Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Oct 1: “To love and be loved is a valuable human quality. There will be a vacuum in the lives of the senior citizens when we neglect them. Therefore, looking after the elderly among us is an important responsibility,” said Yenepoya university social work department head Dr Mohammed Guthigar. He was speaking on the international day of the older persons and the inauguration of the outpatient department of geriatric medicine on October 1.

“The human life span that was 47 years in 1969 has reached 69 years. WHO has said that the number of senior citizens will be more than the youth in 2032. There are instances of senior citizens lying on beds as orphans. It is unfortunate that Muslims are also looking for ashrams,” he said.

Yenepoya Medical College medical superintendent Dr Prakash M Saldanha who presided over the programme said that the department of geriatric medicine in the hospital functions well.

Head of the department of Geriatric medicine, Dr Prabha Adhikari said that lifestyle is important for health and medicine during old age. “We should look after our health before our organs are affected. Let the attitude to live in joy grow. Women take a major part in looking after the patients both in the hospitals and homes. Look after your health before looking after the children,” she said.

Assistant medical superintendent Dr Nagaraj was present. Senior staff of the department of geriatric medicine, Rathnaker Gatti, Shobha Mabel, Chandravati and Santhosh Maben were felicitated.

Sabith welcomed. Kritharth rendered a vote of thanks. Lyn Rodrigues compered the programme. The hospital staff conducted a cultural programme.