Mokokchung, October 1 (MTNews): According to the 2011 Census, the elder population of Nagaland stands at 1,39,494 which roughly makes up about 7% of the total population of the State. This was stated by Commissioner & Secretary, Martha R. Ritse while speaking on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons organized by the Department of Social Welfare at Highland Park, Kohima on October 1.
She also cited Nagaland Vision 2030 which mentioned that if the proportion remains constant over the next 15 years, the number of old age people will increase to approximately 2.23 lakhs by 2030.
Ritse also said that the COVID-19 pandemic has made everyone aware of the socio-economic, environmental, health, and climate-related impacts on the lives of older persons and added that the Department of Social Welfare has social security benefits in place for the aged and vulnerable which are provided through various National Social Assistance programs.
Mokokchung observes International Day of Older Persons
Along with the rest of the world, the ‘International Day of Older Persons’ was observed in Mokokchung under the global theme, “The resilience and contributions of older women” at Ongpangkong Salang, Mokokchung with Shashank Pratap Singh IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung as special guest. The observance was organized by District Welfare Office Mokokchung in collaboration with Chief Medical Office Mokokchung.
During his speech, the Deputy Commissioner stated that society comprises different sections of people with different requirements and attention regarding their needs. Elderly citizens in the society need special attention for their overall well-being, he said. To meet these challenges, Govt. of India has come up with various schemes to assist the elderly citizens, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) being one such scheme to provide assistive devices to the elderly citizens, he added.
Dr. Limanaro, DPO (NCD) Mokokchung during a brief exhortation urged the senior citizens to keep a check on their sound health and mind; ‘health is wealth’ she said, adding that as age increases one is bound to have medical complications. However, she went on to inform that most of the complications can be easily overcome by following a healthy diet and routine exercise.
During the program, Distinguished Senior Citizen Award was presented to Dr. Tiameren Ao and Mrs. Temsula Lemtur for their distinguished service rendered to society while token distribution of assistive devices to beneficiaries were provided through the central scheme of Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana.
The program was chaired by Purkumzuk LDA, and Monglier, Associate Pastor, MTBA delivered a special prayer for older persons while Hebou Rio presented the welcome address and Imliyanger, CDPO Kubolong gave the vote of thanks.
Following the event, a free medical camp was also held to mark the occasion in Mokokchung.