'Vande Bujurgam' organised to highlight problems of the elderly

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) In a tribute to mark 'International Senior Citizens Day,' more than 400 people today donated blood under the aegis of the Help Foundation's 'Vande Bujurgam' programme.

The Foundation, which also organised a 'Health Mela' to mark the day in association with the Delhi Police and New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), said its aim was to spread awareness among the newer generation over the neglect of the elderly.

''We want to highlight the problems of the elderly people who mainly face psychological problems of isolation, loneliness and unshared feelings than physical ones,'' said Help Foundation's Susheel Raja.

Through the Health Mela, medical check-ups are being done and free medicines being provided besides acquainting them on alternative therapies, he added.

''The 'Vande Bujurgam' clarion call is aimed at the present generation to heed the problems of the elderly and the 'International Senior Citizens Day' was an apt day to not just showcase the problems they face but also the 'healing touch' they could be offered.'' Earlier in the day, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Mera Kumar flagged off the 'Walkathon' to mark 'International Day of Older Persons', in which several elderly people participated.

UNI AN VD GC1532