Seniors Rock at the Closing Ceremony of ‘September World Alzheimer’s Month’
Mangaluru: All’s Well that Ends Well!-That’s right. Quoting Shakespeare’s words, “But with the word the time will bring on summer, When briers shall have leaves as well as thorns, All’s well that ends well; still the fine’s the crown; Whatever the course, the end is the renown “-all I can say is that the members of PAGE (People`s Association of Geriatric Empowerment) had done a marvelous job by organizing quite a few programmes/seminars/talks pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease during the “World Alzheimer’s Month” (WAM) which was kicked off on 1 September at Kadri park attended by a huge gathering- and today, 23 September the curtain came down at Town Hall- Mangaluru to say “Adios” to the unique and prestigious ‘WAM’, after a glittering valedictory function, which ended with mind-blowing performances by the seniors which enthralled the audience and also surprised them that “Seniors too can Dance and Act, even at that vintage age.
Although WAM is celebrated on 21st September, it was observed couple days later. Kudos, a job well done to PAGE members, and especially Dr Olinda Pereira and Dr Prabha Adhikari-the President and Vice President of PAGE respectively; and Er Jerardin D’souza- the Board member of PAGE, and Founder of Mangalore Alzheimer’s Association. The finale of the nearly 23 days of Alzheimer’s Awareness month did enthral the large group of people, both young and old who had assembled at Town Hall. Now, many of the youngsters in the audience came to know that old-timers also do have talents, can do some funky moves, and they too can rock!
The programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered by lady members of KMC Navachaitanya, followed by welcome address by Dr Prabha Adhikari – Vice President of PAGE who briefing about the significance of World Alzheimer’s Day said, ” Dementia can affect all aspects of a person’s life, as well as their family’s. If you have been diagnosed with dementia, or you are caring for someone with the condition, remember that there is advice and support available to help you live well. People with dementia shouldn’t simply stop doing what they enjoy in life; instead, they should try to remain as independent as possible and continue to enjoy their usual activities. Over time, people with dementia will need help to cope at home, and they may even need residential care in a nursing home eventually”.
Addressing the gathering 93 years “young” Dr Olinda Pereira- President of PAGE said, “It is natural to feel worried about the future, but you are not alone – whether you have dementia or you care for someone with the condition. PAGE and other social services and voluntary organizations under PAGE can all provide advice and support to help you and your family. Living a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, including people with dementia, and is the best way to help prevent dementia. Eating well and exercising are important for everyone. PAGE has health and well-being advice for everyone. If a friend or family member finds it hard to talk to you, make the first move and explain that you still need to see them and tell them how they can help you. Thanks for your continued support during this Alzheimer’s Month, and we look forward to continued support in our future ventures” added Dr Pereira.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries on the dais namely, Dr Shantharam Shetty- Pro-Chancellor, Nitte University; Krishna Palemar- Former State Minister; Sunder Poojary- Deputy Director, Dept. of Women and Child Development; Dr Olinda Pereira- President, PAGE; Dr Prabha Adhikari- Vice President, PAGE; Minister UT Khader; MCC Mayor Kavitha Sanil; Dr Yusuf Ali Kumble- MD, Indiana Hospital; Dr Udaya Kumar- Principal, Mangalore University college; Dr Devraj K- Principal, SDM PG Centre of Management; Dr Sreekumar Menon-Registrar, Yenepoya University; Dr Ravish Tunga- Prof. and HOD at AJ Institute of Medical Sciences; Er Jerardin D’souza- Founder MAA; among many others.
Addressing the gathering Dr Shantharam Shetty said, “In India, out of every 10 elderly couples in India, more than 6 are forced by their children to leave their homes. With no place to go and all hopes lost, the elderly have to resort to old age homes, which do not guarantee first-class treatment. In India, unlike the USA, parents do not leave their children on their own after they turn 18 (of course there are exceptions), but children find it hard to accept the fact that there are times when parents want to feel the love that they once shared with them. There are times when parents just want to relax and want their children to reciprocate their care. Every parent wants to see their child grow and be successful but no parent wants their child to treat them like an unnecessary load on their responsibilities. Old-age people need love and care, and not money! I commend PAGE and its members for their initiatives and programmes aimed at caring and loving towards Alzheimer’s/Dementia people. Keep up the good work and may God bless you all”.
