CENTER FOR STUDIES ON AGING TRANSLATING RESEARCH INTO POLICY & PRACTICE

CENTER FOR STUDIES ON AGING TRANSLATING RESEARCH INTO POLICY & PRACTICE

CENTER FOR STUDIES ON AGING TRANSLATING RESEARCH INTO POLICY & PRACTICE

Aging in the Arab Countries: Research, Policy and Development Expert Group Meeting November 18-19 2009 Beirut- Lebanon

Dear friends and colleagues,

Ahlan Wa Sahlan! On behalf of the Center for Studies on Aging (CSA) and UNFPA Arab States Regional Office and with the collaboration of UNFPA Lebanon office, it gives us immense pleasure to welcome you to Beirut, Lebanon and to the Conference "Aging in the Arab Countries: Research, Policy and Development". The Organizing Committee is pleased that your schedule has permitted you to join us. This Conference brings together national, regional and international renowned speakers and participants, many of whom have been advocates of older adults, promoting the cause of the older population and moving it forward in their own country and internationally. The Conference Program, here within, shows the array of issues that will be discussed. We hope that you will find these sessions useful and that you will partake actively in the discussions and proceedings. The venue of the Conference is the Gefinor Rotana Hotel, "a home away from home". The Hotel Management will make every effort to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. This Conference would not have been possible without the generous support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), at both the Regional and the Country levels. Special gratitude is in order for Ms Asma Kurdahi and the country staff for their diligence and support. We would like to seize this opportunity to express the CSA gratitude to HE the Minister of Public Health, Dr Mohamad Jawad Khalifeh, and to HE the Minister of Social Affairs, Dr Mario Aoun, who have graced this Conference with their blessings and support - as well as in their participation in the opening session and in other deliberations. Special thanks are also due to HE the Minister of Culture, Mr Tamam Salam and his team, for arranging the cultural events. We welcome you all and hope that you will also be able to enjoy the unique beauty of this country, the hospitality of its people and the cultural riches of its older generations.

Abla Mehio Sibai, PhD

Nabil M Kronfol MD, DrPH

Director, Center for Studies on Aging Faculty of Health Sciences American University of Beirut-Lebanon

Center for Studies on Aging President, Lebanese HealthCare Management Ass Beirut, Lebanon

Email: [email protected]

Email : [email protected]

Ageing in the Arab Countries: Policy, Research and Development Beirut, November 18, 19 2009

PROGRAM WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2090 08:00 09:00 09:05 09:20 09:35 09:45 09:55 10:05 10:15 10:45 10:50 11:10 11:30 11:50

12:10 12:15 12:35 12:55 13:15

13:45 15:00 15:05 15:25 15:45 16:05

16:3018:00 19:00

SPEAKERS

Registration Session I - Opening ceremony Master of ceremony: Mr Azzam Houri, CSA Reflections on the global situation of the older population Dr Alexandre Kalache The older population in the Arab region: an overview Dr Abla Sibai The voice of the "seniors" Ms Emily Nasrallah Welcome Note by UNFPA Regional Director Mr Hafedh Chekir HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Mohamad Jawad Khalifeh HE the Minister of Social Affairs Dr Mario Aoun Coffee Break Session II - The rights of the older population Chair: Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Walid Ammar Rights of older persons: the UN perspective Dr Robert Venne Who needs a UN Convention on the rights of the older population Dr Alexandre Kalache Dr Jane Barratt Empowering older people: the role of Civil Society Panel discussion Moderator: Participants: Dr Adnan Mroueh (Lebanon), Dr Jamal Nasher (Yemen), Ms Soumaya Benchakroun (Morocco) and Dr Saeed Abdalla Saeed (Sudan) Session III -Research and Information on the older population in the region Chair: Dr Rafic Baddoura, CSA The PAPFAM study: a landmark in the region Dr Ahmad Abdel Monem Building the evidence: Mapping in the MENA Region Mr Hassan Mousa Yousif Seniors' needs and policy formulation: Rference to environmental factors Dr Gloria Gutman Panel discussion Moderator: Dr Anwar Batieha (Jordan) Participants: Ms Lamis Abu Nahle (Palestine), Mr Abou Bakr Baqadar (Saudi Arabia), Mr Said Azammam (Morocco) and Dr Laurie Abi Habib (Lebanon) Lunch Session IV - Policies and services Chair: Dr. Nabil Naja, CSA Mr Ibrahim Muhanna Promoting sustainable pension policies in the region Integrated versus vertical health care- implications for care Dr Kasturi Sen of the elderly in the region Effect of home care on the health of the older population Professor Faisal Al Nasir Panel discussion Moderator: Dr Husam Ghusn (CSA) Participants: Dr Waleed Al Faysal (Syria), Dr Shahinaz Mkheimar (Egypt), Ms Khadija Alawin (Jordan) and Dr Aziza Suleiman Ali (Sudan) Closed meeting for selected participants to form International Advisory Group (By invitation) Moderator: Dr Kasturi Sen Chorale Al Faiha': A cultural activity, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Lebanon Gefinor Rotana Hotel

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2009 09:00 09:05 09:25 09:55 10:15 10:35

11:00 11:30 11:35 11:55 12:15 12:35 12:50

1:20 2:30

Session V: Caring for the older population Chair: Mr Ramzi Na'man Dignity in Old Age Inter-generational transfers between older adults and their children Caregivers: a new professional? When aging meets migration - The need for research Panel discussion Moderator: Dr John Beard (WHO) Participants: Dr Ahlam Bint Break (Yemen), Dr Monique Cha'ya (Lebanon), Dr Mohamad Hassan El Nabaoui (Egypt) and Dr Lamri Larbi (Algeria) Coffee Break Session VI - Interventions for the older population The Age-friendly cities Project: An opportunity The Neighborhood Initiative and University for Seniors Elderly project in Amarat, Oman

SPEAKERS

Dr Gloria Gutman Dr Kathryn Yount Dr Jane Barratt Dr Alexandre Kalache

Chair: Dr Hala Naufal Dr John Beard Dr Cynthia Myntii Dr Thamra bint Said bin Mohamad Al Ghafria General Discussion: Selected success stories from the region (eg mobile units, family welfare, etc) Moderator: Dr Ghassan Hamadeh Session VII - Closing and recommendations Closing note by UNFPA Mr Hafedh Chekir CSA Word of thanks Lunch Special session - The development of a regional network for Research, Policy and Practice (By invitation) Moderator: Dr Salim Adib (Lebanon)

Brief Biographies of the Speakers (Sorted alphabetically by surname)

Jane Barratt Email: [email protected] Dr. Barratt is the Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing and brings to this position over 30years experience in the health, community and aged care, and disability sectors through various roles in government, business, church and charity and civil society. She has a strong commitment to strengthen the relationships between stakeholder groups through knowledge creation and exchange, and helping to shape good policy toward improving the quality of life of people as they age.

