November 28, 2019

Gurgaon First recently partnered to celebrate Senior Citizens Day on August 21 with three other organisations. The event aimed to spotlight the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of senior citizens, in a spirit of positivity and interesting discussions on innovative ideas and solutions to improve their quality of life. The event was celebrated with 45 senior citizens at the DLF Phase II Community Centre. As India’s elderly population continues to grow rapidly, the country faces significant challenges in addressing their needs. Fifty years ago, people aged 60 and above constituted only 5% of the population; today, that figure has risen to over 10-12%. Improved sanitation and healthcare have significantly increased average life expectancy, but the question remains: Are we prepared to provide the necessary healthcare and social care for our senior citizens? Unfortunately, the answer is no. India faces a severe shortage of healthcare professionals and caregivers for the elderly. With the erosion of the joint family system, social support has become increasingly scarce, exacerbating the problem. The cost of care is rising, and with many elderly individuals requiring long-term assistance, affordability is a growing concern. Additionally, there is a critical lack of trained professionals in elderly care, including support services and physiotherapy. Social isolation remains a significant issue, impacting the quality of life for many seniors, even those in good health. The event featured an insightful talk by Prema Nair, Senior Coordinator of Dignity Foundation, who shared the Foundation’s activities and successes. She highlighted the Foundation’s operational center in Gurgaon, located at National Media Centre, DLF Phase III, and its two centers in Delhi. Prema Nair emphasized how the Foundation has helped senior citizens rediscover their talents, boost their confidence, and find a like-minded community to share their time with. Kashish Jhamb, Founder of LJCT, discussed the importance of building a strong senior citizen community in Gurgaon. He announced plans to launch ‘Samarth,’ a digital literacy workshop aimed at empowering seniors to handle digital devices efficiently and protect themselves from digital frauds and scams. Dr. Bhrigu Jain from Medanta Hospitals provided valuable insights into geriatric care and the prevention of diseases in older age. His talk was followed by a light musical program that added a festive touch to the occasion. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Rama Rani Rathee, Councillor of Ward 34, Gurgaon.