Nagaland today honoured the people who are above 60 years of age on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons by organising health walkathon and special felicitation programme throughout the state.
The main function was organised by Department of Social Welfare under the theme "Sustainability and Age inclusiveness in the Urban environment" in the state capital.
"Aging is not a problem but an achievement," said retired Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Alemtemshi Jamir while stressing upon the important role that older persons play in their families, communities and societies.
Maintaining that the traditional views on what it means to be old have changed, he said that older persons now have many more opportunities to keep contributing to society beyond any set retirement age.
"Where older persons were sometimes seen as a burden on society, they are now increasingly recognised as an asset that can and should be tapped," he said.
"The invaluable role that older persons play in all societies are not only as caregivers but also as leaders and volunteers. They also are often the repository of knowledge, social history, traditions, customs and practices which play a pivotal role in the determination of the identity of a society as also the basis of its morals and ethics," Jamir added.
He went on to state that the whole world stands to gain from an empowered older generation, with the potential to make tremendous contributions to the development process and to the work of building more productive, peaceful and sustainable societies.
"It should be our endeavour that together we ensure that people live not only longer lives, but better, more enriching, rewarding and fulfilling lives," Jamir said.
On the occasion, two octogenarians Beilieu Shuya, President of Nagaland Prayer Fellowship and Reverend Dr V K Nuh, general secretary of Naga Baptist Association were honoured with the state's distinguished senior citizens award.
