DIMAPUR — Social Welfare department, in collaboration with the Health and Family Welfare department, on Tuesday celebrated ‘International Day for Older Persons’ across Nagaland on the theme "Ageing with dignity."
The day was marked by organising screening camps on non-communicable disease (NCD) for older persons and awareness programme to enable them stay healthy.
International Day of Older Persons is celebrated every year on October 1 to acknowledge the priceless contributions of senior citizens and highlight the distinct hurdles they encounter.
Also read: Nagaland celebrates elders, calls for dignity and respect
Mon: The deputy commissioner of Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma, has encouraged bringing up every child in such a way to show love and respect to the older people saying that older people have the right to live a dignified life.
Verma stated that this during the International Day of Older Persons programme as the special guest in Mon town. The DC thanked the district welfare office of Mon for organising the programme and also the chief medical officer for the free health check-up for the older persons.
L Moba, from Ukha village and A Paüwaü Jessuhu of Kongan village were felicitated by the district welfare officer with certificate for their contributions to the society. Blankets were also presented to the older people present at the programme.
The medical officer of Wakching, Dr. Chingyen, encouraged the older people to maintain proper diet and hygiene for their health.
A medical camp for older people was organised by the department of Health and Family Welfare after the programme.
Tuensang: Department of Social Welfare, in collaboration with United Tribal of Elders, Leaders Union (UTELU), celebrated ‘International Day for Older Persons’ at Town Hall, Tuensang, with the deputy commissioner of Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, as the special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Rutsa stated that the day was celebrated to honour the significant contributions made by the elders to the society. She stated that being an older person does not imply weakness, but it was a blessing.
She urged the senior citizens to impart knowledge and wisdom to the younger generation with their vast experience. She also thanked the elders for constant their prayers and support including the recently held Dr. T Ao Trophy.
The keynote address was delivered by DWO of Tuensang, T Longlang Luckpan, while Dr. Tehrilila Sangtam shared on healthy aging and physiotherapy.
Speech on behalf of senior citizens was shared by Rev. L Ben Chang and a prayer for the elderly persons was said by president of TTBPU, L Ongmang Chang.
Distinguished district award was presented to Rev. L. Ben Chang and Thsangchila.
A free medical camp was also organised by the department of Health and Family Welfare, Tuensang, on the occasion.
Zunheboto: The Senior Citizens' Association Nagaland (SCAN) Zunheboto district unit, in collaboration with Social Welfare Department and Legal Services Authority, celebrated International Day of Older Persons at VDB hall in Zunheboto.
During the programme, district awards were given to K Vikuto Zhimomi and Kughani P Shohe.
A free health screening camp for senior citizens were organized by District Hospital, Zunheboto.
Peren: Peren district observed ‘International Day of Older Persons’ at the District Hospital, Peren.
In her keynote address, Dr. G Viholi, DPO of NCD, encouraged quality service and special focus for the wellbeing of the elderly people, while Dr. Kekhrie Sophie, SMO, highlighted the importance of health promotion and awareness on geriatric health issues and non-communicable diseases. He stressed on the importance of health promotion, healthy diet, spiritual and social wellbeing, physical activity, stress management for a healthy life and prolonged long life.
Sunupienla, psychiatric social worker, shared about the mental health issues in old age.
Wokha: Wokha district celebrated ‘International Day of Older Persons’ at Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital (DMMDH) in Wokha town.
Dr. Aseno Rhetso, district programme officer of NCD, explained on the significance of observing the day. She stressed on the need for more collective effort for the wellbeing of older persons.
Dr. N Mhonchan Kithan, medical superintendent of DMMDH, Wokha, emphasised on the importance of regular health check-up in order to prevent various diseases. He encouraged the older persons to check their blood pressure and sugar regularly at government health centres.
More than 40 beneficiaries were screened for blood pressure, sugar and medicines were distributed to them by the healthcare workers.
Phek: The office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Phek, observed ‘International Day of Older Persons’ at its conference hall in Phek town.
In her keynote address, Dr. Shasinle Tep, DPO (NCD), shared the importance of timely health check-up to prevent serious health issues. She stated that older persons are valuable asset to the society and need care, love and the right to healthcare and stay healthy.
Nikou Koza, clinical psychologist at DH Phek, shared about mental health issues that could affect both young and older persons. She emphasised that social connection is particularly important to reduce risk factors.
She also informed that around 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder where loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions in later life.
After the programme, screening on non-communicable disease was also conducted for the older persons.
Altogether, 48 participants attended the programme.
Mokokchung: Mokokchung district observed ‘International Day of Older Persons’ at IMDH in Mokokcung town on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, T Temsusenla Aier, principal of School of Nursing, IMDH, has described aging as a natural process that is incurable but normal. She also stated that the day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution, wisdom, dignity and needs of senior citizens and to re-dedicate effort to ensure their well being.
Dr. Limanaro, DIO and NP-NCD in-charge, stressed the necessity for healthcare workers to know about the wellbeing of the elder persons. She further encouraged all the participants to give better and quality service to the elders.
Dr. Lipokyanger, ophthalmologist at IMDH, spoke on health care for the elderly people.
CKS: Chüketshe Society Khezhakeno observed ‘International Day of Older Persons’ at Khezhakeno village council hall on the theme “Embracing unity through elderly citizens.”
Altogether, 32 out of the total 74 persons (aged 80 years and above) attended the programme from both Khezhakeno and Tepfulomi villages.
A short speech was delivered by Dr. Dietho Koza, assistant professor at NIMSR, Kohima, who stressed on the challenges faced by elderly people, emphasising on the need to seek medical attention and timely medical check-ups to lead a long and healthy life even at old age.
The speaker of the day, Medovilie Ladu, joint director of Agriculture, reminisced the honest and dignified life of the forefathers, their struggles, achievements and their contributions towards the present day society. He also challenged the younger generations to learn from our elders, seek Almighty God’s guidance and lead an exemplary life.