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We observed International Day of Older Persons on October 1 with messages highlighting the importance of caring for senior citizens.
Bahrain has always placed great importance on the welfare of the elderly and children, even during difficult economic times. The country provides pensions to many retirees, enabling them to spend their later years with greater peace of mind and financial security.
However, there remains a category of elderly people who, despite having devoted decades of their lives to serving the country, receive no monthly pension upon retirement because of shortcomings in the relevant regulations. Instead, they receive a one-off gratuity. In my own case, I received BD40,000. Is that enough to start a small business, buy a home or invest to generate a reasonable and sustainable monthly income?
There is also the question of declining purchasing power. When I began contributing to the pension fund from my salary in 1982, my flat rent was BD35 a month. Today, it is approaching BD200.
Without a regular income, meeting such expenses becomes increasingly difficult. A retiree who deposits a gratuity of BD40,000 may also struggle to generate sufficient monthly returns to meet everyday living costs. I worked hard for 43 years in service of the nation, something that gives me great pride, yet I receive no pension. At this stage of our lives, my wife and I have only a BD130 inflation allowance.
Elderly people in this situation deserve consideration and support. If a full pension cannot be provided, perhaps consideration could be given to granting at least 50 per cent of a pension each month.
I am now 80 years old. Recently, I was admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex after my oxygen level dropped dangerously low, an experience that felt like being given a new lease of life.
I am not raising this matter solely for myself. I understand that amendments to laws and regulations can take time.
I am highlighting what I believe is a humanitarian issue affecting a wider group of elderly people.
MP Muhammad Al Olawi recently spoke about putting smiles on the faces of elderly people.
I hope this appeal will encourage greater attention to the concerns of elderly retirees who have spent their working lives contributing to the country and now seek financial security in their later years.
Muhammad
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