Unlimited laughter as seniors join for a socially-distanced tea party in Dubai

Dubai - The community group is an official member of the Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI).

A group of elderly finally had their long yearned high-tea party with tonnes of laughter - all after movement restrictions for seniors in the emirate were lifted.

Giving elderly guests a regular social activity to look forward to, the group resumed its gathering at a Dubai café over the weekend.
"We hosted a simple afternoon tea in a café where seniors are spread out - seated in a company of twos or threes helped them to be in touch with friends. Coming here requires a little bit of an effort. But ultimately it's a good sign that they are in good shape," Desirée Vlekken, founder of 4get-me-not.

The community group is an official member of the Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) representing the UAE, that works to combat loneliness and isolation among seniors as part of its mission to address Alzheimer's Disease in the country.

"The impact of the pandemic has caused a collapse in social contact that is particularly hard on the communities most vulnerable to isolation and loneliness - seniors. Of course, everybody needs to follow social distancing but at the same time we want to enable seniors to remain as connected as possible," added Vlekken.

Continuous efforts are underway to integrate members who suffer from Alzheimer's as a part of this collaborative new style programme. Outings to museums, traveling to different emirates and holding parties are initiatives that the organisation intends resuming.

Narendra Singh Puji, a 91-year-old resident of UAE, considers himself lucky that he returned to the country on March 15 - couple of days before the travel ban was imposed. "I got back from Delhi just in time but I've been locked inside my house. The past few months I must have gone out only three to four times. Watching TV, listening to music, reading messages, talking to friends has been my life. I now look at opportunities to bond."

While welcoming the relaxation of restrictions, seniors also reminded that everybody needed to be cautious while stepping out. "Although, every year there are diseases like these - swine flu, dengue etc - this time it has gone out of control. The younger generation need to be careful. We have to abide by rules and not get into trouble. If younger people contract the disease, they possess the risk of passing it on to their elders and everyone around. Don't be scared; just follow the safety protocols so that everybody can live happily," said the nonagenarian.

British expat Geraldine Cox turned the longer stay home season into an opportunity. "I was catching up on lots of things like music reading and sewing. Youngsters should learn to keep themselves busy offline as well, so they have something to fall back onto. I think they need to learn to amuse themselves and do practical things."

Sixty-three-year-old Laly George added: "I have been mostly at home busy with household activities, like all my family members. I have been reading, painting, gardening and listening to music."

Staying active at the age of 64, Liz Perera has been involved in her passion - riding bicycle. "I've been mixing around with friends whenever possible and safe. I came to the tea party to have a nice time with my companions and enjoy the evening. I have been doing a lot of activities to be energetic," she said.

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai