Forget everything you think you know about being old. Far from letting the elderly have a lonely, decrepit existence, it is time to harness their skills, knowledge, and experience.
The Elikkulam grama panchayat in Kottayam, which recently won the government’s award for the best elder-friendly local body in the State, has now kick-started works to explore this sunny disposition of elders. As part of it, the panchayat has now joined hands with Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) to become the first complete U3A (University of the Third Age) village to help the elderly to positively relish their lives.
The project takes its cue from the success of the U3A programme by the MGU, which guides those aged above 55 years into a happy third phase of their life. Launched in March this year, the project now has units in all 14 districts in the State with over 200 members.
