Ampati, October 03: An awareness session on prevention and alleviation of age related ailments afflicting the aged underlined the day long function celebrating International Older Persons Day at Okkapara in South West Garo Hills on 3rd October last. Themed “take a stand against ageism” the function was organized by the South West Garo Hills District Social Welfare Officer. Close to three hundred senior citizens from in and around Okkapara including Hajongpara, Agatchigre, Chongpotgre and Mellim attended the gathering. Among the oldest was a 105 old lady from Okkapara.
During the programme gifts were handed out to the aged by Dengnakpara MDC S M Sangma who attended the gathering as the Chief Guest along with other invited guests.
Addressing the gathering Sangma said that to better the society its citizens needed to learn from and take care of the old and the infirm. Comparing older generations Sangma stated that with the tremendous advancement in science and medicine people now lived longer to a great extent and therefore needed to be cared for. The government under various interventions has sanctioned schemes to benefit the old and infirm Sangma informed and elaborated on central and state schemes formulated especially for the aged. The MDC later urged the District Social Welfare Officer to organize awareness programmes for people looking after the aged.
During the day long programme South West Garo Hills Sub Divisional Health & Medical Officer Dr Calvaryn R Sangma elaborated on various age related ailments that afflicted the aged. Urging all senior citizens attending the gathering to take proper care of themselves through adequate nutritional intake and exercise, He advised them to go for regular medical checkups. Only through regular medical checkups can one ascertain the onset of age related ailments and maintain a healthy life He added.
Later Dr Tengsilchi Marak, Medical Officer Okkapara PHC performed blood pressure check up on all the senior citizens who attended the gathering. Among others who spoke at the occasion were South West Garo Hills District Social Welfare Officer Linda J Sangma, Okkapara Pastor Leobirth Marak and the Nokma of Okkapara.
