Tellis Nayak, in her eloquent discourse, likened the role of parents to that of nurturing trees, symbolizing the essence of providing shade, shelter, and comfort. She fervently underscored the paramount importance of respecting and cherishing elders within our societal fabric, highlighting their indelible contributions.
The session delved into the quintessential '4W's of gerontology - unraveling the what, why, when, and who - providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Tellis Nayak's compelling presentation urged undergraduate and postgraduate scholars to recognize the pivotal role of gerontology in shaping their perceptions of aging and society at large.
Moreover, the discussion took an invigorating turn towards envisioning our cities as senior-friendly havens, fostering a holistic approach to elder care and rehabilitation. Addressing the evolving trends in aging dynamics, the discourse emphasized the need for societal self-empowerment, advocating for adaptive changes over perpetuating the taboo of age care homes and their conventional processes.
Furthermore, the session illuminated the potential of gerontology as an inclusive and interdisciplinary field, envisaging its evolution into a standalone department in the near future. It beckoned various educational disciplines to converge and contribute, fostering a new paradigm in addressing the multifaceted facets of aging.
Amidst the luminaries present, including Dr Sanjay Eapen Samuel, principal of Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, Mangaluru, Sr Dr Vinora A C, the PG coordinator, and Dr Devi Prabha Alva, the convenor of the event, the session resonated as a clarion call for societal transformation towards a more empathetic and inclusive approach to aging.