Dimapur, September 30 : Governor PB Acharya has wished a very healthy and peaceful life to all the elderly persons of Nagaland on the occasion of International Day for Older Persons celebrated all across the world on October 1.
In his message on the day, the Governor called for an environment in public places, public transportations, hospitals, banks etc. which is user-friendly for the elderly persons.
Acharya said the day is marked as an opportunity to highlight and appreciate the important contributions by elderly to the society and to raise awareness of the issues and challenges of ageing in today’s world.
Referring to the theme “Take a Stand Against Ageism” for International Day of Older Persons 2016, the Governor said, “Let us all challenge ourselves to consider ageism – the negative attitudes and discrimination based on age and the detrimental impact it has on older people.”
“Today let us rededicate ourselves to the pressing demands of the young and the elderly by creating public awareness through promotional materials in schools, institutions, offices and public places,” he urged.
Noting that both young and old play an important role in the society as well as in family life, he said they (elderly) are the asset of the society and should be taken care of properly.
Elders have been working for years together and have vast wealth of knowledge, skills and experiences, he stated. “They have lived through situations others cannot even imagine, and yet we dismiss these lifetimes of experiences when they begin to need love, care and support,” the Governor said.
Emphasising that the older persons’ rich experience and service should be a big capital for any society, he said they are an asset and not a liability.
“We need to have more libraries, health care centres, parks, etc. for the older people and also proper respect for older people,” Acharya added.
Walkathon
A short walkathon will be held from the office premises of the Directorate of Social Welfare to Zonal Hall, Kohima to mark the International Day of Older Persons in Kohima on October 1.
The walkathon will be flagged off by Advisor, Urban Development, SI Jamir at 7 am while the main function will be held at Zonal Council hall. Secretary, Social Welfare will deliver a speech on the significance of the day while Music Ministry, Chang Baptist Church Kohima, will present a special song.
