GPSSA visits several pensioners on ‘International Day of Older Persons’

ABU DHABI, 30th September, 2022 (WAM) — As part of the “You Are Our Blessings” initiative, and under the framework of the annual International Day of Older Persons held on 1st October, the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) organised several visits across the UAE to honour a group of retired senior citizens over the age of 70 for their tireless giving and sincere efforts to serve the nation.

Dr. Maysa Rashed Ghadeer, Head of the Government Communications Office at GPSSA, said, “Senior citizens are the nation’s power, and their efforts to serve their country and enhance its journey are highly appreciated by all sectors and institutions operating in the UAE, including GPSSA, which has pledged to provide the best services to pensioners and senior citizens covered by the insurance system under its umbrella.”

He added that the visits have another human aspect, which is reminding society’s members of the importance of carrying out their duties towards senior citizens, as encouraged by all religions and societal norms.

“Despite the many obligations we have in our lives, ultimate happiness is felt when sharing our troubles with those older than us, who always have their own wise and special way of turning challenges into rewards and blessings,” Ghadeer said.

GPSSA also sent text messages to its insured contributors, to remind them to celebrate the occasion with their older parents and family members, as well as to show their respect, gratitude and appreciation to their senior citizens who have served the nation selflessly, and for getting through a challenging period during the COVID-19 lockdown, which separated senior citizens from their families and loved ones for health and safety reasons.

Ghadeer explained that the authority offers pensioners various services in order to assist them, such as facilitating insurance disbursement benefits as part of their end of service and a “To Whom It May Concern” certificate, which is sent to their registered e-mail address every month, adding that this certificate can be easily presented to a relevant entity. The GPSSA also ensures that data related to pensioners is continuously updated by communicating with relevant partners, without the need for senior citizens to visit the authority’s centre, he noted, adding that home visits are also organised for individuals requiring such services.

Retired pensioner Mohamed Khalfan Al Mazrouei expressed his happiness at GPSSA’s visit, stating, “It was a pleasant surprise to feel appreciated and cared for after a long period of giving. We thought that time had stopped for us after the end of our careers, but GPSSA’s visit to our home reminded us of the beautiful values the Emirati society has instilled in its leaders, people and institutions. This visit sends an important message to all employees across the UAE, which is that with every sincere effort, there will come a time when you least expect when you will be rewarded.”

Another retired pensioner, Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Al Shamsi, said, “Today, we felt ultimate joy with this thoughtful initiative from GPSSA. It is a wonderful to know that some entities provide services in the heart of our own homes, which reflects the rich values, such as unity and interdependence, enjoyed by Emirati society. All the gratitude goes to the efforts exerted by our government, which has prioritised the happiness of its people. As simple as they may seem, such acts of kindness leave a lasting effect in our hearts and souls till the end of our lives.”