INITIATIVES

An overview of current and previous projects and initiatives of the Middle East and North Africa Research on Healthy Ageing (MENARAH) Network.

The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the Middle East and North Africa

The meaning of ageing and healthy longevity is socially and culturally sensitive. To enable designing effective policies and interventions aimed at promoting healthy ageing, it is crucial to understand what it means to be healthy in old age and identify healthy ageing behaviours that are likely to be adopted by individuals, families and the wider communities in the MENA region. MENARAH Network engages with older people, their families and informal carers, national and international relevant organisations and academics to explore the meaning of healthy ageing in the Middle East and North Africa region. The activities provide means to ensure the voice of and meaningful engagement with different groups and individuals. Some of these activities were facilitated by an engagement grant from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (2021-2022).

Towards Healthy Ageing in the Middle East and North Africa Blogs, Initatives, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos The MENARAH Network goals are inspired by the UN Decade of Health Ageing action areas within the specific social, demographic and geo-political context of the Middle East and North Africa Region.  Population ageing is often a neglected policy dimension in the region due Continue Reading Mobilising Ageing Research in the Middle East and North Africa Region Blogs, Initatives, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos One of the essential steps to promote healthy ageing in the MENA region is to develop an accurate evidence base about the region's specific cultural and social context. Hence, building local and regional multi-disciplinary cadres' research capacity is a pre-request Continue Reading Treating Older People with Dignity and Respect: Communications with People Living with Dementia Blogs, Initatives, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos MENARAH Network has been engaging with practitioners in the Middle East and North Africa who promote the wellbeing of older people and their informal carers. In the interview, we talk to Dr Omaima Madkor, Ain Shams University, Cairo, who explains Continue Reading Partnership Working and Co-Production to Achieve Healthy Ageing: Perspectives of The United Nations International Institute on Ageing Blogs, Initatives, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos As part of MENARAH's engagement activities to raise awareness of healthy ageing in the Middle East and North Africa, Professor Hussein visited the United Nations' International Institute on Ageing to discuss the topic with its Director, Professor Marvin Formosa. The visit Continue Reading What is Healthy Ageing? The Views of Older People in the MENA Region Blogs, Initatives, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos As part of the MENARAH engagement activities in the MENA region, we talked to older people about their experiences. We present here two examples to illustrate the importance of dignity, income security and health to older people in the region. Continue Reading Active Lifestyle for Healthy Ageing: Drawing on the International Experience Blogs, Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos In August 2022, we met with Professor Lance Dalleck, Western Colorado University, to draw on his vast expertise in researching the role of exercise in enhancing the quality of life among a diverse group of individuals as they grow older. Continue Reading In Conversation with Nahla Zeitoun, World Bank: Working Together to Improve the Quality of Life of Older People in the MENA region Blogs, Initatives, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos Nahla Zeitoun, a Senior Social Protection Specialist at the World Bank Regional Office, discusses the key areas for policy considerations to enhance the lives of older people in the region. This conversation was part of regional MENARAH engagement activities Continue Reading Ageing Perceptions and Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region Initatives, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos Professor Shereen Hussein talks to the International Federation on Ageing about the unique features of ageing in the Middle East and North Africa region. She highlights the parallel shifts towards higher prevalence of older people, the window of opportunities associated Continue Reading The Decade of Healthy Ageing: Interview with the World Health Organisation to mobilise change in the MENA region Blogs, Initatives, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos Population ageing is often a neglected policy dimension in most low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs) due to competing policy challenges associated with population growth, poverty and youth unemployment. However, the pace of population ageing is so fast that within as Continue Reading The International Federation on Ageing Global Café: In conversation with Professor Hussein Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Presentations, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos On the 23rd of September 2022, Professor Hussein was invited by the International Federation on Ageing to talk about healthy ageing in the Middle East and North Africa Region. Shereen gave an overview of the trends of population ageing in Continue Reading How to promote healthy ageing in the MENA region? The role of practitioners and local actors Blogs, Initatives, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos Population ageing is happening at an unprecedented pace globally, with most older people projected to live in Low and Middle-Income countries, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing provides a unique opportunity Continue Reading

COVID19 AND THE WELLBEING OF OLDER PEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to society, particularly to older people and their families in the MENA region. The MENARAH Network has partnered with national, regional and international groups to enhance our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on older people in the Region. COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of older people’s lives, particularly age-friendly environments during pandemic times with considerable physical and social isolation of older people.

