Coimbatore, Dec. 8:
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, in association with the National Institute of Social Defence under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, has begun a two-day National Conference-cum-Workshop on “Generation Connect: Ageing, Inclusion and Empowerment” at the Chandra Seminar Hall on the college campus.
The programme is being organised exclusively for senior citizens with the objective of creating an age-positive learning space that promotes wellbeing, safety, participation and social connection. The event has gained special importance in the present scenario as India is witnessing a rapid demographic shift, with the elderly population projected to double by the year 2050.
The conference aims to sensitise the community and empower senior citizens with practical knowledge while promoting healthy, dignified and active ageing. Key focus areas include awareness on elders’ rights, health literacy, digital confidence, emotional wellbeing and financial safety, all of which have become crucial in today’s fast-changing world.
Leading experts are delivering special lectures on ageing myths and realities, holistic health, emotional wellness, mobility, nutrition, use of technology by elders and financial protection. Hands-on workshops, group discussions and interactive storytelling sessions are also being conducted to enable senior citizens to share their life experiences, learn simple digital tools and understand safety mechanisms.
A special design-thinking activity has been introduced to help participants visualise and co-create elder-friendly communities that uphold autonomy and social inclusion.
By bringing together senior citizens, students, academicians, practitioners and social work professionals, the programme seeks to promote intergenerational dialogue, mutual respect and stronger family and community bonds. Awareness is also being created about the National Institute of Social Defence’s initiatives such as Elderline, capacity-building programmes and various government support systems meant for the protection and empowerment of senior citizens.
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women stated that this conference reflects the institution’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, compassionate outreach and social responsibility. The organisers expressed hope that the programme would benefit a large number of senior citizens and inspire further initiatives towards building a respectful and inclusive society for the ageing population.
