MANGALORE (Daijiworld Media Network), October 22, 2007: Recent surveys indicate that a sizeable segment of the Indian population will be of senior citizens. But ground reality is that India has not equipped itself to care for the elderly population. This was stated by Dr. Olinda Pereira, former head of Roshini Nilaya during her inaugural speech at a symposium on 'Principles of Geriatric Rehabilitation' organized here today by the department of Physiotherapy, Father Muller Medical College.
Age is a matter of concern but not a problem. Senior citizens need care and concern both physically and psychologically, she noed and hoped that physiotherapy could be a solution to problems faced by those prone to emotional insecurity. Loneliness and insecurity are common problems which may make the elderly believe they are most neglected and forgotten persons. Keeping oneself busy may help. A toll-free helpline has been started to help senior citizens and they can even seek help of the police, she added. Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director, FMMC in his presidential address regretted that in India, when compared to the west, senior citizens did not get importance in terms of infrastructure. Many countries make it mandatory that all buildings and public toilets have railings.
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