Project lead: Civil Society Organisation

• Local authorities
• Civil Society Organisation
• Older People’s Association
• Volunteers
• Private sector

How collaboration worked: The Ramadan Gathering was organized through strong collaboration between Ihsan Association (Al-Dakhiliya Branch) and the Nizwa Healthy City Initiative. Project Management: The event was jointly coordinated by a steering team from Ihsan Association and Nizwa Healthy City, with clear roles in planning, logistics, and volunteer mobilization. Ihsan Association led on community mobilization and elderly engagement, while Nizwa Healthy City supported with technical expertise in health promotion, coordination with healthcare professionals, and overall event alignment with national healthy city strategies. Funding: The program was funded through a mix of community contributions, local business sponsorships, and in-kind support from partners. The farm venue was provided at reduced cost by a community supporter, while volunteer doctors and nurses offered their services free of charge. Nizwa Healthy City contributed to covering the costs of educational materials and awareness campaigns. This collaborative model ensured shared ownership, minimized costs, and maximized impact by leveraging resources from civil society, local government initiatives, and community volunteers.

Older people’s involvement: Older people were involved in the age-friendly practice at multiple or all stages

Details on older people’s involvement: Older people were not only beneficiaries but also active participants in shaping the Ramadan Gathering. They contributed by sharing their cultural experiences, engaging in interactive discussions during health and religious lectures, and leading some of the recreational and cultural activities. Their enthusiastic involvement ensured that the program reflected their needs, values, and aspirations, making it more inclusive and meaningful.

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: No

Do you plan to evaluate your age-friendly practice? Yes

Feedback:
Yes, feedback was collected directly from older adult participants and their families. Positive feedback: Many older people expressed deep appreciation for holding the event during Ramadan, emphasizing that it gave them a sense of inclusion, respect, and joy in a spiritual and social context. They valued the medical check-ups, which reassured them about their health, and the interactive lectures that connected religious values with healthy living. Constructive feedback: Some participants suggested that future gatherings could include more physical activity sessions tailored to older adults’ needs (e.g., light exercises) and additional transportation support for those living in remote villages. This feedback is being used to refine upcoming programs and ensure even greater accessibility and impact.

Expansion plans:
Yes, there are clear plans to expand the Ramadan Gathering into a regular annual program and to broaden its scope: Geographical expansion: Organize similar older people gatherings in other towns and villages of Al-Dakhiliya Governorate, reaching more isolated communities. Program expansion: Introduce additional health services (e.g., vision and mobility screening), intergenerational activities where youth and scouts participate alongside older adults, and more structured physical activity programs adapted to older adults. Sustainability: Strengthen partnerships with local businesses, municipalities, and the Ministry of Health to ensure long-term funding and integration into the broader Nizwa Healthy City strategy. This will allow the initiative to reach more older people, create stronger community ties, and ensure continuity beyond the Ramadan period.

Reflections:
Reflecting on our experience, one key lesson was the importance of early logistical planning, particularly regarding transportation for older participants from remote areas. While the event was successful, some participants faced challenges reaching the venue. In future editions, we would arrange dedicated transport in advance. Another reflection is the need for more tailored physical activities for older people. While the lectures and entertainment were well-received, participants expressed interest in simple exercises or mobility sessions designed specifically for their age group. If we were to do the practice again, we would also enhance data collection and monitoring, by using structured feedback forms to better measure impact on health awareness, participation, and community satisfaction.

Challenges:
Several challenges were encountered during the Ramadan Gathering: Transportation for older participants: Some older people living in remote villages had difficulty reaching the venue. This was partly addressed through informal carpooling and volunteer support, but in the future, we plan to arrange organized transport in collaboration with municipalities. Accessibility of the venue: While the farm provided a welcoming environment, certain areas were not fully age-friendly (e.g., uneven walking surfaces). Volunteers assisted participants in moving safely, and future events will prioritize venues with more accessible infrastructure. Balancing program length with older adult comfort: Some sessions were lengthy, which caused fatigue for a few participants. Adjustments were made by including short breaks, providing refreshments, and ensuring shaded seating. By addressing these challenges through community collaboration and responsive planning, the event was able to maintain a high level of participation and satisfaction.