Under the slogan "For a Decent Life for Our Elderly" and "A Generation of Giving Deserves Loyalty," the Sharjah Social Services Department celebrated International Day of Older Persons across its eight branches and all its affiliated homes and centers. The main ceremony was held in a large tent erected in the courtyard of the department's Elderly Care Home, where 15 government and private entities participated in the celebrations with the elderly members of the home. School students also presented artistic works that spread happiness and joy among the elderly. A group of productive families also participated by presenting handicrafts and traditional foods, and folklore groups performed traditional songs and paintings. The Sharjah Museums Authority also participated in the celebration. Maryam Al Qatari, Director of the Elderly Care Home, said: "The home is keen to celebrate this day annually with the aim of bringing joy and happiness to the hearts of the elderly, instilling the values ​​of honoring parents, and teaching the new generation the importance of caring for this group, who have given so much to the nation, and benefiting from their experiences." Al Qatari added that the celebration is a form of loyalty, honor, and sharing joy. She explained that the celebrations will continue throughout the month of October, as organizations are hosted daily to engage the elderly in various activities and programs within the home. She pointed out the participation of volunteers from the Sharjah Center for Voluntary Work, who contributed to the organization and reception processes, in addition to the directors of the care homes affiliated with the department. On another level, the University of Sharjah, represented by the Center for Aging, in cooperation with the College of Medicine, the College of Dentistry, and the College of Health Sciences, participated in the celebrations of the International Day of Older Persons at the Madam Social Center, where they provided free medical examinations. Members of the elderly care home will also participate in the activities of the "Elderly Forum" organized by the department at the Al Jawaher Convention and Events Centre, tomorrow morning, Thursday.