Group of Senior Citizens Calls on the President on the Occasion of International Day of Older Persons

A group of senior citizens called on the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons.

Speaking to the group, the President said that the elderly in our society needs attention and care. Smt. Patil acknowledged the importance of the contributions that the elderly have made to society and felt that in turn the society should recognize the needs, particularly the emotional needs of the older citizens. Organisations that bring together the elderly must be commended as by bringing persons of the same age together, such people can give each other mutual support.
During the discussions, the group of senior citizens felt that old age is not merely a physical condition but more of a state where a person is helpless and dependent. However, the group felt that the elderly could contribute to society. The group also welcomed the move by the Government to introduce a Bill in Parliament for the welfare of parents and senior citizens.