COVID-19, Social Distancing and Lockdown: Implications on Older People in the Middle East & North Africa COVID19 and the Wellbeing of Older People in the Middle East, Initatives, Presentations, Resources In February 2021, Professor Shereen Hussein presented findings from the MENARAH’s research on the implications of COVID-19 restrictions and the wellbeing of older people in the MENA region in a symposium organised by the International Network for the Study of Arab Societies: Continue Reading Series 2 of ‘Movement is a Blessing’: 5 videos Blogs, COVID19 and the Wellbeing of Older People in the Middle East, Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Videos Between October 2020 and March 2021, Professor Shereen Hussein secured QR GCRF funding to continue the success of MENARAH’s Movement is a Blessing series aimed at improving the level of physical activities of older people in the MENA region especially Continue Reading COVID-19 in the Middle East and North Africa Region Blogs, COVID19 and the Wellbeing of Older People in the Middle East During April 2020, many countries in Europe suffered its first wave of infections with Covid-19 recording and increasingly high numbers of infections and deaths. The MENA region, on the other hand, had reported small numbers both for Covid-19 infections and Continue Reading How are you coping during COVID-19? A global survey Blogs, COVID19 and the Wellbeing of Older People in the Middle East, Regional Partners The Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I-GHHE) at the American University in Cairo (AUC) along with researchers from the US, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, Norway and the Netherlands are undertaking a global survey on how people are Continue Reading Telemedicine solutions for older people in the MENA region Blogs, COVID19 and the Wellbeing of Older People in the Middle East, Initatives, Resources Project team: Professor Shereen Hussein, Dr Mohamed Salama, Galal Abu El-Dahab Egypt is considered the most populated Arab country with a 2.2% growth rate per year, with the population expected to be 151 million by 2050 (Colliers 2017). Additionally, Egypt falls behind in the quantity Continue Reading Our Elder's Health, a Facebook page for older people and their carers in the MENA region Blogs, COVID19 and the Wellbeing of Older People in the Middle East, Initatives, Resources In 2020, Professor Shereen Hussein secured funding through the University of Kent, GCRF Emergency Response Fund, to utilise social media platforms to raise awareness of healthy ageing in the Middle East and North Africa during COVID19 pandemic.  As part of this Continue Reading Movement is a blessing- training instruction videos for older people Blogs, COVID19 and the Wellbeing of Older People in the Middle East, Movement is A Blessing, Resources, Videos This video series aims to increase awareness of the importance of physical activities for older people especially during these times with COVID19 pandemic and the fact that most older people are staying at home more than usual. Basic physical activities Continue Reading

MOBILISING RESEARCH ON HEALTHY AGEING IN THE MENA REGION

Strengthening data, research and innovation is a significant enabler to achieving MENARAH’s aims of enhancing the various aspects of older people’s lives and their informal carers in the Middle East and North Africa Region. MENARAH actively nurture connections across national and international researchers to translate knowledge and mobilise research in the MENA region.

