Karachi, August 22, 2022 (Online): Secretary Social Welfare Department Government of Sindh Abdul Waheed Sheikh said that the government of the province is working on “Sindh Senior Citizen Law” under which they will be able to provide facilities for senior citizens to improve their quality of life, as a result of which certain facilities will be given to the senior citizens.
An “old age home” will also be set up in every district of Sindh. An agreement has been signed with NADRA to issue cards to senior citizens. On the other hand, the Senior Citizen Act 2014 which was passed in 2016. Certain amendments are being proposed so that no hindrance can come up in its operationalization.
He was speaking as a Chief Guest in an event by the name of “DUHS Grand Parents Day” organized by Dow University of Health Sciences regarding World Senior Citizen Day at Muin Hall, DMC. The theme of this event was “Active Ageing, a privilege denied to many”.
This event was a part of Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Pakistan and the Decade of Healthy Ageing from 2021 — 2030 declared by United nations and WHO, which is in alignment with the sustainable development goals, particularly SDG-3 which is to attain good health and wellbeing for all by 2030.
This event discussed active ageing as a strategy for senior citizens, to maintain their health and wellbeing. The speakers highlighted the importance of a healthy diet, regular physical activity, participation in social welfare and being mentally active for preventing chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
On this occasion, Professor Nusrat Shah, Acting Vice Chancellor Dow University of Health Sciences, Professor Saba Sohail, Principal Dow Medical College, Prof. Zarnaz Wahid, Ex-Pro VC DUHS, Dr Anum Arshad, Incharge Family Health DUHS, Dr Washdev, Assistant Prof. Psychiatry DUHS, Prof Jahan Ara, Chairperson Obstetrics & Gynecology DUHS, Dr. Faisal Yameen, Head of Physical Medicine DUHS, Ms Hina Badar, Nutritionist at DUHS, Dr Mona Shah, Instructor at Dow Dental Hospital, Mr Mohammed Ali Shah, Master Trainer at Dynamik Gym and Major Zahid, Head of Healthy Society Pakistan were present. Apart from teachers and students, there were also a large number of senior citizens.
Secretary Social Welfare Department Abdul Waheed Sheikh said that to improve the lives of the elderly, they are also taking help from experts in various fields and a final decision will be reached in the light of their opinions. Professor Nusrat Shah said that the joint family system practiced here for centuries is now changing, in which the grandparents did not feel lonely, but according to the new era, children want independence and prefer to be apart from their parents. For their better future, they go abroad and stay there.
As a result, the concept of active aging is getting stronger, i.e. the concept of physical, mental and social functioning. She said that Dow University has introduced an online e-coordinator course for the general public to actively watch and listen to the elderly people, through which they are trained in the care of the also by which they can take care of them and provide them with further information about the elderly people.
She said that now the average age in the world has increased to 68 years, so our life expectancy is also increasing, so we have to not only increase the years but also improve the quality of life. Principal Saba Sohail said that age should not be determined by numbers, but by physical health and condition. Here, 65 to 67-year-old people are considered elderly, while in Africa, 50-year-old people are considered elderly. We should take care of the mental health of the elderly.
This increases or decreases their age. Dr Anum Arshad talked about geriatric issues and stressed upon healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, making smart food choices, sleeping well, quitting smoking, pursuing hobbies and managing stress by getting involved in social activities. Dr Washdev highlighted the issue of depression in older adults and said it is usually a result of life circumstances e.g. death of a loved one, chronic illness, or; retirement.
It can be prevented by keeping physically, mentally and socially active. Prof Jahan Ara talked about urinary incontinence and how it can be managed to a large extent by healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Faisal Yameen talked about the importance of Yoga, aerobic exercise, strengthening and stretching exercises for maintaining flexibility and mobility in older age. Ms Badar Hina highlighted the importance of a balanced diet, taking regular meals, high fiber diet, less sugar, less salt and maintaining a healthy weight, Dr. Mona Shah talked about the importance of maintaining oral hygiene for maintaining health in older adults. Mr. Mohammed Ali Shah demonstrated various doable strength training exercises for older adults to keep their balance and flexibility.
Major Zahid talked about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and practicing laughter therapy.
At the event, questions were asked by showing videos of popular old songs of Pakistani film industry and awards were given to the lucky ones who gave the correct answers. Earlier, the students of Dow Medical College distributed welcome greeting cards to the participants.
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