World elders day function at Helpage India
HelpAge India is planning week-long celebrations in connection with the World Elders Day in Coimbatore in October.Advocacy programmes to make elders aware of their legal rights and motivating them to form self-help groups (SHG) in their community are the main programmes. “Elders need to be aware of their rights. There are many who do not even know how to claim their pension,” says Indrani Rajadurai, Director, Southern Region, HelpAge India. The advocacy programmes are aimed at sensitising them on the issues concerning senior citizens.About 35 elders SHGs have been formed in various parts of the district and they are involved in income generation programmes. They meet regularly and collect money in order to provide loans to group members. The community will be sensitised to encourage such SHGs. HelpAge India is also planning to organise Children’s and Grandparents’ meet.By taking children to old age homes or taking the elders to schools, children can be told that elders are valuable and that they need to be respected and loved by the family, community and the society at large, Ms.Rajadurai says. The operations of mobile medical units visiting areas in and around Coimbatore will be strengthened.The Coimbatore District Administration has also offered to extend its support for providing medical support to the elders.Special health camps will also be organised in various parts of the district.Entertainment programmes such as a sports meet will also be conducted.