Partnership Working and Co-Production to Achieve Healthy Ageing: Perspectives of The United Nations International Institute on Ageing Blogs, Initatives, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos As part of MENARAH's engagement activities to raise awareness of healthy ageing in the Middle East and North Africa, Professor Hussein visited the United Nations' International Institute on Ageing to discuss the topic with its Director, Professor Marvin Formosa. The visit Continue Reading Designing Long-Term Care Home Facilities: Lessons from Malta Blogs, Initatives, Learning from the International Experience, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Resources, Videos Malta is a small European island in the Mediterranean Sea that shares many cultural norms with the Middle East and North Africa Region. For Malta, like the MENA region, family is very important, and older people are respected and valued Continue Reading The International Federation on Ageing Global Café: In conversation with Professor Hussein Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Presentations, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos On the 23rd of September 2022, Professor Hussein was invited by the International Federation on Ageing to talk about healthy ageing in the Middle East and North Africa Region. Shereen gave an overview of the trends of population ageing in Continue Reading Welcoming Professor Emine Özmete on a study visit to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Blogs, Initatives, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Regional Partners, Resources MENARAH founder Professor Shereen Hussein has welcomed Professor Özmete to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as a visiting research fellow in July-August 2022. Professor Özmete is the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and a professor Continue Reading How to promote healthy ageing in the MENA region? The role of practitioners and local actors Blogs, Initatives, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos Population ageing is happening at an unprecedented pace globally, with most older people projected to live in Low and Middle-Income countries, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing provides a unique opportunity Continue Reading Law and Ethics of Care of Older People in the MENA region Blogs, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Resources, Videos In December 2021, MENARAH network lead, Professor Shereen Hussein, was invited by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) to shed light on the ethics of long term care (LTC) in the context of the Middle East and North Africa (MENARAH) region. The event Continue Reading MENARAH's Launch Videos Blogs, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Resources, Videos The MENARAH network was launched on 29th of September 2020 in a virtual event, which showcased the work of MENARAH so far and discussed some of its future aims. The event featured discussions with an international expert panel representing organisations such Continue Reading Narratives of ageing and caring: Voices from the Middle East Blogs, Initatives, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos The Middle East and North Africa region is experiencing a fast demographic change, including population ageing. For countries to be able to create a suitable environment and opportunities for older people and their families, there is a need for detailed Continue Reading Active Ageing: Social and cultural integration of Turkish migrants in London Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications Ageing of migrants in Europe has become an important policy issue, especially within the context of health inequalities and increasing health care costs. Based on in-depth interviews with older Alevi/Kurdish refugees in London, we explore the cumulative impact of difficult Continue Reading Long-term care in Turkey Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications, Resources In this book chapter Sema Õglak discusses ageing population in Turkey and highlights the shortfalls in current long-term care system to meet the expected increasing demand. She provides an overview of the demographic changes predicted in Turkey and then discusses Continue Reading From home to home: Older migrants in Europe Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications, Resources Older migrants are very diverse. It is not possible to speak of “the group of older migrants” because their history, their background is different. The reasons why they migrate are not always the same. The reasons are very personal. The Continue Reading Engaging with national and international researchers Blogs, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos For an effective policy formulation and decision-making it is crucial to understand knowledge gaps and potential opportunities. In 2020, Professor Shereen Hussein conducted a number of interviews with key international and regional researchers to explore issues associated with population ageing Continue Reading The Challenges and Opportunities of Population Ageing in the MENA Region Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Presentations, Videos In this knowledge-exchange event, Professor Hussein provided an analysis of the changing demographics in the region and associated policy challenges. Highlighting the need to develop a policy response that capitalises on the social and cultural norms within the region. The Continue Reading The employability of older people in the Middle East Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region In July 2020, Professor Shereen Hussein was interviewed by SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in relation to the employment of older people in the Middle East. Professor Hussein highlights the limited opportunity of Continue Reading Welcome to the MENARAH network Blogs, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Resources I am delighted to welcome you to MENARAH, a network dedicated to understanding the implications of population ageing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. MENARAH brings together prominent researchers with expertise in the topic from MENA and Continue Reading Training Unemployed Women for Adult Day Care in İzmir, Turkey: A Program Evaluation Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications The proportion of older people in Turkey is increasing steadily with the subsequent growth of long-term care (LTC) needs. There is a scarcity of formal care provisions for residential and particularly nonresidential settings. Thus, formal caregiving is not meeting LTC Continue Reading Elderly People Volunteering in Long-Term Care Facilities In Izmir, Turkey Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications Social inclusion and participation, including civic engagements such as volunteering, can be regarded as an important factor in quality of life of individuals particularly among older people. In the context of longer post retirement years in Turkey, there is a Continue Reading Population Ageing in Turkey: Social and Health Care Services for Older People Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications What is it like to grow old in Turkey, a country at the crossroads of developed and developing societies and a country situated in a dynamically changing area of the world? The distinguished scientists, clinicians and scholars who have contributed Continue Reading Active and Healthy Ageing in Malta Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications This edited volume provides a broad ranging view of the challenges and responses to the increasing age and age-associated morbidity of Malta's population, from considerations about the provision of a sustainable income in retirement to end-of-life and long-term care. The Continue Reading Genetic-environment interactions in a case-control study of Parkinson’s Disease in Egypt Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications Pesticide exposure is associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We investigated in Egypt whether common variants in genes involved in pesticide detoxification or transport might modify the risk of PD evoked by pesticide exposure. We recruited 416 PD Continue Reading Innovating Long-Term Care Provision in Mediterranean Welfare States Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications Social innovations in long-term care (LTC) may be useful in more effective responses to the challenges of population aging for Western societies. One of the most investigated aspects in this regard is the role of family/informal care and strategies to Continue Reading Long-term facilities for older persons in Malta Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications The remit of long-term care covers those services undertaken by others to ensure that people with, or at risk of, a significant ongoing loss of intrinsic capacity can maintain a level of functional ability consistent with their basic rights, fundamental Continue Reading The University of the Third Age and active ageing Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications This comparative resource charts the interface between the University of the Third Age (U3A) movement and active ageing, and in doing so, offers a comprehensive and thorough understanding of what U3A means in different geographical and sociocultural contexts. After first Continue Reading Active Ageing Index: 2018 Analytical Report Learning from the International Experience, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications This report provides a range of examples on how the Active Ageing Index (AAI) can be used as a practical tool by policymakers, researchersand other interested parties to identify areas where appropriate policies can realise the active potential of older Continue Reading Effectiveness of interventions for dementia in low- and middle-income countries Learning from the International Experience, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications Introduction There are more people living with dementia in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries. Evidence-based interventions to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers are needed, but a systematic mapping of methodologically robust Continue Reading Critical educational gerontology at a senior centre in Malta Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications One area that remained off the research radar is that interface between senior centers and learning programs, and hence, their potential to act as community-based learning hubs. Countering such a state of affairs, this article reports on an action research Continue Reading An integrated personal and population-based Egyptian genome reference Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications The human genome is composed of chromosomal DNA sequences consisting of bases A, C, G and T – the blueprint to implement the molecular functions that are the basis of every individual’s life. Deciphering the first human genome was a Continue Reading Older people’s health and care needs in the Middle East Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Presentations There is evidence of a significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among older people in the MENA region. Furthermore, the number of older people with NCDs in the region is expected to reach 1.3 million in 2030, nearly 50% higher Continue Reading

MOVEMENT IS A BLESSING

Physical exercise is crucial for all ages, but particularly for older people, to maintain their mobility and perform everyday activities, which are essential for their ability to live independently, enjoy diverse activities and have a fulfilling life experience. Regular physical activities also reduce incidences of falls, which can trigger adverse health consequences. Furthermore, physical activities are linked to improved mood and enhanced levels of wellbeing, with some recent research showing links with cognitive health. The MENARAH Network has developed a series of videos to encourage physical activities for older people, their families, and informal carers. These activities were produced following several consultations with physical therapy practitioners, older people, and their families. The activities are tailored to be done at home with everyday items.

