Mangaluru: The Action Group for Elderly (AGE), a dynamic organisation working for the elderly members of the society, held a felicitation event here at around 4.45 PM on January 30, to honour their members who have reached the age of 80.

The event was held at Sahodaya Hall, Balmatta, where refreshments were served to all the attendees before the start of the programme.

AGE Secretary Rita Rodrigues requested the President Zahid Hussain and Treasurer Mark Saldanha, to escort Chief Guest Jerardin D’Souza, Founder of Mangalore Alzheimer’s Association (MAA), to the dais.

The programme was then kicked off with a small invocation and was followed by the president welcoming the chief guest and the gathering to the event. This was followed by the introduction of the new members to all those gathered.

Rita Rodrigues introduced the chief guest to the gathering.

Following this, five members who had crossed the age of 80, were honoured by the chief guest, president and secretary.

Addressing the gathering, Jerardin D’Souza said, “They say that ‘old is gold’ because of all the rich experience that one accumulates over the years. Being fit and able to come and enjoy this occasion is truly remarkable. I am honoured to be here in your presence.”

He spoke about “Elder Care” and about the differences between forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s and dementia. He also spoke about how important it was to stay active in the old age and keep the mind active and occupied.

“Women are more prone to dementia. It is good to be active and play mental games like crosswords and the like”, said Jerardin D’Souza, adding that our bodies are just containers that get damaged with time but it is the contents that matter.

Speaking about “Lifeline for Elders”, a book that was launched on World Alzheimer’s Day, he said that the book was published in order to spread awareness among the elderly and help them with pointers and keep them apprised of services that they could avail. He also read a few pointers with regard to keeping the mind active from the book.

He then thanked the media for the role they play in helping spread awareness about the elderly. “When the elderly see themselves on the TV or anywhere else, it gives them such joy”, he said.

He concluded by requesting those who see people showing signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s, to take them to memory clinics so that they can be tested and the disease caught early on. He also requested that the existing members bring a new member to the group every month so that they too could benefit from the activities conducted and the familial atmosphere that prevails at their gatherings.

The president, Joint Secretary M S Kamath and secretary, honoured Jerardin D’Souza with a garland and shawl after his address to the gathering.

The formal programme was concluded with a short song sung by a few of the members.

The informal programme was kicked off with the lucky draw. There were two winners and the prizes were distributed by the chief guest. This was followed by a mass wishing to all those whose birthday came in January.

Zahid Hussain presented a memento to the chief guest after which the secretary entertained the crowd by narrating a few jokes.

The vote of thanks was proposed by M S Kamath and Rital Rodrigues compered the event.