Increase in old age homes a matter of concern: Governor

Tamil Nadu: A new “Atulya” geriatric hospital dedicated to the healthcare of the elderly was inaugurated in Chennai on Sunday. Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi inaugurated the hospital and dedicated it to the public. Addressing the event, he spoke extensively on elderly care, healthcare, and society’s responsibility. He stated that the increasing number of old-age homes is not a permanent solution to any problem, but rather a matter of concern for society.

The Governor said that he has often heard about old-age homes, but the concept of “welfare of the elderly” is not given as much prominence in society. According to him, such hospitals and institutions help society understand that caring for the elderly is not limited to medical care but also a social responsibility.

He stated that the needs of the elderly differ from those of general medical services. Therefore, medical courses related to geriatric medicine, i.e., the treatment and care of the elderly, should be further strengthened. He said that if the number of specialized doctors and health workers in this field increases, the elderly will receive better treatment and care.

The Governor noted that India is considered one of the youngest countries in the world, and this is a matter of pride for the country. However, he also stated that over time, today’s youth will also become elderly. Therefore, society should develop a system with the future in mind, in which every person can receive respect and security in old age.

He said that any society is defined by how it treats its elders. It is the responsibility of both families and society to ensure that the elderly do not feel lonely and provide them with a respectable life.

In his address, the Governor noted that the way the younger generation treats their elders has become a topic of discussion in many families. He emphasized that maintaining family values ​​and mutual respect is essential so that the elderly feel valued and feel a valued part of the family.

He said that the ever-increasing number of old-age homes could be a sign that society and families are facing new social challenges. In such a situation, simply building new old-age homes will not be enough. Instead, families and society need to create an environment where the elderly can live a respectable life within their homes and families.

The Governor stated that emotional support is equally important for the elderly, along with health services. If family and society support them, their quality of life can be improved. He said that the government, health institutions, and social organizations should work together in this direction.

He described the inauguration of the “Atulya” Geriatric Hospital as a positive initiative. According to him, such specialized hospitals provide medical services tailored to the needs of the elderly and also work to raise awareness in society.

He said that the number of elderly people in the country is expected to increase in the coming years. Therefore, the health system will need to be prepared accordingly. Research, training, and the expansion of modern facilities in the field of geriatric medicine are the need of the hour.

At the end of the program, the Governor said that respecting elders has been a hallmark of Indian culture and this tradition should be maintained. He appealed to everyone to care for the elderly in their families and contribute to creating a society where every senior citizen can live with dignity, security, and access to quality healthcare.