Active Lifestyle for Healthy Ageing: Drawing on the International Experience Blogs, Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Resources, The Meaning of Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Videos In August 2022, we met with Professor Lance Dalleck, Western Colorado University, to draw on his vast expertise in researching the role of exercise in enhancing the quality of life among a diverse group of individuals as they grow older. Continue Reading Movement is a Blessing - Series 2: Video 5 Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Videos This video series aims to increase awareness of the importance of physical activities for older people and their families. Physical activities like standing up and sitting down, going up and down the stairs and walking around the house are crucial Continue Reading Movement is a Blessing - Series 2: Video 4 Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Videos This video series aims to increase awareness of the importance of physical activities for older people and their families. Physical activities like standing up and sitting down, going up and down the stairs and walking around the house are crucial Continue Reading Movement is a Blessing - Series 2: Video 3 Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Videos This video series aims to increase awareness of the importance of physical activities for older people and their families. Physical activities like standing up and sitting down, going up and down the stairs and walking around the house are crucial Continue Reading Movement is a Blessing - Series 2: Video 2 Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Videos This video series aims to increase awareness of the importance of physical activities for older people and their families. Regular basic physical activities like standing up and sitting down, going up and down the stairs and walking around the house Continue Reading Movement is a Blessing Series 2: Video 1 Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Videos Training at home for older people: Series 2 This video series aims to increase awareness of the importance of physical activities for older people and their families. physical activities like standing up and sitting down, going up and down Continue Reading Movement is a Blessing- Series 1: Video 3 Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Videos This video series aims to increase awareness of the importance of physical activities for older people in the Middle East and North Africa Region. Basic physical activities like standing up and sitting down, going up and down the stairs and Continue Reading Movement is a Blessing : Video 2 Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Videos Welcome to Video 2: Movement is a Blessing exercise made easy for older people and their families in the Middle East and North Africa. https://youtu.be/NjNdiueW2cg Physical training video for older people at home. Series 1: Video 2 Training at home for older Continue Reading Movement is a Blessing: Video 1 Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Videos Welcome to Video 1: Movement is a Blessing exercise made easy for older people and their families in the Middle East and North Africa. The first video focuses on warming up and flexibility exercises. It is aimed at older people Continue Reading Series 2 of ‘Movement is a Blessing’: 5 videos Blogs, COVID19 and the Wellbeing of Older People in the Middle East, Initatives, Movement is A Blessing, Videos Between October 2020 and March 2021, Professor Shereen Hussein secured QR GCRF funding to continue the success of MENARAH’s Movement is a Blessing series aimed at improving the level of physical activities of older people in the MENA region especially Continue Reading Movement is a blessing- training instruction videos for older people Blogs, COVID19 and the Wellbeing of Older People in the Middle East, Movement is A Blessing, Resources, Videos This video series aims to increase awareness of the importance of physical activities for older people especially during these times with COVID19 pandemic and the fact that most older people are staying at home more than usual. Basic physical activities Continue Reading

LEARNING FROM THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

The Middle East and North Africa region is experiencing population ageing at an unprecedented rate. The infrastructure and policy dynamics require development at a relatively fast pace to meet the growing social, health and economic needs of older people and their families. There is considerable knowledge and experience that could be learnt from other countries that have experienced population ageing much earlier. This is particularly the case in countries with similar contexts surrounding the importance of family and intergenerational support as a key component of their formal aged-care models. Through active knowledge mobilisation activities, MENARAH collates important international learning reflecting on the region’s specific context.

