Older persons asked to impart wisdom, expertise to younger generations [
Our Correspondent
Kiphire | October 2
The Department of Social Welfare celebrated International Day of Older Persons at Kiphire Village in collaboration with Initiative of Change (IoFC), Kiphire with Sedevekho Khro, Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire as the chief guest on October 1.
Sedevekho Khro pointed out that younger generations have knowledge but lack wisdom, while older persons have knowledge as well as wisdom because they have lived and experienced life. In this, he asked the older persons present to teach the younger generations the expertise and wisdom for the better growth of the society.
Sharing that no one can stop growing and that everybody will grow old with time, he asked the gathering to make good use of the time while we are alive so that the society remembers us for our positive contribution.
He further thanked God for the life of the older persons. “Your life is a blessing to us and we look upon you for many things,” he stated and asked the older persons to take good care of their health so that they live longer and be guardians of the society.
Maintaining that change of lifestyle, especially the food habits from organic to inorganic, has invited lots of sicknesses, the chief guest appealed to the older persons to get regular check up to save from sickness.
Z.T Sangtam, CDPO & DWO I/C Kiphire in the keynote address disclosed that there are 2466 beneficiaries of various categories under the department in the district. There are around 186 persons who have crossed 80 years of age in the district, he added. He also shared in detail on various schemes that are available under the department.
Dr Holiba, member of IoFC, Kiphire touched on the theme of the day and said, “If you live a healthy life and are fit no one can discriminate you.” He added that healthy life is a key to fight against ageism. He further pointed out that sicknesses and diseases are common along with age, but taking care of oneself through regular check up (at least once a month), bathing daily and maintaining one’s oral hygiene will save from many sicknesses and also asked to maintain healthy diet so that one is free from sickness and diseases.
The department also gave some cash to all the older persons who attended the event.
Initiative of Change, Kiphire dine with older persons
Our Correspondent
Kiphire | October 2
Members of Initiative of Change (IoFC), Kiphire yesterday evening organized a dinner programme with older persons who have crossed 80 years of age in Kiphire Town.
The event, which was organized under the theme ‘Glorious evening’, witnessed story sharing, prayer of blessings, prayer of thanksgiving, and a gift exchange.
Narrating her love story of 1940s, Apanla, a grandmother of eight families, said she met her husband while she was in school and praised God for giving good life to both of them till today. In her days, she recollected her friends and she used to go to the field together, collect firewood together, and help each other happily and maintained “very clean” relationship like children of same parents.
Meanwhile, Tsathrongo, former PA to DC Kiphire, Tsathrongo shared about old age experience and post retirement life. “Times are changing and we have witnessed many changes that have taken place in our land. During our days, we walked for hours and hours carrying our tiffins to perform our duty,” he reminisced. Stating that life is very easy today, he asked the young people present to thank God for comfortable life they are enjoying. He also advised them to cultivate healthy thoughts so that life is prosperous and blessed.
Yangtsapila, who spoke on the expectation of younger generations from the older generations, asked the older persons present to take life positively. Saying that age is just a number, she asked the older persons present to lead an exemplary life for the younger generations to follow.
Dinner and oldies’ presentation by Akok and Tsikhase, special number by IoFC members, folk song by older persons were the other highlights of the evening.
Problems faced by senior citizens highlighted
Our Correspondent Kohima | October 2 Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) chairman and advisor of Nagaland Senior Citizens’ Forum (NSCF) N. Theyo on Saturday said that in Nagaland, the senior citizens face many problems due to their age when they have to go for payment of bills, namely electricity, water supply, telephone and in banks, especially SBI, where majority of the old people draw their pensions as there is no specific counter for older persons. “We cannot demand respect from the society unless we respect ourselves and make ourselves respectable. The older we grow we need to be positive and look forward to live for another 30 to 40 years,” he said, while addressing International Day of Older Persons in Kohima on Saturday organized by Directorate of Social Welfare, Nagaland.
Theyo, who is also former Transport Minister of Nagaland said that respect can be earned naturally. He also stressed on the need to take care of “our” physique. “We may have achieved great things in life but we will definitely leave all those behind. Let us prepare ourselves and look forward to meet our maker who is the beginning and the end,” he said.
‘Take a stand against ageism’
Longleng, October 2 (MExN): International Day of Older Persons was observed at Tamlu HQ with the theme ‘Take a stand against ageism’ on October 1.
Tokai Sumi, EAC Tamlu, who was the chief guest, spoke on the three stages of life - birth, marriage & retirement, according to a press release from T. Longlang Phom, CDPO, Tamlu. He congratulated the senior citizens gathered in the event for attaining all the three stages of life and wished them long life. He also emphasized on the role of Church and NGOs in initiating a special prayer programme for senior citizens on a day basis.
Moklong Phom, while speaking on behalf of the senior citizens, thanked God for the long life and the Social Welfare Department for making the day special for them by organizing the event. Two oldest persons (male and female), namely Longang and Tenjei respectively were honoured on the occasion and presented gifts.
