Doha:Hamad International Airport (HIA) and the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), part of the Qatar Foundation, have launched a collaborative program to enhance travel accessibility for older persons. This initiative marks the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) with the goal of raising awareness among the elderly about travel procedures and accessibility at the airport.
According to Qatar News Agency, the program aims to increase independence and confidence in travel for older passengers, ensuring a smoother and more inclusive experience. It is part of a broader commitment by both HIA and Ehsan to foster community partnerships and empower the elderly by improving their quality of life.
The program includes periodic visits to HIA for the elderly, featuring guided tours of the airport's facilities and services. These tours are complemented by awareness sessions on travel procedures, digital solutions, and accessibility services, designed to boost the participants' knowledge and independence during travel.
Feedback from the elderly is a key component of the program, allowing their views and experiences to shape future sessions and tours. This feedback helps identify areas for improvement in creating an inclusive travel environment that meets the needs of elderly travelers.
This collaboration reflects HIA's commitment to providing accessible travel experiences and highlights Ehsan's role in empowering the elderly. Executive Manager of Ehsan, Manal Al Mannai, emphasized the importance of community institutions working together to support the independence and active participation of older persons in society. She noted that the program combines awareness, practical experience, and participant feedback to enhance the travel knowledge and confidence of the elderly.