John Beard Email: [email protected] John Beard, MBBS PhD, is Director of the Department of Ageing and Life Course at the World Health Organization in Geneva. In this role he is responsible for increasing international awareness of ageing as a driving force in shaping 21st century public health, and for assisting and guiding the international community to meet the challenges, and to realize the potential bene-

Gloria Gutman Emial: [email protected] Dr. Gutman is Professor Emerita of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University, Co-leader BC Network for Aging Research and Special Advisor International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse. She is author/editor of 20 books and over 150 scholarly articles, book chapters and reports on such topics as seniors' housing, long term care, seniors and emergency

Academic appointments at Australian and Canadian Universities and positions on international boards serve to strengthen her interest in mature employment, caregiving, inclusion and marginalization, intergenerational communities, technology and the impact of the environment on people of all ages. Dr Barratt is a Churchill Fellow and a highly regarded international contributor at UN Expert Meetings and multi-sectoral global conferences and summits she has a strong and demonstrated understanding of the demographics of ageing and the implications this has for the government, business and community sectors.

fits, associated with the rapid ageing of their populations. Dr Beard is an Australian physician who started his career in primary health, including several years with an Aboriginal Medical Service. He then held a range of senior public health and academic roles in Australia and the United States before taking up his post with WHO in January 2009. Dr Beard has published widely in the international literature and has a particular interest in the influence of the physical, social and economic environments on health at all ages.

preparedness, technology and aging, and prevention of elder abuse and neglect. Dr. Gutman was President of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics from 2001 -2005, and is currently a Director of the International Institute on Ageing-UN Malta, a member of the World Health Organization's Expert Advisory Panel on Ageing and Health, and a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Council on Ageing Societies.

Alexandre Kalache [email protected] Dr Alexandre Kalache was Director of the World Health Organization's Programme on Ageing and Health (Geneva) from 1995 to 2008. For the previous 20 years he held academic positions at the Universities of London and Oxford. He is current Senior Policy Advisor on Global Aging at the New York Academy of Medicine and is developing a series of global projects which includes "Aging in a Foreign Land", "Towards a UN Convention on Human Rights" and "Minimum Medical Curriculum on Ageing to train doctors for the 21st Century". He continues to be closely involved in the Global Network on Age Friendly Cities which he

Nabil Kronfol Email: [email protected] Dr Nabil Kronfol is a Professor of Health Policy and Management, the President of the Lebanese HealthCare Management Association, and a co-founder of the recently established "Center for Studies on Aging". Dr Kronfol received the medical degree from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in 1969, became a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics in 1972 and then joined the Harvard School of Public Health pursuing a Doctorate in Health Services Administration (1979). Dr Kronfol joined AUB in 1974 and moved through the academic ladder to become full Professor, Chairman of the Department of Health Services Administration, Assistant Dean for Allied Health and finally Deputy Vice President for External Programs in Health. While on

Ahmed Abdel Monem Email: [email protected] Dr. AbdelMonem holds a PhD in Population Studies from Cairo University. He has experience in demographic and health studies and field surveys in several Arab countries, including the use of statistical software and the preparation of national statistical reports. He wrote several publications in the areas of population, development, biostatistics and information systems. Dr. AbdelMonem held several significant posts in the region, he was the Manager of the PAPCHILD

launched, in collaboration with partners from around the world, while at WHO. Dr Kalache is an MD originally from Brazil with a Master's degree in Social Medicine (University of London) and a PhD in Epidemiology (University of Oxford). He is the author of numerous publications related to ageing and health with particular emphasis on Health Promotion, Cancer Epidemiology, the compression of morbidity and the determinants of Active Ageing. Reflecting his longstanding commitment to ageing as a development issue HelpAge International appointed Dr Kalache Global Ambassador on Ageing in 2008.

tenure, Dr Kronfol established the College of Health Sciences in the State of Bahrain, four schools of nursing in the United Arab Emirates and the Planning Unit at Lebanon's Ministry of Health. Dr Kronfol has an extensive list of publications and books and continues to be a frequent consultant to the WHO, the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, ESCWA - in health systems design, human resource development, and the health of the older populations, among others. Dr Kronfol is a member and past president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor medical society and the Sigma Phi science society. In 2007, he received the Shusha Award from the World Health Organization.

data, and currently, he is the Manager of the PAPFAM project in the League of Arab States. He also works as a part-time Professor in Cairo Demographic Center, in the Institute of Statistical Studies and Research in Cairo University and in the Institute of Environmental Studies and Research in Ein Shams University. He is a member of several health, population and development associations.

Ibrahim Muhanna Email: [email protected] Ibrahim Muhanna has a BS in Mathematics, BS in Electrical Engineering, and an MSc in Actuarial Mathematics from the University of Michigan (1976). He established the Muhanna & co. (Actuarial Services) in 1986, Omnilife insurance company in the UK in 1988, the Muhanna Foundation in 1994, and the Muhanna & co. (the 1st regional insurance rating agency) in 2000. Since 1986, he has advised several insurance companies, Governmental bodies and Private Organizations.

