Health and Social Justice & Empowerment Minister Dr. Col. Dhaniram Shandil called for greater inter-generational engagement, saying that the experience of senior citizens combined with the energy of youth can play a significant role in building a healthy, aware and drug-free society.
Dr. Shandil was speaking as the Chief Guest at the state-level programme organised at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla, to mark International Older Persons Day. The event brought together senior citizens, government officials, employees, students and representatives of various social organisations.
Highlighting this year’s theme, “The Ageing of Ageing: Rethinking Systems for Ageing,” the Minister said the occasion was not only about ensuring care and protection for senior citizens but also about creating opportunities for them to participate actively and contribute to society with dignity and respect.
Describing senior citizens as an important pillar of families and society, Dr. Shandil said their knowledge, experience and wisdom were invaluable assets for the younger generation. He noted that changing lifestyles and the decline of joint family systems had increased instances of loneliness and social isolation among elderly people. He urged families and young people to spend time with senior citizens, listen to them and learn from their experiences.
The Minister said the state currently has 12 old-age homes, 22 day-care centres and five senior citizen facilitation centres for the care and protection of destitute and vulnerable elderly people. These facilities provide accommodation, food, medical care, recreation and other essential services.
He said around 6.62 lakh senior citizens above the age of 60 in Himachal Pradesh are receiving social security pensions without any income ceiling, involving an annual expenditure of around ₹1,400 crore. Over the past three and a half years, 99,779 additional elderly persons have been brought under the social security pension scheme.
Dr. Shandil said provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act were being implemented in the state to protect the rights and welfare of elderly people. The 14567 helpline is also available for addressing complaints and cases related to domestic violence involving senior citizens.
Focus on Senior Citizens’ Health
The Minister said special attention was being given to the health of senior citizens through regular health check-ups, free medical treatment and surgeries. Awareness and screening camps were also being organised for conditions such as dementia.
He emphasised the need to promote inter-generational activities and dialogue involving young people and senior citizens to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Such interaction, he said, could help young people understand the experiences of older generations while enabling senior citizens to remain socially connected and engaged.
Senior Citizens Can Help Keep Children Away from Drugs
The programme also focused on the role of families and senior citizens in preventing substance abuse among young people. Dr. Shandil said human life was precious and called upon people to live with positive values, perform good deeds and contribute to the welfare of humanity.
He said drug abuse does not affect an individual alone but has serious consequences for the entire family and society. Timely guidance, awareness and open communication with children were therefore essential to preventing substance abuse.
The Minister urged parents and senior citizens to encourage children from an early age to participate in constructive activities such as music, sports, science, art, mountaineering and adventure activities. Such engagement, he said, can help develop confidence, discipline, creativity and positive thinking among children while keeping them away from harmful influences.
Need for Digital Awareness and Cyber Safety
Speaking about the growing use of technology, Dr. Shandil cautioned senior citizens against cyber fraud and online scams. He said young people could play an important role by helping their elders understand the safe use of mobile phones, the internet and digital services.
He reiterated that the state government was committed to safeguarding the dignity, health, security and social participation of senior citizens. Society, he said, should view elderly people not as a burden but as a valuable source of experience, knowledge and guidance.
The programme featured cultural performances by members of Jaishwari Kala Manch, Self-Help Group Chaupal, Kotshara College and HelpAge India. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, State Head, HelpAge India, spoke about the demands and concerns of senior citizens and provided information on elderly care and palliative care under the National Health Mission.
A Walkathon was also organised as part of the programme. Various self-help groups put up stalls showcasing locally produced goods, providing a platform to promote their products and activities.
Senior Citizens and Organisations Honoured
During the event, the Chief Guest felicitated Uttam Singh Kashyap, Govind Ram Bhardwaj, Brajendra Singh Panwar, Aastha Welfare Nahan, Sardar Trilok Nath Singh, Mehar Chand Shukla, Khand Vridhjan Federation, Adarsh Self-Help Group, Bushahr Disabled Self-Help Group, Radhe Krishna Self-Help Group and Krishna Self-Help Group for their notable contribution to society and the welfare of senior citizens.
The programme highlighted the importance of respecting and supporting senior citizens while strengthening inter-generational bonds and encouraging young people to lead healthier, more responsible and drug-free lives.
Sponsored
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
