“Third Age: On Endangered Human Dignity and The Need for Reintegration”
Video - The Third Monthly Webinar Organized by MECC
Dr. Michel Abs: Dealing with Elderlies Requires a Social Policy that Exceeds the Civil Authorities’ Capabilities
The Middle East Council of Churches is still holding the series of monthly webinars it has launched within the “Human Dignity Project” as part of the work of a department that is being developed in MECC under the name of “Dialogue and Social Cohesion-Social Capital Rehabilitation”. Hence, MECC convened its third webinar, entitled “Third Age: On Endangered Human Dignity and The Need for Reintegration”, on Thursday 29 September 2022, which was also broadcasted live on the MECC Facebook page.
The webinar included two sessions on the topic at hand and started with an opening note from the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs. He described the elderlies as "our ancient bonds, and the storehouse of our memory and wisdom", praising their experiences and abilities. But Dr. Abs rang the alarm bell because elderlies became the most vulnerable and marginalized group, stressing the bitter circumstances which most of them are living, and condemning the society's view towards them.
Dr. Abs also described the society allowing the disrespecting of its elders’ dignity as disobedient, a political disobedience leading to social and human disobedience. He emphasized the importance of families’ responsibilities towards elderlies, and mentioned that dealing with them requires a social policy that exceeds the civil authorities’ capabilities.
It is worth mentioning that the webinar was moderated by Dr. Lubna Tarabey, during which Dr. Chawki Attieh gave an English summary of what was presented and discussed. The webinar coincides also with International Day of Older Persons on 1 October.
The first session revolved around the topic “A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Pain: Voices of Older People on Social Protection”, with Mrs. Maya Abi Chahine, Program Manager at American University of Beirut and an Independent Consultant. She began her session with a brief overview of the population ageing, and then tackled several topics. Abi Chahine talked about health and health care, income security, ways of support, elderly Syrian refugees, and “A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Pain” document, in addition to its recommendations. She also presented the point of views of some elderlies on social protection and old age pensions.
The second session was entitled “The Third Age: What Dignity for the Elderly?”, with Dr. Chebib Diab, President of the Professor’s Alumni Association of the Lebanese University. Firstly, he shared his experiences with retirees at the Lebanese University and the difficult circumstances they are witnessing. He also cited how elders are defined and highlighted the different age groups, explaining the "demographic window of opportunity". Dr. Chebib also shed light on the situation of the elderlies in Lebanon and their main challenges. During the session, he presented several statistics and figures on its topic.
The webinar ended with a session for questions and discussion. The Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs stressed the importance of preserving the presence of elderlies in institutions and workplaces, and the need to benefit from their experiences, especially for future generations.
