A rally was taken out in Madurai on Monday by around 350 elders, social work students, children and members of the general public to mark the ‘International Day of Older Persons.’
R. Anandhavalli, District Social Welfare Officer flagged off the rally at the Collectorate complex. The rally culminated at the Gandhi Memorial Museum where a programme was held. She also administered a pledge towards equal rights for elders
Addressing the meeting B.T. Bangera, Managing Director of Hi-Tech Arai, which was the mobile medicare unit of HelpAge India Madurai since 2007, said that the theme of this year’s celebration - “Health Ageing” - was a vital concept for the elderly in the present scenario. He assured the organisation of his continued support for the betterment of the elderly and also invited others to join with him in supporting the needy elders at large.
With financial support of Hi-Tech Arai, organisers said that HelpAge India waable to serve 20,000 elders every year with free treatment and medicines.
Delivering a lecture on ‘Speech on Healthy Ageing,’ N. Raja, a Consultant Geriatric Physician, gave instructions and tips on leading a healthy life style after 60 years of age. He advised the elders not to take self medication and requested them to detect the problems early and diagnose it properly. He suggested early morning walks, which would give Vitamin D that helps to reduce or control diabetes. Elders should take large amount of vegetables and a small quantity of rice.
V. Dharmar, an acupuncture practitioner, taught some exercises to the elderly and about the adjustments need in day-to-day activities. An entertainment programme was performed by the children of ‘Little’s Trust’ in Nagamalai.
C. Radhakrishnan, senior manager of HelpAge India spoke about Address and briefed about the Activities and programmes of HelpAge India. K.V. Vijayaprakash, Social Protection Officer and B. Udayakumar, young professional Social protection, took part in the event.
