BANGALORE: “It has become a great challenge for the senior citizens to look after their health. This is due to the increase in the number of joint families breaking up into nuclear families. Elders at home lack care as both the son and daughter-in-law go to work,” regretted K V Rajanna, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at a programme organised to mark ‘World Health Day 2012’ by the Karnataka Association for Psychiatric Disabilities (KAPD) and Medico Pastoral Association (MPA) on Saturday, Rajanna stated, “Senior citizens living in villages are safe as they are still in joint families and elders are treated with care and respect.”
On the occasion, a discussion on ‘Ageing and Health: Good Health Adds Life to Years’ was also organised. Dr Santhosh, consultant physician, Santhosh Hospitals, said, “Life expectancy now stands at 69 years. Today’s younger generation is increasingly following Western culture and sending their parents to old age homes. This pushes the elders into a deep depression.”
“A Little care and affection shown towards the senior citizens with a small change in lifestyle can reduce the intensity of their diseases and will keep them motivated,” added Santhosh.
Sreedharan from the Senior Citizens Club urged the senior citizens to build ‘will power’ to overcome their mental, physical and financial problems.
Dr Mohan Isaac, President of MPA, Dr Lakshman, president, KAPD and others were present.