Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (SM/SN)
UDupi, Oct 10: The District Legal Services Authority, District Hospital, Senior Citizens' Forum and Dr A V Baliga Institute of Social Sciences and Rural Management together organized a programme to mark the 'World Mental Health Day' at IMA Bhavan on Thursday October 10.
The function was inaugurated by Nagajyothi, chief judicial magistrate. Speaking to the media after the inauguration she said "our society is under the pressure of modernization. People do not have the time to take care of their own families especially elders. We cannot blame individuals for this but it is our social system that needs to be changed. Most of the seniors citizens suffer from physical and mental health problems, this maybe due to the generation gap."
She appealed to the public and stated that, if anyone is suffering from mental health and the family is not in a position to look after (whatever may be the reason), they should be brought to court and the government via the court will provide free treatment.
She also added that as there are certain rights for children in the law, senior citizens can avail the same. It is the responsibility of the children to look after their parents when they are aged.
"In certain cases if the parents are suffering after giving their property to the children; the parents have the right to withdraw the will," she stated.
Dr Vasudev said that awareness about mental health is important because the life expectancy is increasing daily. Around 11 % of the population currently belongs to the above-60 age group.
Dr P V Bhandari said that mental health awareness mostly required for the senior citizens because of their loneliness, depression, dementia causes them to be mentally sick. Prevention for this should be proper excercises (4 times a day for just 10 minutes), diet (more salad and less rice) and the feeling of happiness which they have to create for themselves.
Rabindra Nayak, C S Rao and Dr Deepak Mallya and others were present.