The Journey to Age Equality! 2 Senior Citizens Felicitated by Navachaitanya KMC-Attavar
With the 2019 Theme of ‘World Elders Day ‘The Journey to Age Equality’ 2 Senior Citizens Felicitated by Navachaitanya KMC-Attavar on ‘World Elders’ Day’ on Wednesday, 23 October 2019 at KMC Hospital Hall-Attavar, Mangaluru
” My simple diet, active lifestyle, socializing with friends, daily prayers, and especially playing with my pet animals have kept me alive till now. The first time I had to see a doctor was on my 100th birthday, and ever since then I have been sick constantly? I trust in God, and not in Medicines. I am happy with my life so far”- 106-year-old “Super centenarian” Michael D’souza, a ex-service man, living in Mangaluru, and still employed as driver for office going woman.
Mangaluru: If you want to know how to age successfully, your best bet is to ask older adults who’ve figured out the secrets. These few wise individuals mentioned here, including our very own-Mangalorean Super Centenarian 106-year-old Michael D’souza, ( whose birthday was celebrated at today’s occasion) all of whom lived well into their later years, provide a range of witty, wise, and even practical tips for finding fulfillment, no matter what your age- like, “I have reached an age when, if someone tells me to wear socks, I don’t have to.”-Physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955); “At age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don’t care what they think of us. At age 60, we discover they haven’t been thinking of us at all.” -Writer/Columnist Ann Landers (1918-2002);
These few very inspiring characterization of old age fits with the concept of “successful aging,” provides the view that it is possible to enjoy your later years in a way that exceeds your expectations. By sharing these wise, witty, and insightful quotes, I hope I’ve inspired you to think more positively about your own aging and to gain a better perspective on ways to live as productively and as long as you can. For the fact, as people get older, they move away from the egocentric concerns of youth to the more realistic perceptions of midlife and older adults, who realize that they are not the center of the universe. As a result, older adults are free to do what they want, not constrained by what they construe to be the opinions of others. Happy belated wishes of “World Elders’ Day!”, which was observed on 1 October.
106-year-old Michael D’souza of Hat Hill, Mangaluru
” My simple diet, active lifestyle, socializing with friends, daily prayers, and especially playing with my pet animals have kept me alive till now. The first time I had to see a doctor was on my 100th birthday, and ever since then I have been sick constantly? I trust in God, and not in Medicines. I am happy with my life so far”- 106-year-old “Super centenarian” Michael D’souza, a ex-service man, living in Mangaluru, and still employed as driver for office going woman.
The International Day for elderly People is celebrated yearly on 1st October, to raise awareness about the problems faced by the elderly people in our society. The theme for the 2019 observation of the day was “The Journey to Age Equality”. The theme is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal number 10 or SDG 10 – preventing old age inequalities. World Elders’Day was first established at 14th of December in the year 1990 by the United Nations General Assembly. It was started celebrating for the first time on October 1st in the year 1991 to aware the people about issues which affects the elders as well as to appreciate their contribution towards the society.
As they say “Better Late Than Never”, here in the City, “World Elders’ Day’ was celebrated by Navachaitanya KMC-Attavar, Mangaluru on Wednesday, 23 October 2019 at KMC Hospital Hall, Attavar, Mangaluru. The programme began with a prayer by Dr Anusuya Salian, followed by welcome address by M S Kamath-the President of Navachaitanya. The programmew as inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest- Dr Jayashree Bhat- Professor, Dept of ASLP ( Audiology, Speech, & Language Pathology), KMC-Attavar; along with other dignitaries on the dais namely-Ms Marialla D’souza- counselor, Dept of Psychiatry, KMC-Attavar; M S Kamath, Ms Rita Rodrigues, and Nagendra-the president, Vice President and Secretary respectively of Navachaitanya.
Following the inauguration, Two Senior Citizens, namely- Ms Sharada Rao and Ms Sanjeevi Shetty, both members of Navachaitanya were felicitated on the occasion. Also on the occasion, the birthday of the the senior most member in the audience “Super Centenarian” Michael D’souza, aged 106 years ( 19 October 2019) was also celebrated, and as a gift from Zahid Hussain Baji (president of AGE-Mangaluru) Michael D’souza was inducted as Member of Navachaitanya. While the membership fee of Michael D’souza was sponsored by Baji, the birthday cake was sponsored by Yours Truly of Team Mangalorean. Long Live Grandpa, Michael!
Addressing the gathering, Chief guest Dr Jayashree Bhat said, ” Your active lifestyle has made you reach so far, and I feel proud to say because these days people die young due to lack of exercised and healthy eating life style. To you all ‘young’ folks out there I say,”Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength. Aging can be fun if you lay back and enjoy it. Aging has a wonderful beauty and we should have respect for that. You people are not old, who are old are the present generation who waste their time being lazy browsing or talking on their mobile phones or sending whatsapp messages. Don’t get feared of retirement, it is just a normal thing. There are many kinds of retirement in ones life. Many get scared about retirement assuming that they will get sick or get bedridden forever”.
“Organizations like Navachaitanya, gives you an opportunity to keep you active and have fun, therefore make sure you avail all the opportunities. Also keep God close to you, because without God’s support and blessing no one can succeed in life. I feel happy to see you all in full of enthusiasm and charisma, and continue to live in the same manner. It’s sad to note that while the present generation can remember the phone numbers of Zomato, Pizza Hut or Cinepolis theatre, but don’t remember the phone numbers of their parents. Such is the present situation. But anyways, you don’t have to fear of old-age, because You are still young, and enjoy life- May God bless you all!” added Dr Bhat.
Mementos were presented to the dignitaries, and also fruits were distributed to a NGO-Abhaya Ashram. Following vote of thanks by Nagendra- it was time for the Vintage revelers from KMC Navachaitanya Bejai & Attavar and Spoorthi Charitable Trust to unleash their hidden talents in the form of music and dance, a total of 17 performances, which received loud applaud from the audience. Who said Elders can’t entertain? The formal function was compered by Zahid Hussain Baji (president of AGE-Mangaluru) , while the cultural part was compered by Ms Susheela Rao, a active member of Navachaitanya KMC Attavar.
In conclusion, no doubt that this day is celebrated every year to make certain the welfare of elder persons as well as to enroll their significant involvement in the society to get promoted from their knowledge and ability. It’s nice to note that the World Elders Day is celebrated worldwide to examine issues, promote public awareness and focus on which type of behavior can help older men and women throughout their life. Truly, people are getting encouraged about their responsibilities towards the lives of elder people to make their life better and happy by analyzing all the problems affecting the life of older people. Long Live Navachaitanya KMC Attavar for keeping their organization active and keeping the members happy, lively and healthy!