Mangalore : Old is Gold!-that’s right.We don’t believe age is any more than a mere number. Not with these smooth party “young” ladies and men on the floor. Look at them go! Even in the glorious age of white hair and senior citizen discounts, their inner children are not only alive and well, they’re shaking things up too… literally. They are getting with the groove, boogey-ing, dancing well, doing yoga moves, and having some fun and frolic. All this and much more talents unleashed by the lovable, cute and enthusiastic young “Seniors” was witnessed by the gathering assembled for the “World Elders Day” and “Gandhi Jayanthi” celebrations hosted by KMC Nava Chaitanya on 2 October 2015 at KMC “Sushrutha” Hall-Attavar. The hall simply reverberated!
As they say that “Ageing is not ‘lost youth’, but a new stage of opportunity and strength”- there is no age limit when you are capable of having some fun and want to party- even senior citizens know how to party hard and have fun and frolic. Imagine a 80 year old lady swinging her body to a Bollywood tune, and a couple other grandmas and Grandpas lifting their legs and shaking their hips to a Kannada/Malyalam dance hits. Imagine a teeth-less 79 year-old “young damsel” singing and enthralling the audience with her best solo performance, few others old timers cracking some jokes- made everyone feel that even older folks have the capacity to rock the world with their talents in their vintage years. These “Young” bunch were proved to be exceptionally talented “Vintage Revellers” !
NGOs like KMC Nava Chaitanya and Mangalore Alzheimer’s association are doing one heckuva job caring and entertaining the seniors, thereby keeping them healthy, active and happy. “World Elders Day” is dedicated to honor, respect and care for the world’s elderly. In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1st as the International Day for the Elderly, also known as the International Day for Older persons. This is a result of the UN World Assembly on Aging which was formed in 1982 to explore and tend to the needs of the elderly in the world. The Day has become an annual event around the world, with various activities organized in commemoration of contributions of older persons. And here in Mangalore, KMC Nava Chaitanya has been organizing great events, seminars and training for the older people, which needs to be commended by everyone.
“What is the one thing that is important in Life..?” asked Lion Sadashiva Kini to the gathering of Elders, inaugurating the “Gandhi Jayanthi” cum “World Elders Day” celebrations. The Elders responded with ‘Peace of Mind’, ‘Money for needs”Good Health” and many reasons. “‘It is being Creatively engaged and doing some activity which you love that leads to peace of mind and in return good Health and a long happy life” revealed the 79 year ‘Young’ Lion Sadashiva Kini .He was speaking after the Director of KMC Nava Chaitanya Dr.Prabha Adhikari who said ”Next year I will be eligible to join Nava Chaitanya and I will be there with all of you as an Active member and enjoy all the Fun that you people have” to a resounding applause from the members whom she has such an umbilical bond with.
Asked to speak after Ln Sadashiva Kini’s elaborate speech, Chief Guest Er.Jerardin D’souza, Founder, Mangalore Alzheimer’s Association,-MAA, said ” After a speech of Elephantine Strength and Wisdom, A person looking Huge like an Elephant can’t do much justice” self mocking at himself for his big built, sent the gathering into peals of laughter. ”What cant be cured has to be endured”, but in Alzheimer’s affected, the family and care givers have to endure and learn to endure more. Alzheimer’s is responsible for 50 to 60% of the memory loss disease in the various forms of Dementia and taking care of diabetes , Alcoholic dementia etc ,can help. We can surely hope for better Service and awareness on this lesser known affliction that is “Alzheimer’s”” , and the doors of Mangalore Alzheimer’s Association is always open to anyone who needs help and advice-call us and we will be happy to enroll you as a member and give our best service ” said Er Jerardine D’souza.
Lion Hema, President Lioness Club, narrated her life story saying she has lost her parents early and is blessed to be with these Elders whom she considers on par with her parents. She too promised to join forces with Dr.Prabha in Serving the Cause of our Elders. Smt.Kusuma, President read the annual report. Dr. Anusuya Salian and the multi faceted B.T.Salian read out the prizes for various activities. Lion.Hema and Lion Kini distributed the prizes.
On 1st October ‘World Elders Day” was observed with Lion Arvind Shenoy, President Lions delivering an emotional address. Dr.Anand Venugopal, Medical Superintendent ,KMC, Hospital, Dr.Unni Krishnan, Associate Dean, KMC, Dr.Damodar Shenoy,HOD, Medicine, KMC and Er.Jerardin D’souza, Founder, Mangalore Alzheimer’s Association-MAA, were guests of Honour. Dr.Prabha Adhikari, Director ,KMC Nava Chaitanya was the prime mover. The Program was followed by great cultural activities by the Elders of KMC Nava Chaitanya.
Manjunath, Secretary, KMC Nava Chaitanya, delivered the vote of thanks, while Kamath and Mrs.Kini were the brilliant comperes. A brilliant Show of Talent by the Elders followed. The “STAR of the Day” was of course Ms.Narmada who stole the Show with her mesmerizing dance. Dr.Anusuya, Ms.Kusuma, B.T.Salian, Manjunath, Ms.Honora Pereira, Ms.Lily, presented a hilarious SKIT of marriage alliance. There was a lovely ‘Ramp Walk’ by the Ladies and Gentlemen in various costumes, followed by variety of Bollywood, and Sandalwood songs. There was a beautiful YOGA demonstration with various Asanas done by the Bejai Active Aging Centre of KMC Nava Chaitanya. The bevy of “Young Revellers” simply Rocked the House!
I end this column with few thought-provoking words of wisdom on “old age’-
“The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young. The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes old age as well as youth and maturity. The beauty of the morning and the radiance of noon are good, but it would be a very silly person who drew the curtains and turned on the light in order to shut out the tranquillity of the evening. Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth. The old are in a second childhood. When we’re young we have faith in what is seen, but when we’re old we know that what is seen is traced in air and built on water. No one wishes to grow old, to outlive their illusions. Only a short respite from cares and sorrow, a brief time of flowers, and music, and love, and laughter, and ecstatic tears”.
Great Report -Thanks to Jeradin