Interventions to Support the Well-Being of the Long-Term Care Workforce Initatives, Learning from the International Experience, Presentations, Resources The Local Government Association in England has recently organised an event focused on promoting embedding interventions to support the well-being of LTC workers. In this event, three speakers highlighted the importance of multi-agency working, operationalising well-being in daily working activities Continue Reading The Correlation Between Quality of Work and Quality of Care Services Blogs, Initatives, Learning from the International Experience, Presentations, Resources The staff is an essential element and challenge in social service provision. Long-term care workers matter and qualified and adequate staff can further support the transition to person-centred and community-based care and support. In an invited workshop, Professor Shereen Hussein Continue Reading The Impact of COVID-19 on the Long-Term Care Workforce: Discussions with the International Labour Organisation Blogs, Initatives, Learning from the International Experience, Presentations, Resources, Videos As part of the engagement and dissemination activities for the Retention and Sustainability of Social Care Workforce RESSCW project, Professor Shereen Hussein was invited to share some of the findings at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Geneva, in 2022. This Continue Reading Designing Long-Term Care Home Facilities: Lessons from Malta Blogs, Initatives, Learning from the International Experience, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Resources, Videos Malta is a small European island in the Mediterranean Sea that shares many cultural norms with the Middle East and North Africa Region. For Malta, like the MENA region, family is very important, and older people are respected and valued Continue Reading COVID19 and the Long-Term Care Workforce in England Initatives, Learning from the International Experience, Publications, Resources The COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges for the UK’s long-term care (LTC) workforce. In this new publication, based on the RESSCW study, we examine the impact of COVID-19 on social care workers’ working conditions, general health and wellbeing, and intentions to Continue Reading Developing a Scale of Care Work-Related Quality of Life (CWRQoL) Blogs, Initatives, Learning from the International Experience, Publications Professor Shereen Hussein recently completed an RfPB funded project focused on developing a scale of care work-related quality of life. The project ran from September 2019 to December 2021, led by Professor Hussein, collaborating between the London School of Hygiene Continue Reading Policies and practices shaping long-term care: between an inclusivity ethos and service delivery realities Learning from the International Experience, Publications, Resources MENARAH network lead, Professor Shereen Hussein and Professor Sara Charlesworth, at the RMIT University, Guest edited a new Themed Section in the Journal of Social Policy and Society. The Themed Section includes five articles in addition to the introduction and Continue Reading New Publication: Risk Recognition Policies for the Long-Term Care Workforce during the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Country Study Learning from the International Experience, Publications, Resources The precarious work arrangements experienced by many long-term care workers have led to the creation of a “shared” workforce across residential, home, and community ageing care sectors. This shared workforce was identified as a contributor to the spread of COVID-19 Continue Reading The abuse and wellbeing of long-term care workers in the COVID-19 era: Evidence from the UK Learning from the International Experience, Presentations, Resources, Videos Professor Shereen Hussein and Dr Eirini-Christina Saloniki presented interim findings from the RESSCW study funded by the Health Foundation at the the International Long-Term Care Policy Network, LTCcovid, Workshop 6-7 December 2021. The social care workforce faced unprecedented challenges during the Continue Reading Healthy Ageing, Independence and Migration the Perspectives of Older Turkish Migrants in the UK Blogs, Learning from the International Experience, Publications Current policy direction, such as the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, calls to foster healthy ageing amongst older adults and promote older people’s wellbeing. The policy focuses on protecting the rights of the most Continue Reading Dementia and the psychological wellbeing of older people and their formal and informal carers Learning from the International Experience, Presentations, Resources On the 22nd of July 2021, MENARAH's Network Lead Professor Shereen Hussein contributed to a seminar jointly organised by the Centre for Global Chronic Conditions and the Centre for Global Mental Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Continue Reading Conditioned thinking and older migrants' health Blogs, Learning from the International Experience, Resources Mohamed Ismail writes on his latest blog: Migrants are known to contribute significantly to the host countries workforce. They are willing to take on challenging jobs, and their offspring are willing to take off tough topics in education. Moreover, they usually Continue Reading British Society of Gerontology 50th Annual Conference Learning from the International Experience, Presentations, Resources The BSG celebrates this year its 50th Annual Conference 7-9 July 2021. Professor Shereen Hussein was invited to give a keynote speech at the Emerging Researchers in Ageing (ERA) Pre-Conference Event‘Futures of gerontology, future gerontologists: Building leadership and research capacity for BSG 2046?’ on Continue Reading Ageing in and out of place: Inequalities at later life Learning from the International Experience, Presentations, Resources, Videos On the 4th of December Professor Shereen Hussein presented at the United Nation's International Institute on Ageing Webinar Series 2020. Across the globe, changes in demographic and socio-economic structures mean that large segments of societies are growing older across the world. Continue Reading Developing a scale to measure care workers' wellbeing Blogs, Learning from the International Experience, Presentations, Videos In this presentation, Professor Shereen Hussein introduces a project focusing on developing a standardised scale to measure the quality of life at work among formal care workers, CWRQoL. Wellbeing at work has been increasingly recognised as important to an individual’s physical Continue Reading Modelling the infection spread of Covid-19 in the Long Term Care (LTC) facilities of care homes Blogs, Learning from the International Experience During the peak of the first wave of Covid-19, Europe has suffered a large number of care homes’ deaths due to Covid-19 infections.  