Staff Reporters/Correspondents/DIPR
DIMAPUR/KOHIMA/WOKHA, OCt 1 (NPN): The International Day of Older Persons 2026 was observed across Nagaland on October 1 under the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.” The observances highlighted the contributions of senior citizens and emphasized the need for stronger support systems, healthcare services, social security, dignity and inclusion for the elderly.
KOHIMA: The state-level observance was held at the NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima, bringing together government officials, senior citizens and stakeholders to discuss challenges posed by an ageing population.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen paid tribute to senior citizens for their contributions in nurturing generations, building institutions and preserving Nagaland’s identity. He said longevity should not merely mean living longer but ensuring that additional years are healthy, secure, dignified and meaningful. While elders have traditionally occupied an honoured position in Naga society, he noted that migration, changing lifestyles and evolving family structures have placed increasing pressure on traditional support systems.
Citing the India Ageing Report 2023, Imchen pointed out that India’s elderly population is projected to increase significantly by 2050, making it imperative to strengthen healthcare and social security systems. He highlighted various government initiatives for senior citizens, including the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), under which more than 63,300 elderly persons in Nagaland receive assistance. He also referred to healthcare camps, cataract surgeries, assistive devices provided under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, 12 Senior Citizen Homes supported under AVYAY and the Senior Citizens Helpline 14567.
Calling for effective implementation of welfare schemes, Imchen stressed that families, communities, churches and government agencies must work together to support older persons. Earlier, Social Welfare Secretary, Limawabang Jamir emphasized the need to redesign healthcare, education, employment, transport and social security systems to accommodate longer lives. He also advocated age-friendly communities and stronger protection of the rights and dignity of senior citizens.
The programme also featured presentation of the State Citizen Awards to Prof. Alongla P. Aier and Dr. L.M. Murry in recognition of their distinguished contributions to society.
WOKHA: The observance in Wokha was held at Tiyi Hall and focused on promoting greater respect, inclusion, dignity and care for senior citizens.
Speaking as special guest, DC, K. Mhathung Tsanglao reminded participants that ageing is a natural phase of life and urged society to treat older persons with care, dignity and consideration. He encouraged people to value the wisdom and life experiences of their elders and to seek their blessings and guidance.
Theme speaker Acting Principal of Bailey Baptist College, Penthungo Lotha, called for celebrating old age and according greater recognition and respect to senior citizens. He stressed the need for senior citizen-friendly healthcare services and improved support systems to ensure that elderly persons can live with dignity and comfort. Describing senior citizens as valuable members of society and custodians of experience, he urged communities to become more responsive to their needs.
Speaking on behalf of the Senior Well-being and Recreational Club, Dr. Chumben Murry, Advisor to the Chief Minister, called for greater appreciation, inclusion and gratitude towards older persons. He said the club was established to provide recreational opportunities and social interaction for senior citizens and hoped that more such initiatives would be introduced in the future.
As part of the programme, H. Nyanbemo Ngullie and Nchumbeni Kithan received the District Awards for Distinguished Senior Citizens in recognition of their valuable contributions and service to society.
NIULAND: The Department of Social Welfare, Niuland, observed the occasion at Kuhuboto KGPO Hall, where around 100 senior citizens from nearly 10 villages participated.
Delivering the keynote address, DPO T.Y. Peter Yanthan said the observance was intended to honour the lifelong services and contributions of senior citizens. Encouraging healthy ageing, he advised older persons to maintain balanced diets, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep and remain socially active. He stressed that hobbies, community participation and social interaction were essential for maintaining physical and mental health in old age.
In his greetings message, Deputy Commissioner T.L. Kiusumong Tikhir highlighted concerns regarding the low coverage of welfare schemes among elderly citizens. Referring to a survey conducted during the programme, he revealed that only about 20 to 25 percent of the senior citizens present were receiving old-age pensions, while just 10 to 20 percent had CMHIS or PM-JAY health insurance cards.
