JOIN USThere was a bright sparkle in their eyes as elders from senior citizens homes in the City made merry at an event organised on International World Elders Day. They received a hearty dose of love, warmth and friendship at the programme titled ‘Pride & Joy’, beautifully put together by Karen Pinto at the Chancery Pavilion in sponsorship with Legacy Group. An event manager and beauty consultant, she says, “Two years back, my 73-year-old ailing father was in a senior citizens home for a month as he needed constant medical attention.
After he passed away, I asked the home owner how I could help residents there. He said that they need love and care more than anything else. I started taking them for picnics, to themed restaurants and even began celebrating festivals with them. The motive is to fill their lives with joy.”
Ever since, Karen has been visiting senior citizens homes all over Bengaluru, Pune and Goa and organising fun events. She has a group on Facebook called ‘Wonderful World’ that works only with elders. This is the second time that a programme for World Elders Day was organised by her.
Around 100 elderly people from three homes in Bengaluru– Little Sisters of the Poor, Ashley Care Homes and Friend in Need Society– soaked in the fun. Artists from Magic Mirror Salon gave them exciting makeovers and they enjoyed a game of tambola. This was followed by a vibrant Ganesha themed traditional dance by Team 5678 Academy. The group also captivated guests with a dazzling Western dance, involving a vibrant display of laser lights. Shyam and Steve played some good music while photographer Rohan Rego captured the mood for the afternoon.
After a sumptuous lunch, some guests gave lively performances and many shook a leg too. Captain Alan Arthur Wash of Ashley Care Homes, the oldest guest at 102, cut a cake on the occasion. “It was nice to witness some fantastic performances here. I have no words to express my happiness. I feel really loved and respected!” he gushed.