There are not a lot of elderly people in Qatar. Less than 10 percent of nationals are 55 years of age or older, according to Census data from the Qatar Statistics Authority.

But that number is set to double in the next 10 years, and with a cultural taboo against nursing homes, Qatar is getting creative in trying to figure out how to handle its imminent influx of elderly citizens.

Providing families with the resources they need to take care of aging relatives at home is the first priority. But doctors say home care is not always possible.

Gulf Times reports:

“…There are some aged people that can not be looked after at home due to the complications of their age, which could include memory loss, osteoporosis, arthritis, stroke, diabetes and hypertension,” said Dr Marwan Ramadan, vice chairman and consultant geriatrician at HMC geriatrics department.

He was speaking during a press conference held yesterday on the sidelines of a seminar on the Middle East Academy for Medicine of Ageing (MEAMA).

Another option under consideration is the establishment home-like environments – setting those who need constant medical care up in villas that allow for more personalized attention.

Have any of you guys talked about elder care lately? What options are currently available in Qatar?