Cynthia Myntti Email: [email protected] Dr. Cynthia Myntti trained as a social anthropologist and architect, receiving degrees from AUB, the London School of Economics and Yale University. Her career has spanned philanthropy and academia; she worked as a program officer for the Ford Foundation for nearly a decade, and taught at AUB and London University, among others. She is the author of numerous scholarly articles and a book entitled Paris along the Nile:

Faisal A Latif Al-Nasir Faisal A Latif Al-Nasir is Professor of Family Medicine, President of Family & Community Medicine, Arab Board for Health Specialties and Ex-Vice President of the Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain. He obtained doctorate degree in 1987 from University of Glasgow and is Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioner and Royal College of Physicians UK, a member of the Irish College of General Practitioner, a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians in USA and the World Congress for Family Physicians. Being one of the first physicians in Bahrain to specialize in Family Medicine, he had an active role in promoting the discipline locally, regionally and in the Arab world. Chairing the examination committee for several years

Mr. Muhanna has published several scientific papers, delivered over 200 presentations on actuarial and insurance issues, and lectured widely at various universities. He is a member of several prestigious councils and associations: he is a member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) in the UK, a member of the World Futurist Society and a member of the Swiss Association of Actuaries, among others. He is the President of the Lebanese Association of Actuaries. In 2007, he was awarded "The National Order of the Cedar" by the Lebanese President.

Architecture in Cairo from the Belle Epoque, published by the American University in Cairo press. Together with Abla Sibai, she is currently leading a new outreach project 'the University for Seniors' under the Neighborhood Initiative. The project addresses the prevalent desire of many older people in Beirut to remain socially engaged and intellectually active.

where he made much development in the examination around the Arab countries and promoting the discipline since being elected the president of the Family & Community Medicine council. Prof Alnasir has more than 40 publications in regional and international journals discussing issues related to elderly care, infant feeding, Family Medicine and medical education. He is editor of the book "You and Your Child" which discusses issues related to mother and child care. He is recognized by several societies locally and regionally and was elected by WONCA recently as a Global Doctor of the month.

Emily Abi Rashed Nasrallah Mrs Emily Abi Rashed Nasrallah was born in Kfeir village, South Lebanon. Following her secondary education in Shoueifat National College, Emily went on to university at the Beirut University College (now the Lebanese American University) and on to the American University of Beirut where she received her B.A. Degree in Education in 1958.

This novel is now in its tenth edition. It was followed by several other novels, children's books, and short story collections which explore themes such as family roots, Lebanese village life, the war in Lebanon and the struggle of women for independence and self-expression. Mrs Nasrallah has participated as panelist and lecturer in several conferences in Germany, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland, Egypt and USA. Her works are quoted in Miriam Cooke's "War's Other Voices: Women Writers on the Lebanese Civil War" (Cambridge University Press).

Mrs Nasrallah is a well known novelist, journalist, freelance writer, teacher, lecturer and women's rights activist. Her first novel, Birds of September, was published in 1962, and won her, three Arabic literary prizes.

Kasturi Sen Email: [email protected]

for the past 18 years and has taught on the demographics of ageing at London, Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Dr Kasturi Sen is senior scientist in global health policy at the Department of Public Health of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Belgium. Among her interests include the social, economic and cultural dimensions of ageing with a focus on social policies, social protection and family support. She has worked on ageing and networking issues in South Asia, South Africa China, UK and Brazil, Syria Lebanon and Palestine,

Abla Mehio Sibai Email: [email protected] Abla Mehio Sibai is Professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut and the Director of the Center for Studies on Aging. During the past 15 years, Dr. Sibai has focused mainly on aging issues in Lebanon and the Arab countries. Much of her research was collaborative with researchers from the UK and the US. She is a member of the WHO-Geneva Expert

Advisory Panel on Aging and Health since 1997, a member of the National Committee on Aging in Lebanon, and a consultant for the Ministry of Social Affairs, Policies and Strategies Sub-Program. Dr. Sibai is the author of several scholarly articles, book chapters and reports on aging issues and older adults.

Robert Venne Email: [email protected]

the family, social integration, mainstreaming, indicators development, and capacity development.

Robert Venne joined the United Nations Programme on Ageing in 2004. His work focuses mainly on implementation of and follow-up to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. He liaises both with Government and civil society representatives on demographic ageing and older persons. Before his assignment with the Programme on Ageing, he worked on issues such as internal and international migration,

Mr. Venne received his degree in sociology, with minors in political science and psychology from the Free University Berlin in 1997. He spent one year on a DAAD exchange programme at the New School University in New York City.

Kathryn M. Yount

aging has appeared in top journals and volumes in Demography, Sociology, Gerontology, and Public Health.

Email: [email protected]

Dr. Kathryn M. Yount is Associate Professor of Global Health and Sociology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She also has affiliations with Behavioral Sciences and Women's Studies at Emory. She has conducted research in the Middle East since 1995 and research on aging in the Middle East for ten years. Dr. Yount's research on

ABOUT US Center for Studies on Aging The Center for Studies on Aging (CSA) was born out of the recommendations of the Conference "Aging in Lebanon: Research and Policies" that was held in Beirut in September 2007. The Center has been duly registered in Lebanon in October 2008 as a non-governmental organization and is led by a group of professionals committed to the promotion of evidence-based policy and practice in support of the older population. The mission of the CSA is to create a hub for research, education, policy formulation, and training on aging in Lebanon and the Arab region. Its motto is 'Translating Research into Policy and Practice' (TRIPP).

