The Kozhikode Corporation is training 25 senior citizens from different parts of the city as resource persons under its new elderly empowerment policy. The first training programme will be held at the Corporation office on April 12.
Welfare standing committee chairman P. Diwakaran said the 25 senior citizens were hand-picked from various clubs and organisations for the elderly in the city. They took part actively in society and responded well to the Corporation’s policy. Welfare standing committee members will also join them in the first round of training.
“These selected resource persons are well aware of the progress in technology and hence are equipped to act as ambassadors of the project and reach out to the society, to sensitise the citizens on how to treat the elderly right,” said Mr. Diwakaran. They would then train more members from each ward to spread the network, he added.
The Corporation had come up with the elderly empowerment policy a month ago. “At least 60% of the city’s population are senior citizens, and some of them are terribly marginalised. This policy will ensure that they mingle well with others, besides keeping them engaged during the day,” said Mr. Diwakaran, adding that the policy would address the issue of loneliness among the elderly.
Under the policy, the Vayomithram project will be expanded to include more beneficiaries. A comprehensive health care project, including physiotherapy and counselling, will also be launched.
Rejuvenating Pakal Veedus (day care centres for the elderly), introducing recreational facilities, and arranging special seating facilities for senior citizens in public places are also under consideration. Mayor Beena Philip said Ansari Park at Mananchira would be the first to be developed into an elderly friendly zone.
An elderly service centre too will be set up under the Corporation. The second phase of training will be held at Sargaalaya at Iringal in May.