Several media coverages claimed the death toll could be attributed to governments polices. However, the lack of Continue Reading Theory of Change Workshops: Guidance and resources Learning from the International Experience, Publications A core part of STRIDE was conducting Theory of Change (ToC) stakeholder workshops to (1) develop a strategic direction for STRiDE and dementia care, treatment and support across STRiDE countries (2) develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for STRiDE across Continue Reading Mortality associated with COVID-19 outbreaks in care homes: early international evidence Learning from the International Experience, Publications, Resources Official data on the numbers of deaths among care home residents linked to COVID-19 is not available in many countries but an increasing number of countries are publishing data. International comparisons are difficult due to differences in testing availabilities and Continue Reading The importance of data, quality indicators and systems: Messages to the MENA region when setting long-term care policies Blogs, Learning from the International Experience, Videos As part of the GCRF partnership work, Professor Shereen Hussein held a series of interviews with researchers at the National Research Council, Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies in Rome Italy. Talking to Daniela Luzi, Fabrizio Pecoraro and Continue Reading Learning from the Italian experience: Meeting at INRCA-IRCCS Blogs, Learning from the International Experience, Videos In February 2020, Professor Shereen Hussein was invited by INRCA-IRCCS (National Institute of Health and Science on Ageing) - Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Ageing, (Ancona, Italy) to discuss population ageing in the MENA region. Following a presentation explaining the Continue Reading On the news: Professor Shereen Hussein's interview for KMTV Blogs, Learning from the International Experience, Videos On the 17th of July, Professor Hussein was interviewed by KMTV to comment on recent scientific research indicating the world's population is shrinking. She comments on the implications of these changes on society as a whole and the need to Continue Reading Ethnicity at work Learning from the International Experience, Publications Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore the effect of ethnicity and separate this from the other dynamics associated with migration among members of the long-term care workforce in England focusing on the nature and structure of their Continue Reading SUMO modification of the neuroprotective protein TDP1 facilitates chromosomal single-strand break repair Learning from the International Experience, Publications Breaking and sealing one strand of DNA is an inherent feature of chromosome metabolism to overcome torsional barriers. Failure to reseal broken DNA strands results in protein-linked DNA breaks, causing neurodegeneration in humans. This is typified by defects in tyrosyl Continue Reading The Dementia Social Care Workforce Learning from the International Experience, Publications Objective: Little is known about the social care workforce supporting people with dementia in England. This article seeks to compare the characteristics of people employed in the social care sector supporting people with dementia with other members of the social care Continue Reading The diversity of staff supporting family carers in England: Findings from an analysis of a national data set Learning from the International Experience, Publications Little is known about those employed to support family carers of disabled people or those with long-term care needs. The term 'carer' is used in England to refer to family members and others who provide unpaid regular and substantial support Continue Reading On-line information and registration with services: patterns of support for carers in England Learning from the International Experience, Publications Purpose The paper aims to ascertain how local authorities and other services are responding to central government strategies to make support for family carers a priority. Design/methodology/approach A web-based audit of local authority public information for carers was undertaken (n=50). The sample covered Continue Reading TDP1 deficiency sensitizes human cells to base damage via distinct topoisomerase I and PARP mechanisms with potential applications for cancer therapy Learning from the International Experience, Publications Base damage and topoisomerase I (Top1)-linked DNA breaks are abundant forms of endogenous DNA breakage, contributing to hereditary ataxia and underlying the cytotoxicity of a wide range of anti-cancer agents. Despite their frequency, the overlapping mechanisms that repair these forms Continue Reading Volunteers Supporting Older People in Formal Care Settings in England: Personal and Local Factors Influencing Prevalence and Type of Participation Learning from the International Experience, Publications In the UK context of financial austerity and the promotion of social responsibility through the concept of the “Big Society,” volunteers are becoming a more important part of the labour workforce. This is particularly so in the long-term care (LTC) Continue Reading Independent Children’s Social Work Practice Pilots: Evaluating Practitioners’ Job Control and Burnout Learning from the International Experience, Publications Objectives: To investigate whether a new model that delegates some out-of-home care services from the public to the private and not-for-profit sectors in England enhances practitioners’ job control and stress levels. Methods: A 3-year longitudinal matched-control evaluation examined changes in Karasek demand-control model Continue Reading Organisational Factors, Job Satisfaction and Intention to Leave Among Social Workers Learning from the International Experience, Publications Satisfaction with different organisational elements and aspects of work contributes markedly to overall levels of job satisfaction and intention to leave. For newly qualified social workers (NQSWs), especially immediately after graduation, self-perceived competence and their confidence in their educational preparation Continue Reading

