A geriatric day care centre was inaugurated in Mylapore by geriatric physician Dr. V.S. Natarajan on Wednesday.
This care centre has been launched at the initiative of Su. Thillai Vallal, director and senior consultant cardiologist of Venkataeswara Hospitals in Mylapore.
After inaugurating the centre, Dr. Natarajan said: “Ageing accelerates six times among the elderly who are lonely. Loneliness drastically affects physical as well as mental health. Chances of getting dementia and depression are quite high. They are susceptible to obesity, diabetes, hypertension and arthritis as they are languishing alone inside the house without any physical activity. Being alone during the day does not guarantee safety. This centre offers support to overcome all these issues and helps elders spend their time in a pleasant manner.”
Those who join this centre can stay here from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Medical consultation, checking hypertension and physical activities are provided free of cost to members. Apart from this, psychologists will offer counselling to elders and help them stay calm. Vaccinations for pneumonia and influenza can be had at this centre. All these facilities are available under one roof at nominal charges.
Freedom fighter Lakshmikanthan Bharathi said this was a pioneering project in the State which has been Dr. Natarajan’s dream for 40 years. He urged him to start a similar project at Anna Nagar and said several thousands of elders will benefit from this project.