The CSA achieves its mission through three strategic tools. Strategic Tool 1: Research, database, networks, and conferences Aim: To raise awareness of aging issues in Lebanon in particular and in the wider Arab world, targeting researchers, policymakers, the major donors and service providers in public, private and the nonprofit sectors * To collect documentary evidence of the demographic, economic, social and cultural aspects of old age in the Lebanon and, for comparative purposes, in the Arab world * To establish a sound data and documentary base on older adults as a virtual library with wide access to researchers and interested parties * To engage in high level discussions and seminars and promote aging issues through local and regional conferences and the production of policy briefs among the wider teaching and research institutions, other stakeholders including policy makers, service providers, governmental and non-governmental agencies while actively involving the older adults themselves in the discussions * To encourage, promote and fund the conduct of multidimensional translational research and studies undertaken in collaboration between academic and non-academic institutions and between public and the private agencies for evidence-base practice and policy * To create and promote multidisciplinary regional and national networks within Lebanon and between Lebanon and the rest of the Arab world and to create strong links with strategic partners and collaborate with international agencies for advocacy, raising awareness and sharing a data knowledge base

Strategic Tool 2: Human resource development Aim: To promote good practice in the care of older people in Lebanon and the region * To develop manuals for health and social care in old age (ambulatory, in-patient, home and community care), for use in the training of health and social care workers within the cultural context of the setting * To create guidelines for good practice in the care of older people with an emphasis on primary care and prevention, psycho-social support (including support and respite care for family members and informal carers where needed) * To support and promote the incorporation of geriatrics and gerontology into universities and medical/nursing and paramedical school curricula, residency programs, fellowships, undergraduate programmes in sociology, psychology and social services across Lebanon and the region * To promote and provide short courses and training in geriatrics and gerontology for allied health professionals * To provide appropriate knowledge and skills needed for self-care and health protection and promotion for older persons Strategic Tool 3: Optimizing opportunities in development plans and policies Aim: To promote the mainstreaming of older people issues into all economic, social and health development processes and programs * To advocate active aging and primary prevention as an integral part of all development processes, plans, policies, and activities across all sectors: health, behavioural, social, and to promote the incorporation of health care of the older persons into the primary health care systems * To counter the negative perception of aging and empower volunteer services * To encourage active partnership and coordination among all levels of government, civil society, the private sector and organizations and international cooperation * To engage in high level debates and round tables in various channels of the media and among policy makers and service providers, utilizing the evidence base as a means of influencing social and health policy

Founding members The founding members of the Center bring together well connected researchers and academicians from all major Universities in Lebanon, geriatricians, key officials from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social affairs, and the Ministry of Interior, members of the National Committee on Aging in Lebanon, directors of older

adults institutes and elderly homes, and representatives of NGOs, social care professionals and of the (senior community). In so doing, the Center supports inter-sectoral collaboration and promotes exchange between researchers, policy makers, service providers and advocacy groups with the aim of strengthening evidence-topolicy and evidence-to-practice links.

FOUNDING MEMBERS Professor Dept of Epidemiology and Population Health Faculty of Health Sciences -American University of Beirut HE Dr. Adnan Mroueh Professor and Chair Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Faculty of Medicine - American University of Beirut Mr Azzam Houri Director, Dar Al Ajazza Al Islamia Member: Long term hospital committee Member: National Committee on Aging Ms Dia Saleh Senior Ranking official - Ministry of Social Affairs Member: National Committee on Aging Dr Fadi El Jardali Assistant Professor Dept of Health Policy and Management Faculty of Health Sciences - American University of Beirut Dr Husam Ghusn Board Certified Geriatrician Ain Wa Zein Hospital Dr Laurie Abi Habib Associate Professor Faculty of Health Sciences - University of Balamand Ms Maha Abu Shawareb Director, Saint Georges Home for the Old Member: National Committee on Aging Dr. Maha Shouman JibaiaDirector, Sarafand Center for the Handicapped Nursing - Gerontology Dr Monique Chaaya Associate Professor and Chair Dept of Epidemiology and Population Health Faculty of Health Sciences - American University of Beirut Dr Nabil Kronfol President, Lebanese HealthCare Management Association Senior Consultant to International Organizations, Government and Academia Health Systems and Human Resources Dr Nabil Naja Geriatrician Member: Lebanese Geriatric Society, Alzheimer Association and National Commitee on Aging Dr Rafic Baddoura Universite Saint Joseph Lebanese Epidemiologic Association Mr Ramzi Na'man Executive Director- Mentor Arabia Council for Reconstruction and Development Dr Salim Adib Associate Professor and Chair Department of Public Health - Universite Saint Joseph Dr Walid Ammar Director General Ministry of Public Health Dr Abla Mehio Sibai

DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE Publications - Lebanon Articles * Chaaya M, Sibai AM (Corresponding author), Tabbal N, Chemaitelly H, Roueiheb Z, Slim ZN (2009). Work and mental health: the case of older men living in underprivileged communities in Lebanon. Ageing and Society (forthcoming) * Sibai, A.M., Beydoun, M. A., & Tohme, R. A (2009). Living arrangements of ever-married older Lebanese women: Is living with married children advantageous? Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 24(1), 5-17. * Nasser R, Doumit J (2009). Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of Activities of Daily Living (ADL). BMC Geriatr ; 9:11 * Sibai, A. M., Chaaya, M., Tohme, R. A., Mahfoud, Z., & Al-Amin, H. (2009). Validation of the Arabic version of the 5-item WHO well being index in elderly population. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 24(1), 106-107. * Jawad MH, Sibai AM, Chaaya M (2009). Stressful life events and depression among older persons in a postwar context: Which informal support makes a difference? Journal of Cross Cultural Gerontology, 24:19-32. * Chaaya, M., Sibai, A. M., Roueiheb, Z. E., Chemaitelly, H., Chahine, L. M., Al-Amin, H., et al. (2008). Validation of the Arabic version of the short Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). International Psychogeriatrics, 20(3), 571-581. * Chemali, Z., Chahine, L. M., & Sibai, A. M. (2008). Older adult care in Lebanon: towards stronger and sustainable reforms. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 14(6), 1466-1476. * El Bcheraoui, C., & Chapuis-Lucciani, N. (2008). Obesity in the Lebanese elderly: Prevalence, relative risks and anthropometrical measurements. Journal Medical Libanais - Lebanese Medical Journal, 56(3), 174-180. * Baddoura, R., Arabi, A., Haddad-Zebouni, S., Khoury, N., Salamoun, M., Ayoub, G., et al. (2007). Vertebral fracture risk and impact of database selection on identifying elderly Lebanese with osteoporosis. Bone, 40(4), 1066-1072. * Chaaya, M., Sibai, A. M., Fayad, R., & El-Roueiheb, Z. (2007). Religiosity and depression in older people: Evidence from underprivileged refugee and non-refugee communities in Lebanon. Aging 20& Mental Health, 11(1), 37-44. * Chahine, L. M., Bijlsma, A., Hospers, A. P., & Chemali, Z. (2007). Dementia and depression among nursing home residents in Lebanon: A pilot study. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22(4), 283-285. * Hospers, A. P., Chahine, L. M., & Chemali, Z. (2007). Health care delivery systems for older adults: how do the Netherlands and Lebanon compare? Social Science & Medicine, 65(10), 1979-1985. * Obermeyer, C. M., Reher, D., & Saliba, M. (2007). Symptoms, menopause status, and country differences: A comparative analysis from DAMES. Menopause, 14(4), 788-797. * Parsons, M. A., & Obermeyer, C. M. (2007). Women's midlife health across cultures: DAMES comparative analysis. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 14(4), 760-768. * Seoud, J., Nehme, C., Atallah, R., Zablit, C., Yeretzian, J., Levesque, L., Francine, G., Francine, D. (2007). The health of family caregivers of older impaired persons in Lebanon: An interview survey. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 44(2), 259-272. * Sibai, A.M., Kanaan, M., Chaaya, M., & Campbell, O. (2007). Mortality among married older adults in the suburbs of Beirut: Estimates from offspring data. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 85(6), 482-486. * Sibai, A. M., Yount, K. M., & Fletcher, A. (2007). Marital status, intergenerational co-residence and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older men and women during wartime in Beirut: Gains and liabilities. Social Science & Medicine, 64(1), 64-76. * Sievert, L. L., Obermeyer, C. M., & Saliba, M. (2007). Symptom groupings at midlife: Cross-cultural variation and association with job, home, and life change. Menopause, 14(4), 798-807. * Waked, N., Saad, A., Mehanna, C., Sleilaty, G., & Kortbaoui, R. (2007). [Prevalence, causes, and risk factors for blindness and visual impairment among nursing home residents in Lebanon]. [Prevalence, causes et facteurs de risque de la cecite et de la malvoyance chez les personnes agees des maisons de retraite Libanaises.] Journal Francais d Opthalmologie, 30(5), 497-502. * Chaaya, M., Sibai, A. M. & El-Chemaly, S. (2006). Smoking patterns and predictors of smoking cessation in elderly populations in Lebanon. International Journal of Tuberculosis & Lung Disease, 10(8), 917-923. * Gebara, J., & Tashjian, H. (2006). End-of-life practices at a Lebanese hospital: Courage or knowledge? Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 17(4), 381-388. * Saab, Y. B., Hachem, A., Sinno, S., & El-Moalem, H. (2006). Inappropriate medication use in elderly Lebanese outpatients: Prevalence and risk factors. Drugs & Aging, 23(9), 743-752. * Kronfol, N. M. (2006). Rebuilding of the Lebanese health care system: Health sector reforms. Eastern

Mediterranean Health Journal, 12(3-4), 459-473. * Atallah, R., Nehme, C., Seoud, J., Yeretzian, J., Zablit, C., Levesque, L., Francine, D. (2005). [Caregivers of elderly people with loss of autonomy in Lebanon: What is the context of their health care?]. [Les aidants familiaux de personnes agees en perte d'autonomie au Liban: quel est leur contexte de soin?] Recherche En Soins Infirmiers, (81), 122-138. * Daher, M. (2005). [A society for all ages. Or how to live better longer.]. [Une societe pour tous les ages. Ou comment vivre mieux plus longtemps.] Journal Medical Libanais - Lebanese Medical Journal, 53(4), 191194. * Saab BR, El-Roueiheb Z, Chaaya M, Sibai AM (2005). Determinants of depression among poor elderly women: Findings from refugee and non-refugee communities in the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon. Europe's Journal of Psychology, 1(3). * Sibai, A. M., Sen, K., Baydoun, M., & Saxena, P. (2004). Population ageing in Lebanon: Current status, future prospects and implications for policy. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 82(3), 219-225. * Sibai, A. M., Hwalla, N., Adra, N., & Rahal, B. (2003). Prevalence and covariates of obesity in Lebanon: Findings from the first epidemiological study. Obesity Research, 11(11), 1353-1361. * Sibai, A. M., Zard, C., Adra, N., Baydoun, M., & Hwalla, N. (2003). Variations in nutritional status of elderly men and women according to place of residence. Gerontology, 49(4), 215-224. * Abyad, A. (2001). Health care for older persons: A country profile--Lebanon. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 49(10), 1366-1370. * Baddoura, R. (2001). Incidence of hip fractures in the Lebanese population. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 7(4-5), 725-729. * Baddoura R, Okais J, Awada H (2001) [Incidence of fracturesafter the age of 50 years in the Lebanese population and implicationsin terms of osteoporosis].Revue d'Epidemiologie etde Santé Publique 49(1):27-32. * Sibai, A. M., Fletcher, A., & Armenian, H. K. (2001). Variations in the impact of long-term wartime stressors on mortality among the middle-aged and older population in Beirut, Lebanon, 1983--1993. American Journal of Epidemiology, 154(2), 128-137. * Sibai, A. M., Fletcher, A., Hills, M., & Campbell, O. (2001). Non-communicable disease mortality rates using the verbal autopsy in a cohort of middle aged and older populations in Beirut during wartime, 1983-93. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 55(4), 271-276. * Obermeyer, C. M., Ghorayeb, F., & Reynolds, R. (1999). Symptom reporting around the menopause in Beirut, Lebanon. Maturitas, 33(3), 249-258. * Abyad, A. (1997). In-office screening for age-related hearing and vision loss. Geriatrics, 52(6), 45-6, 51-4, 57. * Arayssi, T. (1997). Geriatric medicine. A new discipline for the coming century. Journal Medical Libanais Lebanese Medical Journal, 45(3), 134-135. * Bizri, A. R., & Samaha, J. (1997). Infections in the elderly. Le Journal Medical Libanais.the Lebanese Medical Journal, 45(3), 167-171. * Abyad, A. (1996). Elder abuse: Diagnosis, management, and prevention. Medical Interface, 9(10), 97-101. * Abyad, A., & Mourad, F. (1996). Constipation: Common-sense care of the older patient. Geriatrics, 51(12), 28-34. * Abyad, A. (1995). Falls in the elderly. Journal Medical Libanais - Lebanese Medical Journal, 43(4), 194-199. * Abyad, A. (1995). Geriatrics in Lebanon: The beginning. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 41(4), 299-309. * Abyad, A. (1995). Importance of geriatrics. Family Medicine, 27(9), 564. * Abyad, A. (1995). Operative and postoperative evaluation and management in the elderly. Middle East Journal of Anesthesiology, 13(3), 291-306.