AGEING AND LONG-TERM CARE PRIORITIES IN THE MENA REGION

Addressing population ageing, while considerably important, is often neglected in the MENA region due to other pressures, including poverty and youth unemployment.  MENARAH actively conducts consultative and partnership activities with key stakeholders in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa concerning the population ageing research agenda.

The activities include regional and national workshops and seminars, several engagement events, and communications with international partners. These activities engage a broad range of interested researchers, policymakers and non-governmental organisations, as well as older people and their informal carers.

First Arab Regional Social Care Reform Conference Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Initatives, Presentations, Resources In partnership with the League of Arab States and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Egyptian Ministry for Social Solidarity arranged the first regional Arab Social Care Reform Conference. , held in Cairo from 26-17 February 2023. This was Continue Reading Mainstreaming Ageing in Policymaking: The Experience of West Asia region Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Initatives, Presentations, Resources, Videos On the 13th of February 2023, The United Nations Regional Commissions held a side event for the 61st Session of the Commission for Social Development, titled "Leaving No One Behind at the Regional Level: Adopting an Age-Sensitive Lens to Policy Continue Reading TÜSEB Health Policies Institute of Türkiye: International Health Policies Congress Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Initatives, Presentations, Resources TÜSEB Turkish Institute for Health Policies (TÜSPE), Ankara, supports the Turkish government in implementing ageing and long-term care (LTC) strategies. In Türkiye, despite national and municipal efforts to make necessary services available, many individuals who need assistance to maintain their Continue Reading Long-term care system developments in Europe and the Middle East: Reflections on Iran’s long-term care system Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Initatives, Presentations, Resources In a session facilitated by HelpAge International, Professor Shereen Hussein draws on current policy development in long-term care within the context of population ageing in Iran. The presentation was part of a seminar with key stakeholders in Iran. Professor Continue Reading The Global Demand for Migrant Care Workers: Drivers and Implications on Migrants’ Wellbeing Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Initatives, Publications, Resources Demographic changes across the globe create increasing demands for care labour mobility. The contribution of migrant workers to the long-term care (LTC) systems is not confined to the western world or countries that have already completed their ageing transitions; they Continue Reading Setting the Way Forward for Older People in the Arab Region Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications, Resources On the 2nd of June, the United Nations Economic and Social Council for West Asia (ESCWA) published a most welcome report setting clear steps for building forward better for older persons in the Arab Region. The MENARAH network lead, Professor Continue Reading The Right to Dignified Ageing – A Guide to Establishing Rights-Based Policies for Older Persons in the Arab Region Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications, Resources The Arab Plan of Action on Ageing (APA2002), the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA2002) and the Arab Regional Ageing Strategy (2019 – 2029) constitute appropriate frameworks to encourage Arab States to develop and implement national strategies and Continue Reading Can the Madrid Plan on Ageing (MIPPA) Current Review Benefit the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region? Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region A recent blog by Mohamed Ismail discusses potential opportunities for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in relation to the current Madrid Plan on Ageing (MIPPA) review. This is the fourth review of MIPPA, which was signed in April Continue Reading Ageing populations and care ecosystems: Policy complementarity, substitution and disconnect Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Presentations, Resources Global ageing is a phenomenon that created considerable opportunities as well as significant challenges. Longevity and increases in healthy years generate a range of societal and individual benefits. However, not all extra years of life are spent in good health, Continue Reading The Golden Paper on Fixing Pension Systems in MENA Region Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications, Regional Partners, Resources All Arab countries, except for three, have deficits in their pension funds exceeding 50%. As for the three countries, two of them started their social insurance relatively late and the third one had to significantly recapitalize its fund early last Continue Reading AGEISM THROUGH THE AGES Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Regional Partners, Resources By Dr. Vânia de la Fuente-Núñez, Technical Officer, World Health Organization The Global Campaign to Combat Ageism will give focused attention to ageism as it affects different age groups from 1 October (International Day of Older Persons) to 20 November 2021 Continue Reading An Advocacy Brief from the World Health Organisation: Social isolation and loneliness among older people Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Regional Partners, Resources By: Christopher Mikton, Technical Officer, the World Health Organisation, Geneva Launched by WHO on the International Day of Friendship, a new advocacy brief highlights that social isolation and loneliness among older people are widespread globally. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Continue Reading Ageing, Long-Term Care Provision and Funding Mechanisms in Turkey Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications, Resources A new publication from MENARAH's network authored by Mohamed Ismail and Professor Shereen Hussein providing a detailed review of ageing and long term care in Turkey. They also provide a novel estimation of long-term care costs in Turkey adopting an Continue Reading World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Regional Partners, Resources Yesterday, the 15th of June 2021, marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Older people risk facing more abuse since the outbreak of COVID-19, including domestic violence and the neglect of basic needs. To mark the day, MENARAH's partner Help Age International Continue Reading European Sociological Association: Ageing in Europe Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Presentations, Resources, Videos In January 2021, Professor Shereen Hussein gave a keynote speech on global ageing with a focus on the experience of countries in the Middle East and North Africa region as part of the European Sociological Association's Research Network on Ageing Continue Reading If not now, when? A report from the MENARAH partner HelpAge International Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications, Regional Partners, Resources A new report from aid agencies Age International and HelpAge International, If not now, when? criticises the humanitarian sector for its failure to address the needs of older people in emergencies. This failure contravenes several international commitments made in recent years and flies in the face of Continue Reading Developing the Omani strategy for social development 2016-2025 Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications, Resources The Omani Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) is the body responsible for the implementation of the Omani government’s visions in the field of social protection and empowerment. The MoSD extracted its past policy responsibilities from the strategic guidelines included in Continue Reading Long-term care in Turkey Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications, Resources In this book chapter Sema Õglak discusses ageing population in Turkey and highlights the shortfalls in current long-term care system to meet the expected increasing demand. She provides an overview of the demographic changes predicted in Turkey and then discusses Continue Reading Designing a Dementia Care Model in Turkey Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications Dementia is a significant and increasing public health problem that impacts individuals, their family and friends, care-givers and society. Dementia is characterised by a combination of symptoms that affects thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgment.  Dementia remains one Continue Reading Developing Turkish Long Term Care Model Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications Between 2015 and 2017 Professor Shereen Hussein supported the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policy (MoFSP) to review the scope and spread of its long term care services. The aim was to develop a new model of care to Continue Reading The economic cost of long term care in Turkey Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Presentations This presentation was delivered at a workshop organised by MENARAH in collaboration with the American University in Cairo in April 2019. The workshop aimed to bring to the forefront of policy debate the scale and implications of population ageing in Continue Reading The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Learning Platform Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Regional Partners Both the MENARAH network and the EMR-SDGs Learning Platform are two initiatives that are joining forces to capitalize on each other strength, expand the content of their respective contributions, as well as reach a wider audience.  The EMR-SDGs Learning Platform is Continue Reading The employability of older people in the Middle East Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region In July 2020, Professor Shereen Hussein was interviewed by SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in relation to the employment of older people in the Middle East. Professor Hussein highlights the limited opportunity of Continue Reading Population ageing in Malta: multidisciplinary perspectives Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications Life for older people was more simple 28 years ago. In 1982, the post office issued a set of two stamps on the theme of ‘a time of rest’ featuring an older man and woman in stereotypical village clothes against Continue Reading Ageing policy in Malta: Issues, policies and future trends. Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications Malta is no exception to the unprecedented demographic changes that are being experienced by industrial countries. As a result of declining fertility and mortality levels, Malta registered a decrease in fertility rates and a major improvement of life expectancy at Continue Reading Ageing and Elderly Care in the Arab Region Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications, Resources Populations are expected to age rapidly in the Arab countries during the coming few decades. However, the current evidence base indicates that many countries in the region are not paying attention to this demographic phenomenon. This is a particular concern Continue Reading Elderly Care Needs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications Population ageing is a phenomenon affecting the whole world. The countries that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are no exception but transitions in population ageing are still in the early stages of the process. With current demographic dividends Continue Reading Prospects of Ageing with Dignity in the Arab Region Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications The number and share of older persons in the Arab region are steadily growing and will increase substantially in the following decades. The advent of this ageing transition, which most Arab countries will start experiencing before 2030, has important economic Continue Reading Innovating Long-Term Care Provision in Mediterranean Welfare States Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications Social innovations in long-term care (LTC) may be useful in more effective responses to the challenges of population aging for Western societies. One of the most investigated aspects in this regard is the role of family/informal care and strategies to Continue Reading Long-term facilities for older persons in Malta Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Publications The remit of long-term care covers those services undertaken by others to ensure that people with, or at risk of, a significant ongoing loss of intrinsic capacity can maintain a level of functional ability consistent with their basic rights, fundamental Continue Reading

