 21 articles that targeted promoting awareness on the aged generation's welfare and implementation of required community care for them.

Saudi Human Rights Commission board member Duha Al-Ibrahim told Arab News that the Kingdom strives to provide fair living conditions for its people. It has allocated required care for all groups in society, including the older people, through institutions, ministries and public bodies.

Volunteering in various centres of elderly care, including public, private, and mosques, will be encouraged by the administration through a programme, and the lists of care shelters will also be published.

Saudi population's 3.4 per cent is aged 65 and above as per a United Nations report. The figure is predicted to touch 6 per cent in 2030.