Reports and Monographs * Sibai AM, Kronfol N. (2008).Situation analysis of population ageing in the Arab countries: the way forward towards implementation of MIPAA. For the UN-ESCWA (76 pp). * Tohme R. (2007). Population ageing in Lebanon: a window of opportunity for health action. Human and Health, 1(1): 10-19. American University of Beirut. * Sibai AM, Kronfol N, Sen K (2007). Needs assessment of older adults in emergencies: the July 2006-War on Lebanon. For the WHO-HQ, Geneva and the Population and the Development Strategies (PDS) sub-program (project leb/02/p01), Ministry of Social Affairs and United Nations Population Fund (60 pp.) * Sibai AM, Ghanem M Wall E. (2007). Assessment of the preparedness and responsiveness of Lebanese NGOs, social clubs and clinics in the provision of services to seniors in Lebanon during and after the July2006 war. For the Population and Development Strategies (PDS) sub-program (project leb/02/p01), Ministry of Social Affairs and United Nations Population Fund Sibai AM, Chaaya M. (2006). The urban health study: background and design (Older Adult Component). Faculty of Health Sciences, CRPH.

American University of Beirut. * Kronfol N. (2005). Consultation on a regional plan for the older population, Bahrain, (published as a WHO EMRO document). * Sibai AM, Arayssi T (2005). The life-cycle approach: Old age is one step forward. The XXXIX MEMA Golden Age Publication, American University of Beirut. pp 35-37. * Kronfol N. Integrated response to ageing: Lebanon a case study, July 2001. * Kronfol N and Mays J. Actuarial projections for the cost of a national medical insurance for the old, March 2001. * Haddad, B. (2000). Caracte`res de de´pendance de la population aˆge´e de Sin El Fil. Me´moire de diploˆme d'e´tudes approfondies. Rapport ine´dit. [Dependency in the older population of Sin El Fil in Lebanon]. Universite´ Libanaise, Faculte´ de sante´ Publique, Beyrouth. * Sibai AM, Beydoun M. (1999) Elderly Lebanese women in an ageing world. Al-Raida Special Issue - 1999: International Year for Older Persons. XVI, No. 85, pp: 11-21. * Sibai AM. (1998). The elderly in Lebanon: Their demographic, socioeconomic, social and health characteristics. Ministry of Social Affairs, Policies and Strategies Sub-Programme, Lebanon. * Sibai AM. (1997) Ageing in Lebanon. World Health Magazine, WHO, Geneva, No. 4, pp: 36. * Sibai AM. (1993) The elderly in Lebanon: Health and social welfare. ESCWA/SD/1993/ WG. 1/18.

Books and Book Chapters * Yount KM and Sibai AM (2009). The The Demography of Aging in Arab Societies. In Peter Uhlenberg (ed.), International Handbook of Population Aging. Dordrecht, Netherlands Springer ISBN: 978-1-4020-8355, pp 277-315. * Sen K and Sibai AM. (2009). Social determinants of health: Impact of war in Lebanon. In Harold J Cook, Sanjoy Bhattacharya, Anne hardy (eds.), History of the Social Determinants of Health. Global Histories, Contemporary Debates. Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine. Palgrave Macmillan, London. Orient Balckswan Private Limited, ISBN: 978-81-250 35084, pp. 137-150. * Sen K and Sibai AM. (2005). The dynamics of commercial health care in Lebanon - Chapter 5. In Maureen Mackintosh, Meri Koivusalo (eds.), Commercialization of Health Care: Global and Local Dynamics and Policy Responses. UNRISD, Palgrave, Houndmills, UK, ISBN: 1-4039-4295-1, pp. 66-83. * Kronfol N. (2003). Long term care in Lebanon. In: Brodsky J, Habib J & Hirschfeld M. Long term care in developing countries: ten case studies. * Sibai AM. (2003). Health Statistics in Lebanon: Evaluation and needs. In National Statistics and Development in Lebanon. The Lebanese Center for Policy Studies ISBN: 1-886604-40-1, pp. 171-188. * Sibai AM .(2001). Older Adults in Lebanon - Chapter 3. In The Status of Selected Social Groups in Lebanon. UNFPA and Ministry of Social Affairs, Lebanon, pp.48-124.

Unpublished PhD and MSc Thesis * Jawad M. (2005). Normative stressors and psychological well-being among older Lebanese in the context of post-war trauma. (2005). Department of Gerontology Institute & Center. University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA. * Sassine R. (2005). Processus de gratification chez les aidantes familiales libanaises prenant soin de leur roche âgé. Thèse de Doctorat [The reward process among Lebanese female family caregivers of an older relative]. Université de Montreal, Faculté des sciences infirmières, Montreal, Canada. * Shideed O. (2008). Living Arrangements among older adults in Lebanon: correlates of living with married children. Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut. * Zogheib S. (2007). Older adult mental health in armed conflict: gender differentials. Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut. * El Hazzouki A. (2006). Gender differentials in reported physical disability among older adults in three underprivileged communities in greater Beirut. Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut. * Chmaitilly H. (2005). Self-rated health among elderly: evidence from three underprivileged communities in Beirut. Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut. * Boulghourjian CM. (1997). Psychosocial, health, and economic aspects of an elderly . Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut.

