It's a special day for them

WHEN WE talk empowerment close to October 1, we are talking of the international theme for the Day of the Elderly: Empowerment of senior citizens. On October 1, every year, if not any other day, ordinary senior citizens become the heroes and heroines.

This year, as usual, the grandest celebration in the city has been lined up by HelpAge India's Southern region branch. In addition to the cultural programmes and competitions they organise for more than 800 elders from around 26 voluntary

organisations, this year there is the Quiz contest for school children and the inauguration of the mobile medical unit.

With several sponsors pitching in to provide gifts and prizes, the event promises to be a grand affair, according to Ms.Indrani Rajadurai, southern regional director, HelpAge India. In pursuance of the international theme, the organisation, which has promoted more than 2100 projects for the elderly the country over, has decided to go strong on the `micro credit scheme' for elders. This scheme will provide elders with seed money for starting their own small businesses and enabling them to find a way to stop dependence on other members of the family.

Another important event that is scheduled for October 1 is the release of a book, `Ageing by designing the future' - containing articles of interest to the elderly such as dementia care, importance of geriatricians, managing disabilities, happiness and harmony, institutional care, bridging the generation cap, and happy ageing.

Facilities for senior citizens, contact information, old age homes, rebates for the retired, and privileges/benefits are listed in the book, according to Mr.B.Sivakumar, Secretary, Probus Club.

A day in advance, there is the release of yet another book on ageing, this one from the renowned geriatrician, Dr.V.S.Natarajan. The book, `Burden of Love' will be released by a High Court judge on September 30. Sponsored by the Citizens Advice Bureau, the programme will also include a panel discussion and a presentation on `memory loss'.

Novartis India has decided to commemorate World Elders Day by organising a walk in association with Alzheimer's Related Disorders Society of India, to create awareness about the disease and ageing, in general. The walk will begin from Gandhi Statue, at the Marina at 6-15 a.m. on October 1. Meanwhile, Alzheimer's patients are specially taken care of at Vishranthi's Intermediary Nursing and Medical Care Unit, the senior citizen's home run by Monday Charity Club.

Sixty grandpas and grandmas will celebrate Elders' Day along with 300 orphan children at the Sivananda Orphanage. A regular ritual at this home, it is just a special day for both groups, who have been forced out of their homes.

By Ramya Kannan

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Next     : Raptor rehab