By Jerardin D'Souza
Mangaluru, Sep 28: 'World Alzheimer's Day' was observed with great care, love and in a celebratory mood by the members of Ten organizations Page at Kadri Park on Sunday September 27 evening.
'Exercise at least twice a week and reduce Dementia' screamed a banner.
"A great initiative has been taken in creating awareness and supporting Alzheimer's affected families by Dr Prabha Adhikari, geriatrician, KMC and Jerardin D'Souza, founder, Mangalore Alzheimer's Association MAA," said Dr Olinda Pereira, director, Vishwas Trust as she inaugurated the 'Alzheimer's Walk' at Kadri Park, where lots of elders (senior citizens) as also youngsters from Centre for Integrated Learning CIL joined in to make the evening a very touching and memorable one.
"By walking and then reverse walking the brain gets stimulated and is ideal for elders as well as the people with Alzheimer's risk," said Dr Prabha Adhikari.
"When I was small I wondered what degree BSW and MSW meant and what could be taught in social work? Dr Olinda Pereira is the umbrella under whom all social work activities happen as she was the founder principal of premier social work Institute Roshini Nilaya," said Jerardin D'Souza as he presented a booklet on 'Caregiving of Dementia affected' written by psychiatrist and CMO of A V Baliga Hospital Udupi to both Dr Olinda Pereira and Dr Prabha Adhikari.
The enthusiastic group of elders and youngsters walked in the park singing fun songs, laughing and celebrating being old yet energetic. Dr Olinda Pereira, the 90 year young spirited lady said, "I will walk a little," and joined in the walk thereby putting the 'younger lazy generation' to shame.
Dr Prabha had brought her affected patients too for the walk and was very attentive and motivating towards them. There was laughter fun and smiles on every senior's face. "This is truly a Holy Ground," observed Jerardin D'Souza.
The assembled 'old youngsters' sang and laughed with rare zest and energy. Kannada, Konkani, English Tulu songs were sung with rare camaraderie.
Dr Anusuya Salian sang an English number, 'Meet meet me tonight in the moonlight' sending peals of laughter all around.
A senior lady sang old numbers accompanied by the mouth organ adding life to the gathering.
Kusuma started the 'Laughing' exercise as they regularly do it at their 'Laughing Club'
Mohan Raj of the just inaugurated 'Bright HR Solutions' brought oranges and shared them with everyone. Various organizations brought biscuits, fruits, soft drinks and shared them with great love and fun.
Nandagopal, Shwetha, Disha, Sumith, Satya of CIL went around with a plastic bag and collected all the peels and waste to dispose of with proper civic sense.
The walk, the talk, the song, the jokes, the dance, the music and the overall relaxing and life enhancing 'World Alzheimer's Day' observation was the initiative of Dr Prabha Adhikari, who devotes lot of time and energy to the seniors.
Dr Raghuveer, registrar, Yenepoya University was also seen carrying banners and mingling with the 'Old Youngsters'.
Sachitha Nandagopal, director, CIL, was also busy in clicking photos and actively participating in this great event.