MCC Mayor Kavitha Sanil addressing the gathering said that she was happy to be amidst all the seniors, and assured all support in case PAGE needs support from MCC. Other dignitaries on the dais also spoke about Dementia and urged the community, especially the youngsters to show love towards the older people, and particularly care for those diagnosed with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s/Dementia. They also complimented PAGE and its members for their concern towards people with Alzheimer’s, and also their unique projects bringing awareness about this disease. Prizes were distributed to the winners in the various contests like Best Slogan, Memory walk, and many other organized during the WAM.
The “Big” Star of the event Er Jerardin D’souza, as always with some witty punchlines thanked everyone from the bottom of his heart for making this prestigious September Month dedicated towards People with Alzheimer’s a sheer success, and asked for community support in their forthcoming ventures pertaining to Alzheimer’s/Dementia. Yet another ‘Star Attraction’ of the day was pretty lass and Mrs Popular at the recently concluded Mrs World India Beauty pageant Ms Soujanya Hegde, who compered the whole event very professionally, making the event more lively through some of her dialogues.
The function ended with a cultural programme, with the Students of St Agnes Teachers Training Institute for Special Education- Bendore performing a mind-blowing dance sequence on “Environment”, and also the members of KMC Navachaitanya and Spoorthi Charitable Trust performing a skit and dance. A bevy of ladies of Vishwas Trust set the atmosphere into a dancing mood by their dance to the tune of a Mangalorean Konkani Baila number- and the audience gave them a loud applaud, and even called for encores. No doubt it was indeed a glittering and entertaining finale to a great month dedicated to people with Alzheimer’s. A documentary film about Alzheimer’s (on the life of Dr Prabha Adhikari’s dad who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s ) was shown to the audience, which brought much more awareness on Dementia/Alzheimer’s. A book named ” Lifeline for Elders’ brought out by PAGE was also released on the occasion. A resolution was also passed and accepted by the audience to get funds from the govt. towards Alzheimer’s patients, and many dignitaries on the dais and audience fully supported it.
In conclusion, “Every other day, we see news of parents being beaten up by their children, parents and in-laws being forced to do the household chores, being made to live in small dungeon-like rooms, their property being forcefully taken over by over-ambitious children. According to NGOs incidences of elderly couples being forced to sell their houses are very high. Some elderly people have also complained that in case of a property dispute they feel more helpless when their wives side with their children. Many of them suffer in silence as they fear humiliation or are too scared to speak up. After a certain age health problems begin to crop up leading to losing control over one’s body, even not recognizing own family owing to Alzheimer are common in old age. It is then children began to see their parents as burden. It is these parents who at times wander out of their homes or are thrown out. Some dump their old parents or grandparents in old-age homes and don’t even come to visit them anymore”.
“Forget the rights that the elderly enjoy in India. Just forget about the action that they can take. Think on moral grounds. Why do we tend to forget that the reason we are in this world is our parents, the reason we studied is our parents, the reason we were alive all this while is our parents, the reason we survived all the diseases is our mother’s care. The hands who made us walk is our parents’. When we were kids we never thought of it but we knew that no matter what, our parents will be by our side. But when our time came to show our respect, to reciprocate the love, to show our gratitude, we back out. But the truth is that even when they are counting their last breath, they are still thinking of us! Is the youth too insensitive to the elder? Passing comments at an old man walking slowly on the road and disturbing the flow of the traffic are our ethics? Come on youth, stand up against such injustice. Do not treat your parents or grandparents like burden especially when they need you. Love and take care if you come across any people afflicted with Alzheimer’s ?dementia, and make a difference in the community. You can do it- we all can do it to make “Mangaluru Dementia Friendly”. Thank You!
It a sorry state of affairs….the Govts: central and state…..do not have even a department leave alone a ministry, for the welfare of sick aged. The existing department ‘Women and child welfare only is concerned about women, as they do not have manpower and funds for others…so no unit of the office is deputed to look after the aged and suffering. All these high and mighty on the stage are only aiming to get awards and rewards and deprive the aged of the meager amount that is available. The elders helpline..1090, for example always complains that they do not receive… Read more »