Publications - Arab Countries

Articles * Sinunu, M., Yount, K.M., Afify, N. (2009). Informal and formal long-term care for frail older adults in Cairo, Egypt: family caregiving decisions in a context of social change. Journal of Cross Cultural Gerontology, 24, 63-76. * Boggatz T, Farid T, Mohammedin A, Dijkstra A, Lohrmann C, Dassen T (2009). Cultural adequacy of the care dependency scale for older persons in Egypt. J Transcult Nurs.2008, Vol. 20 (1): 51-60. * Aliabadi, M., Kimiagar, M., Ghayour-Mobarhan, M., Shakeri, M. T., Nematy, M., Ilaty, A. A., et al. (2008). Prevalence of malnutrition in free living elderly people in Iran: A cross-sectional study. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17(2), 285-289. * Bener, A., Saleh, N., & Burgut, F. T. (2008). Prevalence and determinants of fecal incontinence in premenopausal women in an Arabian community. Climacteric : The Journal of the International Menopause Society, 11(5), 429-435. * Cankurtaran, E. S., Kutluer, I., Senturk, M., Erzin, G. B., Gursoy, D., & Tombak, E. (2008). Psychiatric consultations for nursing home residents: A perspective from Turkey and the implications for comparable countries. International Psychogeriatrics / IPA, 20(4), 752-763. * Dogan, S., Demir, B., Eker, E., & Karim, S. (2008). Knowledge and attitudes of doctors toward the sexuality of older people in Turkey. International Psychogeriatrics / IPA, 20(5), 1019-1027. * Foroughan, M., Farahani, Z. G., Shariatpanahi, M., Vaezinejad, M., Kamerani, A. A., & Sheikhvatan, M. (2008). Risk factors of Alzheimer's disease among Iranian population. Current Alzheimer Research, 5(1), 70-72. * Gharouni, M., Ebrahimi, P., Mahmoodi, M. J., Hasibi, M., Rashidi, A., & Khashayar, P. (2008). Poor physical activity in the elderly as assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale is associated with dyslipidemia. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences: PJBS, 11(19), 2367-2369. * Saxena, P. (2008).Ageing and age-structural transition in the Arab countries: regional variations, socioeconomic consequences and social security. Genus, LXIV (12), 37-74. * Sharaf, A. Y., & Ibrahim, H. S. (2008). Physical and psychosocial correlates of fear of falling: Among older adults in assisted living facilities. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 34(12), 27-35. * Tajvar, M., Arab, M., & Montazeri, A. (2008). Determinants of health-related quality of life in elderly in Tehran, Iran. BMC Public Health, 8, 323. * Yount, K. M. (2008). Gender, resources across the life course, and cognitive functioning in Egypt. Demography, 45(4), 907-926. * Yount, K M, & Zeinab Khadr. (2008). Gender, social change and living arrangements among older Egyptians during the 1990's. Population Research and Policy Review 27: 201-225. Online journal * Ajrouch, K. J. (2007). Resources and well-being among Arab American elders. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 22(2), 167-182. * Al-Nozha, M. M., Al-Hazzaa, H. M., Arafah, M. R., Al-Khadra, A., Al-Mazrou, Y. Y., Al-Maatouq, M. A., et al. (2007). Prevalence of physical activity and inactivity among Saudis aged 30-70 years. A population-based cross-sectional study. Saudi Medical Journal, 28(4), 559-568. * Eser, I., Khorshid, L., & Cinar, S. (2007). Sleep quality of older adults in nursing homes in Turkey: enhancing the quality of sleep improves quality of life. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 33(10), 42-49. * Boggatz, T., & Dassen, T. (2006). Learning the meaning of care: A case study in a geriatric home in Upper Egypt. Journal of Transcultural Nursing : Official Journal of the Transcultural Nursing Society / Transcultural Nursing Society, 17(2), 155-163. * Dundar, C., Sunter, A. T., Canbaz, S., & Cetinoglu, E. (2006). Emergency service use by older people in Samsun, Turkey. Advances in Therapy, 23(1), 47-53. * Litwin, H. (2006). The path to well-being among elderly Arab Israelis. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 21(1-2), 25-40. * Shemirani, F. S., & O'Connor, D. L. (2006). Ageing in a foreign country: Voices of Iranian women ageing in Canada. Journal of Women & Aging, 18(2), 73-90. * Boggatz, T., & Dassen, T. (2005). Ageing, care dependency, and care for older people in Egypt: A review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 14(8B), 56-63. * Donmez, L., Gokkoca, Z., & Dedeoglu, N. (2005). Disability and its effects on quality of life among older people living in Antalya city center, Turkey. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 40(2), 213-223. * El-Maghraoui, A., Koumba, BA., Jroundi, I., Achemlal, L., Bezza ,A., & Tazi, M.A. (2005). Epidemiology of hip fractures in 2002 in Rabat, Morocco. Osteoporosis International, 16:597-602. * Yount, K. M., & Agree, E. M. (2005). Differences in disability among older women and men in Egypt and

