The Elderly in Goa
"Many times we take our elderly and even our old parents for granted and consider them to be a liability, when we could have obtained great assistance from them in different ways and made their life meaningful"- said Mr. Oscar Gonsalves, Chief Guest for the Valedictory Session of the two-day conference on "Concern for the Elderly: Society's Responsibility" on November 25, 2006, at the International Center, Goa, Dona Paula. This Conference was organized by the Centre for Studies and Support in Ageing of St. Xavier's College in Association with "The Centre for Research on Ageing" of S.V. University, Tirupati, and the International Centre, Dona Paula. Eighty delegates from Goa and other parts of India participated in this Conference, among whom there were representatives of Helpage India, Institute of Charity (Aldona), Sneha Mandir (Bandora), Madhurya & Vijaya Homes for the Aged (Arpora) and Forum for Senior Citizens (Margao). Six elderly inmates from Aldona also participated. The delegates appreciated very much the presence of young students and their involvement in the Conference. "This is a welcome sign for the winter of life"-they said. In his concluding address, Prof. Newman Fernandes, Principal of the College, assured that he would send the recommendations of the Conference to Mr. Subhash Shirodkar, Hon.Minister for Social Welfare & Panchayat, as per his request. He also informed that the Centre for Studies and Support in Ageing would lend support to the Government of Goa in the preparation of a comprehensive policy for the Elderly. In the year 2007-08, all the students will be involved in the activities of Centre and each student will spend atleast two hours a week in the homes for the elderly, rendering their support to them. Dr. Amit Dias from Goa Medical College said that the elderly population in Goa is higher than any other State. They suffer mostly from respiratory, heart, gastrointestinal, endocrinological, musculo-skeletal etc. Speaking about care of the elderly he said that there are 34 homes for the Elderly and 9% among them suffer from dementias. Our Government Health Services do not cater to the bedridden and the elderly face enormous difficulties - he added. He also stressed that the caregiver who is mostly a woman suffers from burnout and needs help too. Dr. Ramamurthy suggested that all elderly should get a discount while purchasing medicines in the pharmacies. The Coordinator of the seminar Ms. Ubaldinha Noronha, assured the delegates that this Centre would take several programs related to research and support to the Elderly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Goanet supports BMX, the alumni network of Britto's, St Mary's and Xavier's -- three prominent institutions in Mapusa, Goa. Events scheduled from Dec 16 to 21, 2006 For more details visit http://www.bmxgoa.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------
