Parliamentary Secretary for Housing, Labour & Employment, Er. T Saku Aier (Right) leading the Walkathon from Old MLA Junction on to Heritage (Old DC Bungalow) marking the International Day of Older Persons at Kohima on October 1, 2011. (DIPR)
Kohima | October 1 : Several senior citizens today joined that International Day of Older Persons here at The Heritage under the aegis of the department of social welfare, heath & family welfare and Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum (NSCF) under the theme “Health care for senior citizens.” The occasion was marked by walkathon, entertainment and conferring award to senior citizens. Gracing the occasion as the chief guest, parliamentary secretary for housing, labour & employment Saku Aier stressed on the need to take care of the senior citizens and at the same time to initiate various welfare activities for them.
“When we grow older in age as of today, as a matter of fact, we are gradually neglected by the contemporary societies and become outdated in all spheres of life which make us lonely and frustrated with no one to share with and no one to show concern for us,” he said adding that but with the kind initiatives of government in this kind of situation, many of our own colleagues age group are brought together and we are indeed very happy to meet friends and exchange smiles, and being recognized by the society as a respectable senior citizens. He said that elders are grateful that the state government had allowed 50% relaxation in medical treatment in the government hospitals “which is a wonderful opportunity for the senior citizens in the state.” Also referring to some existing Old Age Homes provided by the government in the state, he felt that it is necessary to have some places where the aged persons are provided (resort) to gather during their free time and have time together with their colleagues which is not available now. In this, the parliamentary secretary requested the department of social welfare to find out means for establishing recreational and day care centers for sharing their experiences which would also be beneficial for research scholars for their research works at a time of such gatherings. “I wish that, in such centres there may be folk and legendary tale, to share with their progeny regarding the good traditional practices, along with TV viewing, counseling , prayer and reading alongwith some institutional supplement,” Aier said.
He also stated that free travel in the Nagaland government transports may also be considered for the senior citizens. He said that under the India Gandhi National Old Age Pension scheme in Nagaland, at present there are 46, 483 senior citizens who are provided the Old Age Pension. In Nagaland roughly there are about 1 lakh 50 thousand senior citizens and many are not covered by this scheme and deprived of their rights where there should not be any discrimination among senior citizens. “It is therefore necessary that the department should take up the issue with the concerned Ministry to provide the Old Age Pension to all the eligible senior citizens and recognized them equally,” he said.
Speaking on the theme of IDOP 2011 ‘Health care for Senior Citizen’ Health & Family Welfare deputy director Dr. Kika said that growing older is a normal, inevitable biological phenomenon and cannot be prevented but the effects of ageing can be slowed and even prevented provided one takes regular medical check-ups and engage in health practices. Getting out and keeping involved with others creates a sense of belonging which in turn helps in preventing the ill effects of loneliness, he said. Dr. Kika said that senior citizens can be instrumental in documentation preservation and conservation of our history, customs and practices which is traditionally oral based and is fast eroding in the present generation.
“Your vast skill and experience can help in revitalization values as well as contemporary art and skill. On the other hand, society should create enabling environment to enable senior citizens to contribute to the society,” the deputy director said. NSCF president H. Hesso in his address appealed to fellow senior citizens to come forward and share constructive views and at the same to play important role in social, political and traditional life and pass the same to the younger generation. Meanwhile, Lhusi Haralu and Wezulhi C. Krome were conferred with distinguished senior citizens award on the occasion. Toshinaro and Obed presented a special number while Elemenz entertained the gathering with dance. Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung said the invocation prayer while social welfare director Khevito T. Shohe proposed vote of thanks. Walkathon from Old MLA junction to Heritage also marked the occasion.
“When we grow older in age as of today, as a matter of fact, we are gradually neglected by the contemporary societies and become outdated in all spheres of life which make us lonely and frustrated with no one to share with and no one to show concern for us,” he said adding that but with the kind initiatives of government in this kind of situation, many of our own colleagues age group are brought together and we are indeed very happy to meet friends and exchange smiles, and being recognized by the society as a respectable senior citizens. He said that elders are grateful that the state government had allowed 50% relaxation in medical treatment in the government hospitals “which is a wonderful opportunity for the senior citizens in the state.” Also referring to some existing Old Age Homes provided by the government in the state, he felt that it is necessary to have some places where the aged persons are provided (resort) to gather during their free time and have time together with their colleagues which is not available now. In this, the parliamentary secretary requested the department of social welfare to find out means for establishing recreational and day care centers for sharing their experiences which would also be beneficial for research scholars for their research works at a time of such gatherings. “I wish that, in such centres there may be folk and legendary tale, to share with their progeny regarding the good traditional practices, along with TV viewing, counseling , prayer and reading alongwith some institutional supplement,” Aier said.
He also stated that free travel in the Nagaland government transports may also be considered for the senior citizens. He said that under the India Gandhi National Old Age Pension scheme in Nagaland, at present there are 46, 483 senior citizens who are provided the Old Age Pension. In Nagaland roughly there are about 1 lakh 50 thousand senior citizens and many are not covered by this scheme and deprived of their rights where there should not be any discrimination among senior citizens. “It is therefore necessary that the department should take up the issue with the concerned Ministry to provide the Old Age Pension to all the eligible senior citizens and recognized them equally,” he said.
Speaking on the theme of IDOP 2011 ‘Health care for Senior Citizen’ Health & Family Welfare deputy director Dr. Kika said that growing older is a normal, inevitable biological phenomenon and cannot be prevented but the effects of ageing can be slowed and even prevented provided one takes regular medical check-ups and engage in health practices. Getting out and keeping involved with others creates a sense of belonging which in turn helps in preventing the ill effects of loneliness, he said. Dr. Kika said that senior citizens can be instrumental in documentation preservation and conservation of our history, customs and practices which is traditionally oral based and is fast eroding in the present generation.
“Your vast skill and experience can help in revitalization values as well as contemporary art and skill. On the other hand, society should create enabling environment to enable senior citizens to contribute to the society,” the deputy director said. NSCF president H. Hesso in his address appealed to fellow senior citizens to come forward and share constructive views and at the same to play important role in social, political and traditional life and pass the same to the younger generation. Meanwhile, Lhusi Haralu and Wezulhi C. Krome were conferred with distinguished senior citizens award on the occasion. Toshinaro and Obed presented a special number while Elemenz entertained the gathering with dance. Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung said the invocation prayer while social welfare director Khevito T. Shohe proposed vote of thanks. Walkathon from Old MLA junction to Heritage also marked the occasion.
