By Jerardin D'Souza
Mangaluru, Aug 23: "We must remember and serve those who cannot remember," said Dr Olinda Pereira, the 93 year 'young' president of People's Association for Geriatric Empowerment (PAGE), an organization of around 40 organizations.
On August 21, PAGE held a meeting at Hotel Ocean Pearl. Dr Prabha Adhikari, vice president of PAGE, introduced the various organizations and their office bearers.
"The association of so many organizations to serve our elders is itself a great victory and we shall use this positive energy to make a difference to the quality of life of our elders," said Jerardin D'Souza, founder, Mangalore Alzheimer's Association (MAA) and trustee of PAGE.
"'Prevention of risk factors, care and cure' is the mantra for observing World Alzheimer's month," said Dr Prabha Adhikari. "Each organization must take up an activity and visit various institutions to share awareness and prevention message."
Sunil Kumar of Forum mall volunteered to extend financial support generated from 'Purple Run for Alzheimer's cause' to PAGE on September 30. He also offered the premises of the mall for the various activities of Alzheimer's month which was received with a thunderous applause by the members.
Loretta Pinto, MD Susheg Trust, who is building a hospital for Alzheimer's Dementia sufferers, volunteered to print Dementia awareness leaflets to circulate among the public.
"Each organization must try to bring a reference for a sponsor to meet the expenses and fund the activities," suggested Mohanraj, MD, Bright HR Solutions and trustee of PAGE.
Surendra Bekal, president, KMC Nava Chaitanya, Lion Manjunath K N, Mark Saldanha, VP, AGE Mangaluru, Kusuma Rao, former president, Dr Kusum D'Sa, Chandraprabha Nayak, Spoorthi Trust, Lidwin Lobo, Vishwas Trust, Ramamanai, Sheela Jayaprakas, Lion Jyothi Shetty, Lion Hema Rao, Dr Santosh Yatnati, Yenepoya Medical College and other
service minded people shared their views.
The meeting was full of positive energy and a fun filled group photo of all the elders and youngsters was clicked.
There will be awareness and prevention, memory test clinics, movies on Dementia, involvement of all parts of society from students to eminent citizens.
"PAGE appeals to everyone to be part of this 'World Alzheimer's Month' and this will truly make Mangaluru a smart city," said Jerardin D'Souza.