SHILLONG: The School of Social Work, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), hosted a two-day national conference themed “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World,” bringing together academics, policymakers, practitioners, and students to address issues of ageing, dignity, and well-being.
The conference opened with cultural performances and an address by Prof. R. Jennifer War, who highlighted shifting family structures and the enduring wisdom of the elderly.
Keynote speakers emphasized dialogue, psychosocial well-being, and the constitutional responsibility to ensure dignified ageing, especially in the Northeast.
Chief Guest Paul Lyngdoh, Adviser to the Social Welfare Department, called for a positive perspective on longevity, stressing purposeful living, resilience, and mental health for healthy ageing.
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Technical sessions explored health and mental well-being, family and caregiving systems, economic security, culture, media, intergenerational relationships, professional practice, and community interventions.
The event concluded with a panel discussion on building resilient, age-friendly communities, with experts highlighting the need for inclusive healthcare, digital inclusion, financial security, and dignity-centered care.
The conference called for collaborative efforts from families, communities, government, and civil society to create supportive, age-friendly environments where older persons can live with dignity and well-being.
(4FrontMedia news)
