New Delhi: Senior citizens in Delhi will soon have dedicated spaces in their neighbourhoods where they can relax, make and meet friends, play games, practise yoga and meditation, and participate in health and recreational activities.Chief minister Rekha Gupta Friday said Vayo Anand Yojana would be launched to promote an active and socially connected life for people aged 60 years and above. “Govt wants senior citizens to lead a dignified, healthy and socially active life,” she emphasised.Recreational centres will offer a range of facilities for free to help senior citizens spend their leisure time in a safe and comfortable environment, and combat loneliness, CM pointed out. They will have indoor games such as carrom and ludo, along with toilet facilities, seating arrangements, fans, coolers, televisions and computers.The centres, meant exclusively for senior citizens, can be run at community spaces and village chaupals by residents welfare associations, central group housing societies and registered societies/trusts, among others. They will remain open for at least five days a week and a minimum of seven hours a day, between 7am and 8pm. Each centre must have at least 200 members.Gupta said eligible centres would receive financial assistance of Rs 2.4 lakh annually. “The amount will be released in two equal half-yearly instalments. Operators will have to provide all the arrangements and facilities mentioned under the scheme and the centres must operate from community spaces,” CM said.Senior citizens will have access to newspapers, magazines and books, and yoga and meditation classes will be conducted regularly to encourage physical fitness and mental wellbeing.The centres will also organise various activities throughout the year, including health programmes, outdoor tours, storytelling sessions, painting, craft and pottery workshops, nutritional counselling, and indoor and outdoor games. At least five to six special programmes will be organised every year, including celebrations of International Yoga Day, Senior Citizens’ Day and national festivals. Programmes for women, persons with disabilities and transgenders will be prioritised.Monthly medical camps will be held and first-aid kits will be available at each centre for basic medical assistance. The centres will remain in touch with nearby police stations and hospitals to ensure quick assistance during emergencies.
