“Aging With Dignity”
On February 11, 2026, the Department of Nursing Sciences (DNS) at Antonine University (UA) officially launched the Specialized Nursing Diploma in Gerontology. This milestone reflects UA’s continued commitment to academic innovation and social responsibility in response to the growing realities of population aging.
An Institutional Commitment to Human-Centered Care
The morning session opened with official addresses in the presence of distinguished guests; in addition to the Head of the DNS, Ms. Manal Merhi; President of the Order of Nurses in Lebanon, Mrs. Abir Kurdi Alameh;the Rector of UA, Fr. Michel Saghbiny; the Secretary General, Fr. Ziad Maatouk; Vice-rectors; deans and head of departments; instructors and faculty members; administrative staff; and students.
In his address, Fr. Saghbiny, emphasized that this new diploma represents more than the addition of an academic program. He underlined its ethical and societal dimension, stating: “It is not enough to grant older adults additional years to their lives; our duty is to grant them additional life to their years.”
He highlighted that the launch of the diploma responds directly to the evolving needs of Lebanese society, where increasing life expectancy calls for deeper, more comprehensive expertise in the health, psychological, social, and economic dimensions of aging. He also stressed that older adults remain a valuable source of experience and wisdom, and that society must ensure their dignity, participation, and well-being.
In her address, Ms. Abir Kurdi Alameh, President of the Order of Nurses in Lebanon, reflected on the deeply human dimension of gerontological care. She shared that within the nursing community, she heard nurses describe their role in caring for those in their golden years as extending far beyond clinical duties. As one nurse expressed, she does not feel “only like a nurse,” but rather like a friend, even like family, offering reassurance and presence alongside professional care.
Ms. Alameh emphasized that this spirit of compassion and relational care must remain at the heart of specialized gerontology training, as technical expertise alone is not enough to meet the emotional and social needs of aging individuals.
Academic Presentation of the Diploma
Ms. Manal Merhi presented the objectives, structure, and career prospects of the University Diploma in Gerontology. Designed as an interdisciplinary program, the diploma integrates scientific foundations with practical applications to prepare professionals capable of addressing the complex realities of aging populations.
The presentation outlined key components of the curriculum, including the understanding of physiological changes associated with aging, common age-related conditions, psychosocial challenges such as isolation and social reintegration, and the development of policies and support systems tailored to older adults’ needs.
The program aims to equip nurses with specialized competencies that enhance quality of care, promote independence, and safeguard dignity across diverse healthcare and community settings.
Panel Discussion: The Future of Gerontology Nursing in Lebanon
The morning continued with a high-level panel discussion titled “The Future of Gerontology Nursing in Lebanon,” moderated by Ms. Joy Hannoun, full-time instructor at the Department of Nursing Sciences.
The discussion brought together leading experts from academia, healthcare institutions, and international policy organizations.
Dr. Gaby Moukarzel, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health at UA, addressed the topic “The Geriatric Approach: The New Methodology in Modern Medicine.” He highlighted the importance of shifting from disease-centered models toward holistic, patient-centered care adapted to the complex needs of aging populations.
Ms. Manal Said, Regional Adviser on Ageing at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), explored “Professional Development and Career Pathways in Geriatrics.” She emphasized the increasing regional and international demand for trained specialists in aging care and the expanding career opportunities in healthcare systems, social services, research, and policy development.
Ms. Soha Yantani, Director of Nursing at Ain Wazein Medical Village, spoke on “Aging and Health: The Importance of Specialized Nursing Care.” She underscored the critical role of advanced nursing competencies in improving quality of life, safeguarding dignity, and ensuring continuity of care for those in their golden years.
Dr. Saydeh Dableh, a specialist in community health nursing and health systems management, examined “Access of Older Adults to Primary Healthcare Centers in a Diverse Lebanese Community.” Her intervention highlighted the structural and systemic challenges that older adults face in accessing essential healthcare services, calling for integrated community-based strategies and inclusive health policies.
The exchanges that followed reflected the urgency of preparing qualified professionals capable of addressing the multidimensional realities of aging. The panel reinforced that investing in gerontology education is not only a healthcare imperative but also a strategic societal investment in building a more resilient and compassionate future.
Community Engagement and Intergenerational Impact
Following the official launch, the event extended into a community-focused segment dedicated to those in their golden years. Students from the Department of Nursing Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Physical Therapy and the Faculty of Sport Sciences, led interactive workshops addressing key aspects of elderly health and well-being.
Participants engaged in health screenings, including blood pressure, glycemia, and BMI measurements, alongside personalized health counseling on nutrition, sleep, and fall prevention. Additional activities included cognitive stimulation exercises, discussions on medication management, adapted physical activity sessions, and physiotherapy guidance aimed at enhancing mobility and reducing fall risks.
The day concluded with an intergenerational lunch that fostered dialogue, connection, and shared experience between students and older participants, embodying the spirit of dignity, respect, and solidarity that underpins the diploma’s mission.
Through this initiative, Antonine University reaffirms its dedication to aligning academic excellence with real societal needs: advancing knowledge that strengthens human dignity, promotes responsibility, and contributes to a more inclusive and compassionate future for all generations.