It was fun and dance at the Nakuru GK prison on Monday when three organizations from Nakuru celebrated the International Day of Older Persons with elderly inmates at the men’s prison.
Psychiatric Disability Organization (PDO), the Kenya Red Cross and Nakuru Players Theater joined hands to bring smiles to the older inmates faces most of whom are spending their twilight years forgotten by families and friend.
The day set aside by the United Nations is commemorated on October 1st. This year’s theme is “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.”
This year’s day was about enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies at large. It focuses on the pathways that support full and effective participation in old age, in accordance with old persons’ basic rights, needs and preferences.
The event started with expressive therapy and talk therapy that was conducted by PDO, a local organization that provides weekly psychosocial support visits to both male and female facility.
Speaking at the event, PDO Founder/CEO Iregi Mwenja emphasized the need for the society to take care of the elderly citing the various health challenges that come with age.
“Dimentia characterized by deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks is a common condition in the elderly”, he said.
The Nakuru Players’ Theater entertained the elderly inmates with songs, spoken word, comedy and dancing routine while the Red Cross team provided donations of clothes and soaps.
Mercy Mongare is a Project Officer with Psychiatric Disability Organization based in Nakuru. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Psychiatricdisability/
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