Nagaland observes International Day of Older Persons across districts, conferring awards on distinguished senior citizens.
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DIMAPUR/KOHIMA/WOKHA — International Day of Older Persons was observed across multiple districts in Nagaland on Thursday on the theme, "The age of longevity: Rethinking systems for longer lives".
In the state-level observance held at the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Convention Centre in Kohima, Alongla P Aier and Dr. LM Murry were conferred the State Level Senior Citizens Award 2026.
Organised by the Department of Social Welfare, the state-level awards recognised the contributions of Aier, an educationist, theologian, and social worker, and Dr. Murry, a medical professional and community worker, to society through their respective fields and community service.
Chief Secretary of Nagaland Sentiyanger Imchen, who attended the gathering as the special guest, said more than 63,300 senior citizens were receiving assistance through the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and state-supported initiatives.
He added that the department had taken steps to identify bogus and non-eligible beneficiaries under IGNOAPS in cooperation with state treasuries.
Imchen pointed to the "longevity transition", noting that while people are living longer, fertility rates are declining worldwide. Citing the India Ageing Report 2023 published by UNFPA in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences, he noted that India had approximately 149 million people aged 60 years and above in 2022, a figure projected to increase to approximately 347 million by 2050.
"This means that society has to analyse, understand and address the issues of the elderly in all seriousness," he stated.
He further mentioned assistive device distribution under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, geriatric caregiver training in partnership with CIHSR Dimapur, support for 12 senior citizen homes under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), and the senior citizens helpline, Elderline 14567, launched on September 28, 2021.
Delivering the keynote address, Secretary of Social Welfare Limawabang Jamir highlighted the history of the observance stemming from the 1982 Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing and the UN General Assembly Resolution of December 14, 1990.
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Niuland: The Department of Social Welfare, Niuland, observed the day at KGPO Hall, Kuhuboto Town Baptist Church, with around 100 senior citizens from 10 villages.
District Programme Officer TY Peter Yanthan advised older persons to maintain balanced diets, regular exercise, adequate sleep of seven to nine hours, and active social engagement to avoid isolation.
Deputy Commissioner of Niuland TL Kiusumong Tikhir voiced concern over gaps in welfare scheme coverage, pointing out that an on-the-spot survey during the programme showed only 20 per cent to 25 per cent of participants received old-age pensions, and only 10 per cent to 20 per cent held cards under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
Kiusumong urged the department to assess coverage across subdivisions, blocks, and villages and directed the EAC of Kuhuboto to facilitate coverage.
On the occasion, the department conferred the Distinguished Senior Citizen Award on Yehozhe Sema and R Nitoli Ngullie. A free medical camp was conducted by Dr. Naro Mo of PHC Kuhuboto.
Wokha: At Tiyi Hall in Wokha, Deputy Commissioner K Mhathung Tsanglao urged the community to treat elders with dignity, care, and prayer. Theme speaker Penthungo Lotha, Acting Principal of Bailey Baptist College, called for senior citizen-friendly healthcare and living environments.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Dr. Chumben Murry, spoke on behalf of the Senior Well-being and Recreational Club, Wokha, advocating greater inclusion and recreation.
H Nyanbemo Ngullie and Nchumbeni Kithan received the District Award for Distinguished Senior Citizens.
Chümoukedima: The Department of Social Welfare, Chümoukedima, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, observed the day at Chakhroma Public Hall.
The keynote address was delivered by DPO Kevineinuo Rio, while Dr. Liza, Medical Officer, highlighted aspects of healthy ageing. The District Award for Older Persons was presented to Ago Kehie and Neiseihuno Rino.
A general health check-up was conducted after the formal session.
Tuensang: Organised at the Town Hall by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with the United Tribal of Elders, Leaders Union (UTELU), Deputy Commissioner Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa called on the younger generation to learn from elders' traditional knowledge and create an environment where ageing is considered a blessing.
The District Level Distinguished Senior Citizens Award was presented to K Yanchumong Chang and K Ayanla. A free medical camp was also conducted.
Mokokchung: At Kumlong Community Hall, Pastor of Impur Baptist Church, Anok Amer, stated that older citizens are a blessing who require social protection and urged them to remain mentally and physically active.
The event concluded with free health screening organised with the medical department.
Zunheboto: Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj underlined the importance of social and emotional care alongside welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and pensions.
State-level awards were presented to Kitoli Naje and H Kashito Yepthomi, while district-level awards went to N Atoli Sema and N Toihe Sema. Alongside the celebration, an awareness session on The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, was conducted with the District Legal Services Authority.
Longleng: ADC Longleng Thungchanbemo Tungoe attended the programme at VCC/VDB Hall as the special guest, advising senior citizens to maintain daily physical activity.
District awards were presented, and free medical check-ups were conducted.
Kiphire: Organised at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, SDO (Civil) Rozy Sangtam addressed the gathering as special guest, urging elders to recognise their worth and speak up for their rights.
Distinguished service honours were conferred on Thsantsumong and M Visheli Sumi, followed by a medical camp and community lunch.
NPF Elders Council: The Naga People's Front (NPF) Elders Council observed the day at the Kohima Division conference hall.
Speaking on the occasion, Working President of NPF H Chuba Chang stated that older persons are the builders of present society and should continue contributing with their wisdom.
ANSASCF: The All Nagaland Sumi Aphuyemi Senior Citizens’ Forum (ANSASCF) observed the day at Pughoboto Town Hall.
Senior Citizens Association of Nagaland President Dr. I Pihoto Khala stated that the wisdom of older persons cannot be replaced by modern technology or artificial intelligence. Dr. Atoshe Kiba, retired Additional Director of Health and Family Welfare, demonstrated simple exercises and advised on preventive healthcare.