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Abu Dhabi, 30th September 2022: As part of the ‘You Are Our Blessings’ initiative, and in conjunction with the International Day of Older Persons, which falls on October 1st of each year, the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) organized a number of visits across the UAE to honor a group of retired senior citizens over the age of 70, for their tireless giving and sincere efforts to serve their nation.


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


Ghadeer added that these visits have another human aspect to them, which is embodied in reminding members of society of the importance of carrying out their duties towards senior citizens as all religions and societal norms clearly encourage. “Despite the numerous obligations we have in our lives, ultimate happiness is felt when sharing our troubles with those older than us in age, who always have their own wise and special way in turning challenges into rewards and blessings.”


The GPSSA also sent SMS text messages to its insured contributors reminding them to celebrate the occasion with their older parents and family members, and to express their respects, gratitude and appreciation to their senior citizens who have served the nation selflessly, and for getting through a challenging time during the Covid-19 isolation period, which separated senior citizens from their families and loved ones due to health and safety purposes.


GPSSA’s Head of the Government Communications Office explained that the authority offers pensioners various services in order to facilitate things for them, some of which include 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 each month; this certificate can be presented to a relevant entity easily. Additionally, the GPSSA ensures data related to pensioners is continuously updated via communicating with relevant partners, without the need to have senior citizens visit the authority’s center. Home visits are also organized for individuals who require that type of service.


Mohamed Khalfan Al Mazrouei, a retired pensioner, expressed his upmost happiness with the GPSSA visit: "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 career, but GPSSA’s visit to our home reminded us of the beautiful values the UAE society has instilled in its leaders, people and institutions. This visit sends an important message to all employees across the UAE and that is that with every sincere effort exerted, there will come a time, when you least expect it, when you will be rewarded.”
 
Another retired pensioner, Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Al Shamsi, said: "Today we felt ultimate joy with this thoughtful initiative from the UAE’s Pension Authority. It is a wonderful deed to know that some entities provide services in heart of our own homes, which reflects rich values such as unity and interdependence enjoyed by our Emirati society. All the gratitude goes to the efforts exerted by our wise government who prioritize 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.”