Shillong May 19: “Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who’ve walked before us have given us so much and made possible the life we enjoy”- USA Senator John Hoeven. This quote spoke volume of our responsibility towards our elderly and how we should take of them as they had for ur when we needed them the most in the early state of our life. With the objective to give back some of the love and care that they have showered on us and also reminding them that they are not forgotten, the Department of Counselling Psychology, Martin Luther Christian University today organised a visit to Mercy Home, Demthring in Shillong as part of the students Community Outreach Programme.
The students of BSc Psychology 6th Semester visited the Home and spent time with residents of the Home and also conducted a short programme called, “Positive Psychology and Old Age”.
The objective of having this programme was to spread positivity among the elderly through art and to give them company and care. The students had a very interesting interactive session with the elders at the Home, listening to their stories and keeping lively conversation with them to lighten their day. The students also acknowledged the elders’ experiences in life and also did other activities to try and instil a sense of belongingness in them.
The residents at the Home were very excited for the visit and added that the students should visit more often and sing and dance with them.
They also advised the students to love and respect their parents and not to abandon them later in their old age, while some shared their opinions on how much this generation has changed with no or little respect for the elderly.