Tunisia. Demography, 42(1), 169-187. * Yount, K.M. & Khadr, Z. (2005). A biosocial model of medication use among older women and men in Ismailia, Egypt. Journal of Biosocial Science 3, 577-603. * Youssef, R.M. (2005). Comprehensive health assessment of senior citizens in Al-Karak governorate, Jordan, Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 11 (3), 334-348. * Civitci, S. S. (2004). An ergonomic garment design for elderly Turkish men. Applied Ergonomics, 35(3), 243251. * El-Shazly, M., Makboul, G., & El-Sayed, A. (2004). Life expectancy and cause of death in the Kuwaiti population 1987-2000. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 10(1-2), 45-55. * Musaiger, A. O. (2004). Health status, lifestyle and nutrient intake of home resident elderly in Bahrain, Nutrition and Health, 17(4), 285-295. * Van der Wurff, F. B., Beekman, A. T., Dijkshoorn, H., Spijker, J. A., Smits, C. H., Stek, M. L., et al. (2004). Prevalence and risk-factors for depression in elderly Turkish and Moroccan migrants in the Netherlands. Journal of Affective Disorders, 83(1), 33-41. * Azaiza, F., & Brodsky, J. (2003). The aging of Israel's Arab population: Needs, existing responses, and dilemmas in the development of services for a society in transition. The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ, 5(5), 383-386. * El-Desouki, MI. (2003). Osteoporosis in postmenopausal Saudi women using dual x-ray bone densitometry. Saudi Medical Journal, 24(9):953-956. * Margolis, S.A., Carter, T., Dunn, E.V., & Reed, R.L. (2003). The health status of community based elderly in the United Arab Emirates, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 37, 1-12. * Almas K, al-Shammari B, al-Dukhyeel S (2003). Education level, oral hygiene and smoking habits of an elderly Saudi population in Riyadh. Odontostomatol Trop 2003; 26:4-6. * Omar, R., Tashkandi, E., Abduljabbar, T., Abdullah, M. A., & Akeel, R. F. (2003). Sentiments expressed in relation to tooth loss: A qualitative study among edentulous Saudis. The International Journal of Prosthodontics, 16(5), 515-520. * Salari, S. (2002). Invisible in aging research: Arab Americans, Middle Eastern immigrants, and Muslims in the United States. The Gerontologist, 42(5), 580-588. * Shah, N., Yount, K.M., Shah, M.A., & Menon, I. (2002). Living arrangements of older women and men in Kuwait. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 17, 37-55. * Turner, J., & Lichtenstein, J. H. (2002). Social security in the Middle East: A brief review. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 14(1), 115-124. * Abolfotouh, M. A., Daffallah, A. A., Khan, M. Y., Khattab, M. S., & Abdulmoneim, I. (2001). Central obesity in elderly individuals in south-western Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and associated morbidity. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah AlSihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit, 7(4-5), 716-724. * Abolfotouh, M. A., Daffallah, A. A., Khan, M. Y., Khattab, M. S., & Abdulmoneim, I. (2001). Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects in Abha city, Saudi Arabia. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah Al-Sihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit, 7(3), 481491. * Margolis, S. A., & Reed, R. L. (2001). Institutionalizing older adults in a health district in the United Arab Emirates: Health status and utilization rate. Gerontology, 47(3), 161-167. * Musaiger, A.O., & Al- Mannal, M.A. (2001). Weight, height, body mass index and prevalence of obesity among the adult population in Bahrain. Annals of Human Biology, 28(3), 346-350. * Al-Shammari, S.A., Al Mazrou, Y., Jarallah, J.S., Al Ansary, L., El-Shabrawy A.M., & Bamgboye, E.A. (2000). Appraisal of clinical, psychological, and environmental health of elderly in Saudi Arabia: a household survey. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 50 (1), 43-60. * MAHASNEH SM (2000). Survey of the health of the elderly in Jordan. Medical Journal of Islamic Academy of Sciences 13:1, 39-48. * Hafez, G., Bagchi, K., & Mahaini, R. (2000). Caring for the elderly: a report on the status of care for the elderly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 6(4), 636-643. * Al-Shammari SA., Al-Subaie, A. (1999). Prevalence and correlates of depression among Saudi elderly, Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 14:739-747. * Aytac, I.A. (1998). Intergenerational living arrangements in Turkey. * Journal of Cross-cultural Gerontology, 13:241-264. * Lamb, V. L. (1997). Gender differences in correlates of disablement among the elderly in Egypt. Social Science & Medicine, 45(1), 127-136. * Mansour, A., & Laing, G. (1994). Research concerns. Aging as perceived by Saudi elders. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 20(6), 11-16. * Radovanovic, Z. (1994). Mortality patterns in Kuwait: Inferences from death certificate data. European

Journal of Epidemiology, 10(6), 733-736. Egyptian Population and Family Planning Review, 20(1), 1-12. * Ahmed, N. I., Abbas, S., & Shaaban, E. (1993). Family care of elderly problems. The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association, 68(1-2), 161-177. * Aisha, A. F., Fahim, H. I., Gabal, M. S., & Ashour, M. A. (1993). An epidemiologic study of the health status among elderly in Ain Shams Geriatric Unit. The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association, 68(1-2), 21-31. * Aghajanian, A. (1985). Living arrangements of widows in Shiraz, Iran, J Marriage Fam 47(3):781-784 * Abaza, A. K. (1984). The Kuwaiti mortality rates and some comparisons. The Egyptian Population and Family Planning Review, 18(2), 87-107. * El-Shalakani, M. (1984). Levels of mortality and relative contribution by socio-economic and health related factors in Arab countries. The Egyptian Population and Family Planning Review, 18(2), 119-150. * Siassi, I., & Fozouni, B. (1982). Psychiatry and the elderly in the Middle East: A report from Iran. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 15(2), 107-120. * Rugh, A.B. (1981). Orphanages and homes for the aged in Egypt: contradiction or affirmation in a family oriented society. International Journal of Social Family, 11(2):203-233.

Book Chapters, Reports and Monographs * Yount KM and Sibai AM (2009). The Demography of Aging in Arab Societies. In Peter Uhlenberg (ed.), International Handbook of Population Aging. Dordrecht, Netherlands Springer ISBN: 978-1-4020-8355, pp 277-315. * Sibai AM, Kronfol N. (2008).Situation analysis of population ageing in the Arab countries: the way forward towards implementation of MIPAA. For the UN-ESCWA (76 pp). * Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia., 2007. Population Ageing in Arab Countries (E/ESCWA/SDD/2007/Technical Material.2), New York.

The FAYHA CHOIR The Fayha choir was established in the beginning of 2003 and conducted by the Maestro Barkev Taslakian. It is supported and sponsored by the Urban Community Al Fayha (Tripoli, Mina, Beddawi). The choir is composed of nearly 40 members between boys and girls, coming from Tripoli and other towns in north Lebanon. The choir's songs belong to the Arabic as well as to the French, English, Latin and Armenian heritages. This diversity reflects the choir's openness on the human patrimony. The Union provides all the support the choir needs on both the material and the moral level. It helps the choir to improve and to present the best whether locally or internationally. The rehearsals take place at the Municipality of Tripoli, where a mild atmosphere is provided with all the facilities needed. The choir members are also invited to assist in all of the cultural and musical events presented at Tripoli or other places.

The Organizing Committee wishes to express its gratitude to the following institutions and organizations that have supported this activity

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON AGEING