(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Three elderly women convicts, including two Asians and an African who were serving jail terms for different crimes, were released by the Sharjah Police to mark the International Day of Older Persons on Thursday.

Brigadier Ahmed Abdul Aziz l Shuhail said that the convicts were surprised when their release was announced during an event to celebrate the day meant for the elderly at the punitive and reformatory establishment facility. The gesture is part of the family reunion initiative of the Sharjah Police which is aimed at strengthening bonding between families.

He added that as part of the celebration, a number of elderly inmates were allowed to hold get-together with families and many spoke to their dear ones through Skype video calls.

Medical examinations were conducted for 40 older inmates by the medical services department and Zulekha Hospital. These included checks for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and vision test.

The programmes were held under the slogan 'Our inmates ... Your health concerns us' and also featured a workshop on healthy nutrition.

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