Imagine your 60-year-old grandparents racing to construct pyramids from paper cups, only to blow them down amidst hearty laughter during a relay. New community initiatives in the UAE are demonstrating that age is no barrier to fun and games.

The SmartLife Foundation, a non-government organisation, has been hosting free monthly meetups for seniors. These gatherings typically feature yoga sessions, talks, and plenty of healthy interactions. However, in September, Manjula Ramakrishnan, the project lead for Smart Senior Citizen and Single Mums, decided to introduce a fresh approach. "Instead of organising the meetup ourselves, we asked the elderly participants to plan it," she told Khaleej Times. "Two of them, Kamakshi Masne and Kanchana Sampathbabu, stepped forward, assisted by our volunteers Bhawana and Namrata."

The group was pleasantly surprised by the activities the seniors devised. "It was a delightful experience. There were games and prizes. Their laughter was infectious," Manjula recounted. "One game involved listing actors active between the 1960s and 1980s, while another required building pyramids from paper cups and then blowing them down." "As they left that day, the winners carried their gifts home, beaming like children," she added.

These gatherings are part of the efforts by various UAE organisations to keep the elderly engaged and entertained. With human lifespans extending, senior citizens face the risk of loneliness and neglect. October 1 was observed as the International Day of Older Persons by the UN, focusing on ageing with dignity and strengthening support systems for older individuals worldwide.

Internal medicine consultant and geriatrician Dr. Salwa Alsuwaidi noted the increase in life expectancy. "Before the unification of the UAE, the average life expectancy was 53 years," she said. "Now, with improved health services and interventions, the average life expectancy is 80 years. Managing the health of the elderly has become a critical issue."

Manjula highlighted the strong bonds formed among the 26 registered members since the organisation began its activities. "We are all grandparents," she said. "We have lived full lives but still have much to contribute to society. We were once strangers, but now, deep friendships have formed."

Geriatric consultant Dr. Rahul Unnikrishnan emphasised the importance of social bonds for the elderly. "With ageing comes social isolation," he said. "Older individuals may lose social skills, experience cognitive impairment, and face mobility issues. It's crucial to provide spaces where they can socialise." He suggested clubs or majlis where elderly people can play board games, mingle, and engage in activities reminiscent of their youth, which stimulate their brains and make them feel valued.

The UAE has been proactive in promoting leisure activities for older adults. The Seniors' Happiness Centre, part of the Dubai Health Authority, offers 24-hour medical and nursing care, addressing the medical, social, rehabilitation, nutritional, cultural, and recreational needs of the elderly. The Thukher club in Al Safa provides a gym, health centre, library, and social space for Emiratis over 60. Khaleej Times previously reported on Elder Square, a daycare centre for senior citizens.

To raise awareness about geriatric medicine, the Emirates Geriatrics Society (EGS) was established under the Emirates Medical Association. Dr. Salwa, the president, explained that the EGS aims to change public perceptions about geriatrics. "Geriatricians provide a holistic approach to health," she said. "They consider physical, cognitive, medical, social, and family issues." Dr. Salwa noted that geriatrics is still emerging and aims to increase awareness about conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia, termed 'geriatric giants.'