August 21 is the World Senior Citizen Day, a day specially dedicated to builders of the next generation, the day serves as an opportunity to honor our senior citizens and at the same time appreciate their contribution and service to the community as well. The occasion also allows the youth to appreciate them for their services, accomplishments, and dedication towards family and country. It's an effort by the young to acknowledge the problems that our elders face due to their age and raise awareness about those issues. Not just that, it is also an effort to recognise that our parents and grandparents are the living memory of history. They possess valuable and well-earned wisdom through life experiences, which they can share with the next generation as they navigate the many aspects of life.

According to estimates, 15 million old people in India are living alone, either because they have lost a partner or because their families had to move away owing to unavoidable employment obligations. The problem of loneliness or a lack of companionship, which has been the main factor contributing to their decline in the mental and physical health of senior adults.

IHA Foundation led by its Chairman Satnam Singh Ahluwalia visited Old Age Residential Homes and met the senior citizens, the volunteers spent time with them, performed songs and dances, ate with them, talked about various issues and took advise from them, discussed their life history and traditions and honored their relentless contribution to the society.

“For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which they may mature and grow older - places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity”, said Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman IHA Foundation.

IHA Foundation has started a pilot project – “Ashirwaad” – where young volunteers are engaged and sensitized about the plight of the older members of society and they are encouraged and driven to constantly engage and look after one elderly lonely member of any institution as his companion to create a unique intergenerational bond that we hope stand the test of time.

“This day honours senior citizens, and by virtue of which the celebration of the day is to express gratitude, express appreciation, honour and recognise the achievements of the elders, besides intensifying awareness about issues that affect them on a daily basis, such as deterioration in health or other day-to-day activities with the advancing of age. In fact we should remember that they are the living Heritage , the true pillars of Society and they should not be celebrated on one day but all 365 days of the year.”

“For our society to be truly inclusive, we should celebrate old age and their wisdom. On World Senior Citizens Day, let's honour each and every citizen around us and ensure that our elders get all the love, affection, and empathy. Ashirwaad is quite a shining example of how drive, diligence and dedication can prioritise the needs of those who tend to become an afterthought.”, said Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman IHA Foundation.