Youth advised to treat elderly people with dignity

KOHIMA — Expounding on the inevitable fact of growing old in life, Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Kohima town assembly constituency, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, has called upon the younger generation to treat elderly people with dignity if they want the same treatment later in life.

Dr. Rhutso stated this during the second-anniversary celebration of Elder Line Nagaland-14567, a national helpline for senior citizens, on Thursday at Ete Coffee in Kohima. Dr. Rhutso, who was the special guest at the event, observed that there were fewer incidents of distress calls as Naga society cared for the elderly. He, however, viewed that such incidents might increase with the passage of time and urbanisation.

The legislator, who represents the capital constituency, also assured his best to facilitate the older citizens with recreation facilities. He further called upon the youngsters to treat the elderly people with dignity.

On the occasion, Dr. Rhutso also released a magazine titled ‘Footprint.’

Also speaking on the occasion, Dr. I Pihoto Khala, vice president of Senior Citizens’ Association Nagaland (SCAN), acknowledged the management of Elderline Nagaland and staff for their relentless efforts to care for the elders and senior citizens. He implored the Elder Line Nagaland to facilitate old age pensions for the senior citizens, medical facilities and services in the rural areas and other issues by collaborating with the concerned departments.

Neithonuo Liegise, programme manager of Elder Line Nagaland, informed that Elder Line Nagaland was set up by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under the National Institute of Social Defence, in collaboration with State Social Welfare Department, to facilitate happy and healthy ageing by serving the senior citizens of India with honour and compassion.

She informed that the state helpline consists of Connect Centre operational from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm, which is managed by call officers and assisted by field response officers. The purpose of Connect Centre is to solve problems and field intervention to rescue senior citizens.

She also highlighted various other interventions done by the team to rescue the senior citizens.

On the occasion, a prayer was said by Abeni TCK, senior citizen, while the welcome address was delivered by Kevitsonuo, leader of Connect Centre, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Nichuya, call officer of Elder Line, Nagaland.

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