International Day of Older Persons observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 01 2009: Some Elder persons were honoured with gifts on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons today in the state, which was observed by various organisations.

State Social Welfare Department organised a state function in connection with the observance where many elderly persons took part.

The function was held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal East.

Social Welfare Minister, N Loken was the chief guest at the function.

The Pioneer Health Club, Manipur also observed the 2nd International Day of the Older Persons at Manipur Press Club, Major Khul here under the UN theme of the year "Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of Older Persons: Towards a society for all ages".

Elderly men and women of extraordinary capacities who were honoured by Pioneer Health Club, Manipur

Elderly people attending the state level function lamented that they have no public parks or recreation parks especially for them for relaxing and time passing.

They drew the attention of the authority concerned to develop such places at appropriate locations so that the elder persons can relax at least for some moments of the day.

They also suggested setting up of homes for the old age people, and separate counters in banks for the elderly people so that they can avoid standing in long queue and waiting for long time in the hot sun, and leave the habit of giving old age pensions to the people close to the MLAs only.

Social Welfare Minister Loken, addressing the gathering at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen said that he will look into the matter and take up other welfare measures for the elderly people after consulting with the Chief Minister.

The trend of ill-treatment towards the elderly people by their sons and daughters and youngsters which is widespread across the globe has reached the state too, the Minister said lamenting that it's not a good sign.

Social Welfare Department has taken up several welfare schemes for the older people.

For the welfare of them, government has provided old age pensions to around 1.40 people under state and centre sponsored schemes.

Loken further said that government has chalked out a plan for payment of Rs 200 per months as pensions to the widow and people living with disabilities of age ranging from 18 to 65 years.

The state level function organized by the state social welfare department graced by minister N Loken was presided over by Justice (retired) C Upendro.

President of the All Manipur Senior Citizens' Welfare Association, N Kerani, senior advocate Ch Nodiyachand also attended as guest of honours.

The function organized by the Pioneer Health Academy, Manipur at Manipur Press Club was graced by former Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Yumnam Yaima as chief guest.

President of the organizing club, Thokchom Manihar and MLA NG Bijoy attended as guest of honours.

The observation function was marked by presentation of gifts to elderly women who participated in people causes in recognition of their service.

They were Mangsatabam Ibechoubi (87), Naorem Nilamani (81), Longjam Phajabi (78), Hinga Karangnamei (85) and Lanlian (81) .

Speaking as resource person on the occasion, managing director Dr Kh Pallin of Shija Hopsital and Research Institute said the objective of observance of the day related with role taking part by the elderly people in marching a society ahead.

Their role in the development of society is great.

So, elderly people should not be ill-treated, he observed.

Pallin further said that when a man retired from his job, his brain become dull with no work to do, reduce physical strength which resulted in the infection by various diseases.

The most important thing to them is to make them happy and health exercise and consumption of nutritious foods.

The General Assembly of UNO designated 1 October every year as the International Day of Older Persons through a resolution 45/106 of 14th December 1990realising the necessity of spreading awareness regarding the problems related to the ageing population.

The International Day of Older Persons was observed for the first time throughout the world on 1st October 1991.Later, this day came to be observed in many countries and organizations.

By designating a special day for the senior citizens, the General Assembly of UNO recognized the importance of older adults and their contributions to the development of human society.