Expressing concern over the findings, Tikhir said many deserving elderly persons were being left out despite the existence of welfare schemes. He urged officials to identify gaps, improve pension coverage and ensure wider enrollment in health insurance programmes. He also stressed the importance of pension support, nutrition and universal healthcare for older persons, especially those without family support.
A free medical camp and health awareness programme conducted by Dr. Naro Mo of PHC Kuhuboto was a major highlight of the event. During the programme, R. Nitoli Ngullie and Yehozhe Sema were honoured with the Distinguished Senior Citizen District-Level Awards for their outstanding contributions to society. The programme also featured cultural items, award presentations and interaction with senior citizens.
Tuensang: Deputy Commissioner Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, who attended the programme as special guest, called upon society to acknowledge the contributions made by senior citizens towards building peaceful and harmonious communities. She urged younger generations to value the wisdom of elders and learn from their experiences rather than ignoring their guidance. Stressing the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, she encouraged senior citizens to pass on their expertise in handicrafts, cultural practices and traditional medicinal plants to younger generations. She also called for creating an environment where ageing is viewed as a blessing rather than a burden.
As part of the programme, the District Level Distinguished Senior Citizens Award 2026 was presented to K. Yanchumong Chang and K. Ayanla. The event also featured a special prayer for older persons and concluded with a free medical camp organised jointly by the Social Welfare Department and the Health & Family Welfare Department.
Mokokchung: At Mokokchung, Pastor Anok Amer of Impur Baptist Church, speaking on the theme, described older citizens as a blessing to society and stressed the need to ensure their well-being and longevity. He urged senior citizens to remain socially, mentally and physically active so that they could continue contributing meaningfully to society.
Amer highlighted the importance of making long-term preparations for healthy and productive ageing while also emphasizing the need for social protection and care for older persons.
The observance concluded with a free health screening programme for senior citizens organised jointly by the Departments of Social Welfare and Health & Family Welfare.
ZUNHEBOTO: Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj, stressed the need to ensure healthy, active and meaningful lives for senior citizens while acknowledging government efforts to improve their quality of life. Referring to welfare measures such as Ayushman Bharat and old-age pension schemes, he said these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to senior citizens, though emotional and social aspects of ageing also require attention.
He emphasized the importance of keeping senior citizens actively engaged in society and encouraging them to share their knowledge and experiences with younger generations to preserve traditions and cultural values.
State-level awards were presented to Kitoli Naje and H. Kashito Yepthomi, while district-level awards were given to N. Atoli Sema and N. Toihe Sema. A free health camp and a legal awareness programme on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 were also conducted.
LONGLENG: Speaking as special guest, ADC Thungchanbemo Tungoe encouraged senior citizens to remain active through regular physical exercise and light household activities to maintain good health. He said longevity is a blessing and highlighted the importance of clean surroundings and accessible healthcare services in ensuring healthy ageing.
The ADC noted that government initiatives such as pension schemes and free medical check-ups are designed to support the welfare of senior citizens. He also emphasized that elders should be respected and regarded as sources of wisdom and blessings. Calling on younger generations to learn from the experiences and sacrifices of older persons, he urged them to value and care for their elders.
The event also featured district awards for senior citizens, a medical camp conducted in collaboration with the Health & Family Welfare Department and cultural presentations.
KIPHIRE: Addressing the gathering, SDO (C) Rozy Sangtam said people are fortunate to live in an era of advanced healthcare, which has contributed to longer and healthier lives. She encouraged senior citizens not to regard themselves as burdens but as valuable reservoirs of knowledge, experience and wisdom.
Sangtam urged older persons to stand up for their rights and speak out whenever their needs are overlooked. She described elders as important custodians of Naga customs, traditions and community values and called on younger generations to seek their advice and guidance.
During the programme, Thsantsumong and M. Visheli Sumi were honoured for their distinguished service to society. The observance concluded with a free medical camp for senior citizens and a community lunch.