On October 1, 2023 Dwip Unnayan Songstha (DUS) celebrated “International Day for Elderly person”- 2023 in the Nijhum Dwip, Chandni, and Dhanshiri Unions. In this context, a rally and two discussion sessions were held. About 60 elderly people participated in this event in the three unions. During the event, the elderly people raised some demands. They demanded to establish a therapy center in each union to alleviate joint pain; increase the amount of elderly allowances and provide sufficient blankets, quilts, shawls, commodes, and other supplies for every elderly person.
The United Nations has recognized aging as a major challenge in human life and, in pursuit of raising awareness about this issue, “International Day for Elderly Persons “has been observed globally every year on October 1 since 1991. This year’s theme for the day was “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations.”
It’s worth mentioning that, the Dwip Unnayan Songstha and the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) are jointly implementing the program named “Elderly People program” in Nijhum Dwip and Chandni Unions under Hatia Upazila of Noakhali district, as well as Dhanshiri Union under Kabirhat Upazila for uplifting the quality of the lives of the elderly people. Establishing 27 social centers for elderly people in 3 unions and having around 550 registered elderly people there. In these centers, elderly people can spend their leisure time by reading newspapers, watching television and interacting with each other. Through this program, providing old age allowances and assistive materials (blankets, warm cloths, commodes, walking sticks, wheelchairs, umbrellas etc to the elderly people’ every year. Additionally, various National Days are observed at the social center for elderly people.