Research Partners

MENARAH has partnered with different groups and research projects who are interested in relevant topics related to ageing and long-term care in the Middle East and North Africa region. Read more about our partners.

Welcoming Professor Emine Özmete on a study visit to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Blogs, Initatives, Mobilising Research on Healthy Ageing in the MENA Region, Regional Partners, Resources MENARAH founder Professor Shereen Hussein has welcomed Professor Özmete to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as a visiting research fellow in July-August 2022. Professor Özmete is the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and a professor Continue Reading The Golden Paper on Fixing Pension Systems in MENA Region Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications, Regional Partners, Resources All Arab countries, except for three, have deficits in their pension funds exceeding 50%. As for the three countries, two of them started their social insurance relatively late and the third one had to significantly recapitalize its fund early last Continue Reading AGEISM THROUGH THE AGES Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Regional Partners, Resources By Dr. Vânia de la Fuente-Núñez, Technical Officer, World Health Organization The Global Campaign to Combat Ageism will give focused attention to ageism as it affects different age groups from 1 October (International Day of Older Persons) to 20 November 2021 Continue Reading An Advocacy Brief from the World Health Organisation: Social isolation and loneliness among older people Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Regional Partners, Resources By: Christopher Mikton, Technical Officer, the World Health Organisation, Geneva Launched by WHO on the International Day of Friendship, a new advocacy brief highlights that social isolation and loneliness among older people are widespread globally. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Continue Reading World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Regional Partners, Resources Yesterday, the 15th of June 2021, marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Older people risk facing more abuse since the outbreak of COVID-19, including domestic violence and the neglect of basic needs. To mark the day, MENARAH's partner Help Age International Continue Reading If not now, when? A report from the MENARAH partner HelpAge International Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Publications, Regional Partners, Resources A new report from aid agencies Age International and HelpAge International, If not now, when? criticises the humanitarian sector for its failure to address the needs of older people in emergencies. This failure contravenes several international commitments made in recent years and flies in the face of Continue Reading TEC-MED: Development of a transcultural ethical-social care model for the dependent population in the Mediterranean basin Blogs, Regional Partners Mediterranean countries are showing common trends in terms of social support decrease and the need for innovative and sustainable socio-ethical-care models. These issues have an impact on many categories of vulnerable people, such as dependent elderly having chronic diseases and Continue Reading The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Learning Platform Blogs, Developing Ageing Policies in the MENA region, Regional Partners Both the MENARAH network and the EMR-SDGs Learning Platform are two initiatives that are joining forces to capitalize on each other strength, expand the content of their respective contributions, as well as reach a wider audience.  The EMR-SDGs Learning Platform is Continue Reading How are you coping during COVID-19? A global survey Blogs, COVID19 and the Wellbeing of Older People in the Middle East, Regional Partners The Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I-GHHE) at the American University in Cairo (AUC) along with researchers from the US, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, Norway and the Netherlands are undertaking a global survey on how people are Continue Reading Facts and Figures on Healthy Ageing and Long-term Care Publications, Regional Partners Among the 20 countries with the highest life expectancyin the world, 17 belong to the Region of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which brings together 54 countries in and around Europe, as well as Canada and the Continue Reading Impact of incontinence on the quality of life of caregivers of older persons with incontinence Publications, Regional Partners This study aimed to assess the impact of incontinence management on informal caregivers of older persons with incontinence. To investigate this phenomenon in different welfare systems via qualitative interviews and a content analysis methodology, the study was carried out in Continue Reading