SHILLONG : The Department of Social Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, observed the International Day of Older Persons 2026 at the State Convention Centre in Shillong on Thursday, bringing together nearly 400 elderly people along with government officials, stakeholders and members of civil society.
The programme was held under the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” and focused on the need to create systems that enable older people to live longer lives with dignity, security, purpose and meaning.
Among those present were Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Director of Social Welfare Smti. Saloni Verma, IAS, and Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women, Smti. Iamon Syiem.
Addressing the gathering, Bah Paul Lyngdoh said ageing should not be viewed as something that needs to be fought or prevented, as growing older is a natural part of life.
He also spoke about the growing focus on remaining young through cosmetic and medical interventions, saying the more important issue is not merely how long a person lives or how they look, but how they continue to grow, learn and contribute through the different stages of life.
Stressing the importance of a positive mindset, purpose and a willingness to keep learning, he said that “it is all in the mind”. He encouraged people to carry the message of the celebration beyond the programme and recognize that every stage of life offers opportunities to learn, contribute and find meaning.
Smti. Iamon Syiem highlighted the vast knowledge and experience accumulated by senior citizens throughout their lives. She said society must recognize and value the wisdom that older people have gained through their experiences and circumstances.
She also acknowledged the role of the Social Welfare Department in providing various schemes, safeguards and support related to shelter, healthcare and assistance for senior citizens across the state.
Urging senior citizens and those caring for them to remain aware of the available provisions, Smti. Syiem emphasized the importance of strong family and community support systems to ensure that older people are respected, cared for and able to live with dignity.
The celebration also featured a special musical presentation and a video presentation titled “A Journey Down Memory Lane: Videos and Photographs,” which showcased glimpses of Shillong from the past and provided an opportunity for participants to revisit memories and experiences from earlier times.
Smti. Saloni Verma, IAS, Director of the Social Welfare Department, stressed that increasing longevity must be accompanied by a better quality of life.
She said that while people are living longer, it is important to ensure that the additional years are meaningful, secure and dignified. She also emphasized that older people should not be viewed only as recipients of healthcare and financial assistance, but as active contributors whose knowledge, values and experience can benefit present and future generations.
As part of the programme, the senior-most male and female participants were felicitated. Representatives of old-age homes and day-care centres were also honoured for their dedicated and compassionate service towards the care and well-being of older people.
A medical check-up facility was additionally arranged in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, allowing elderly participants to undergo health screening and receive medical support during the programme.
The observance highlighted the importance of recognizing the contribution of older people and strengthening family, community and institutional support systems so that longer lives can also be lived with dignity, purpose and security.