Commemorate World Elders’ Day – 2024 – “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations”
The International Day of Older Adults, also known as World Elders Day, is celebrated on 1st of October annually to raise awareness about the opportunities and challenges faced by aging populations. It also aims to mobilize the community to address the difficulties encountered by older individuals.
To commemorate the International Day for Older Adults 2024, the Career Guidance Unit of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, in collaboration with the Department of Unani Clinical Medicine and the Department of Ayurveda Medicine and Indigenous Medicine, organized a special event at the Salvation Army – Rajagiriya Elders and Iris Perera Home on 9th of September 2024. Final Professional (2018/2019) BAMS & BUMS students participated in the event, which aimed to celebrate older adults through creative arts and wellness activities. The students actively engaged in various activities, including music, dance, and interactive wellness sessions, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. Their participation helped foster a sense of community and joy among the older adults, making the event both meaningful and memorable. The objectives included honoring their lifelong contributions, enhancing their emotional and physical well-being, and increasing students’ understanding of the needs and rights of older adults.
The event was successfully completed by the guidance of Professor Pathirage Kamal Perera, Dean, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo. Professor RDH Kulathunga, Head of the Department of Ayurveda Medicine and Indigenous Medicine and Dr. A.M. Muthalib, Head of the Department of Unani Clinical Medicine played key roles in organizing this event. Dr. R.H.S.K. De Silva, Coordinator of the Career Guidance Unit and Dr. Sahani Weerasekara, Secretary of the Career Guidance Unit at Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo were crucial in the planning and execution of the event, offering thematic guidance throughout both the preparation and implementation phases. Senior lecturers at the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine – University of Colombo, Dr. Sirajudeen, Dr. Rumaiza and Dr. Joonus have also joined us with their participation.
The event was coordinated by Dr. MNF Naazneen, Probationary Lecturer, Department of Unani Clinical Medicine and Dr. WKT Dushmantha, Probationary Lecturer, Department of Ayurveda Medicine and Indigenous Medicine, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo.
