'Bond with an elder' campaign launched in Mangaluru

Vishwas Trust in association with Rotary Club of Mangaluru is all set to promote the concept of taking responsibility of the elderly with a campaign titled “Bond with an elder”.

Launching the campaign at Mangalore Press Club here on Saturday, Vishwas Trust Founder Olinda Pereira said that a city like Mangaluru needs to commit itself to the needs of its growing numbers of senior citizens.

Stating that frequent, stimulating social interaction helps to prevent older individuals from becoming depressed and developing additional health issues, she said a simple commitment of regularly keeping in touch or an occasional outing or card game can have a significant, enduring positive impact on loved ones or neighbours who are elderly.

“Rather than expressing appreciation to the elderly only on one day in a year, on their birthday, or on World Elders Day, we believe we could go further and make a more meaningful supportive gesture by committing to their wellbeing in a more lasting manner,” she said and added that it could consist of regular hello, an occasional chat, a leisurely evening walk, shared tea or board game, replacement of fused bulb, picking up of medicines, accompanying them to the bank or for medical check-ups and the like.
Citing an example of an elderly person’s death in the apartment which came to light after a few days as he was staying alone, Pereira said a little step can go a long way in the life of a senior citizen.

Speaking on the occasion, Rotary Club president Yathish Baikampady said that the very fact that people like Olinda Pereira, who is more than 90-years-old, taking up such a task is an insult to Mangalureans, he called upon the youth to take up the initiative.

He also said that an online photography contest titled #GrandSelfi (taking selfi with grandparents or elderly neighbours) is planned to promote the bond the youngsters share with the elders. The Grand Selfi with the maximum likes on Facebook and the Best Grand Selfies wil  be awarded prizes sponsored by Merger Soda, he informed.

For more details, contact 9632890101 or log on to www.facebook.com/bondwithanelder; www.twitter.com/bondwithanelder; www.bondwithanelder.blogspot.com; or [e-mail]

Social Activist Vidya Dinkar said the campaign will culminate on UN Day, that is, October 24.