When the old felt young

CHENNAI: Men and women from old-age homes were dressed to the nines, some in costumes for dance, and others all ready to sing. HelpAge India, along with students from city schools, organised inter-generational bonding activities on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons.A recent study by HelpAge brought out the fact that the highest abuser of the elderly in India was their own family. Based on this, the organisation has decided to go straight to the root of the problem — teaching children the values of love and compassion for the elderly, starting with their own grandparents.SAVE – Student Action for Value Education – focuses on sensitising school children to the issue of old age early in life, so that they create an aged friendly society. Former Chief Election Commissioner of India TS Krishna Murthy inaugurated the campaign and released the SAVE pledge. Addressing the students, he said, “Do not forget that you have an opportunity to help them every day, even by making them feel wanted and loved.”EM Victor, correspondent of CSI matriculation schools, was the first person to receive the pledge. She said, “There is a misconception that education begins in the school. But children should be taught to show their gratitude to the elderly at home.” Indrani Rajadurai, Special Advisor to HelpAge for the SAVE campaign, added, “It is the right of every senior citizen to live a quality life.”Group dances, singing and Super Grandma and Super Grandpa competitions marked the event which was held at a marriage hall in Chetpet. WALKATHON TO CREATE AWARENESSEarlier in the day, an awareness walkathon with an emphasis on healthy aging was held by HelpAge. More than 700 participants took part. Dr V Kanagasabai, Dean, Madras Medical College, flagged off the event. “Tips for Healthy Ageing” a booklet was distributed. He said, “With our culture moving from oriental to western, no one has time to look after the elders. This way they can exercise and be careful about their health.