Senior citizens participate in the ‘Seasoned Souls Social’ organised by Kalos Society, Pfütsero on June 6, sharing meals and moments with friends. (Morung Photo)
Vishü Rita Krocha
Pfütsero | June 8
“I may not have many years left with me, but this is a golden opportunity to meet my old friends, whom I haven't seen in years,” profoundly expressed 102-year-old Veliso Ruho from Porba village, who currently resides in Pfütsero.
He was part of the "Seasoned Souls Social" held on June 6—a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Kalos Society, a group that felt a deep need to bring together all senior citizens to honour their lives, show respect, and acknowledge their contributions toward building a better Pfütsero.
The gathering brought together 211 senior citizens comprising of 124 males and 87 females, many of them with walking sticks, yet embodying “a celebration of friendship, laughter, and life’s beautiful journey,” as envisioned by the Kalos Society.
It also celebrated "the spirit, stories, and smiles that only seasoned souls can bring" in their words even as the Society meant to make it a time for the elderly "to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in the richness of shared experiences."
"When we have elderly people, our town is also blessed and we have been planning since 2021 to bring them together, for them to meet their friends and also share a meal together," Kupelhi Losou, Director of Kalos Society shared to The Morung Express.
This act is also their way of encouraging the younger generation to cultivate respect for senior citizens.
At the same time, he expressed that the elderly would have a sense of love from the younger generation.
However, extending personal invitations to the senior citizens was not the easiest task. Yet, Losou recalled thoroughly enjoying “going from door to door, sharing our desire to have them for the gathering.”
With 34 members, the Kalos Society was able to divide into groups and visit the homes of senior citizens spread across 12 wards, making the task more manageable.
According to the Director, while Kalos Society has been organising different kinds of events, the "Seasoned Souls Social" clearly stood out even as it as was “one of the best programmes and it gave me so much joy and happiness and I am richly blessed."
According to the Director, while the Kalos Society has organised various events over the years, the "Seasoned Souls Social" clearly stood out as one of the most memorable and fulfilling programmes, bringing him immense joy and a deep sense of gratitude and blessing.
Not 'useless' but 'used less'
Despite the wealth of resources that the elderly have, one of the things that Kalos Society also observed was that "senior citizens are used less in programmes."
This sentiment was echoed by Rev Dr Chekrovei Cho-o, Executive Secretary of Chakhesang Baptist Church Council in his short message to the elderly.
"Retired citizens are not useless but are used less," he underscored.
After being part of the "Seasoned Souls Social,” 74-year-old, Neingulo-u Medo said she felt loved and remembered.
"I thought that we are left out and forgotten by the society but this initiative has brought about so much love, and that we are still considered human beings,” she shared.
On the other hand, Losou also observed that there is so much food waste during mass gatherings or occasions like weddings, but "this time there was no wastage at all."
"The elderly served themselves only what was required,” he said, emphasising that this is something that the younger generation needs to learn.
He also exuded hope to continue organising "Seasoned Souls Social" even in the future.
During the event, the elderly were also given free medical check-up for blood pressure and sugar levels by Dr Vepfuhu Kezo, Medical Officer, Pfütsero Community Health Centre and his team.
