QATAR: Elderly Should be Entitled to Pension, says Expert

DOHA, Qatar (The Peninsula), June 28, 2006: The elderly should be entitled to a pension and a separate financial institution set up for its disbursal, Dr Ibrahim Al Kaabi of Qatar University's Sociology Department said at the ‘Dialogue of Generations', seminar organised by the Supreme Council of Family Affairs yesterday. Ibrahim said: "This is an issue of social insurance. There is a necessity for retirement funds which will make the elderly socially and financially independent." He added: "Society is changing which has led to minimising the role of the elderly in society. Women are now going out to work and sometimes, the elderly are thus being ignored. There is a need to look for options which will allow the elderly to retain their dignity." Dr Abdul Aziz Al Mighasib, organizer of the seminar said: "We are working hard to strengthen cooperation between the generations where society appreciates and respects its elders. The dialogue between the young and the old should continue to narrow the generation gap." He added that the elderly should always be a source of inspiration. Dr Abdul Nasser Saleh, also from Qatar University, said: "The needs of the elderly should be reconsidered. If they participate in society, only then can their needs be known. Who should be included from the elderly must be a part of the national strategy." Abdul Nasser said the age of 60 being set as a time for retirement should be reconsidered. "There are many people 60 and above who are keen to work. Decisions need to be taken on who can and cannot work," he stated. © 2001 The Peninsula. All Rights Reserved.