Youth extend support to elders

Visakhapatnam: Displaying banners and placards that read 'hug,' 'putting your phone away and paying attention, there is an app for it called respect,' 'we won't be silent sufferers' and 'all we need is love,' senior citizens took out a rally to mark the 'World Elder Abuse Awareness Day' here on Saturday.

Organised by HelpAge India, Visakhapatnam, the walk was supported by senior citizens associations such as United Forum of Senior Citizens, Vintage Visakha and Shashtipurthi Abhyudaya Samithi, among others.

A few young volunteers too extended support to the cause, participating in the rally that covered the stretch from Kali Mata temple to Yoga Village and back to the temple. Liaison manager of HelpAge India, Andhra Pradesh L Mrinal and president of United Forum for Senior Citizens TVS Rao laid emphasis on the effective implementation of National Policy for Senior Citizens and Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

The need to build a network and stay connected to enhance moral and emotional support were highlighted by some of the senior citizens who took part in the rally that began at 6 am on the Beach Road.