Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS has called for stronger systems and greater collective responsibility to ensure that increasing longevity translates into healthy, dignified, secure and meaningful lives for senior citizens.

Imchen was speaking at the State Level Observation of the International Day of Older Persons 2026, organised by the Department of Social Welfare at the NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima, on October 1, under the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”

Extending greetings to senior citizens across Nagaland, the Chief Secretary acknowledged their contributions and sacrifices in building the State, nurturing generations, strengthening institutions and preserving Nagaland’s unique identity.

He said elders have traditionally held a special place of respect in Naga society, not merely because of their age but because of their experience and the accumulated wisdom of generations.

Referring to changing demographic trends, Imchen said people were living longer than at any other point in human history, while fertility rates were declining in many countries. He said the longevity transition was not simply about an increase in the number of older persons, but was also changing the structure of families and communities and creating new challenges for healthcare and social security systems.

Citing the India Ageing Report 2023, published by UNFPA in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences, he said India had approximately 149 million people aged 60 years and above in 2022, a figure projected to reach approximately 347 million by 2050.

He said the changing demographic situation required society to analyse, understand and address issues concerning older persons with greater seriousness.

Highlighting government initiatives, Imchen said more than 63,300 senior citizens were currently receiving assistance through the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and State-supported pension initiatives.

On healthcare and social support, he said the Government, through the Department of Social Welfare and its partners, was strengthening assistance through health camps, cataract surgeries and other targeted interventions. Under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, eligible senior citizens from BPL families are provided assistive and mobility devices.

He also highlighted the strengthening of Geriatric Caregiver training in partnership with the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur, and other expert training partners. The initiative, he said, would improve professional care for the elderly while creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for youth.

On institutional care, Imchen said the Government supports 12 Senior Citizen Homes under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), providing safe and healthy environments where senior citizens can access companionship, recreational activities and medical supervision.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

He also highlighted the Senior Citizens Helpline 14567, a toll-free national helpline launched in Nagaland on September 28, 2021. The helpline provides information and guidance on pensions, government schemes and elder-care services, besides assistance in situations involving distress, vulnerability or abuse.

The Chief Secretary stressed that while policies and schemes were important, their effective implementation on the ground was equally essential. He said loopholes must be plugged, gaps bridged and outreach expanded.

He appreciated the Department for undertaking the identification of bogus and non-eligible beneficiaries under IGNOAPS in coordination with State treasuries, stating that the exercise would help extend the scheme to deserving beneficiaries who were yet to be covered. He appealed to the public to cooperate with the Government in the exercise.

Speaking on changing concepts of work, retirement and contribution, Imchen said families and communities had traditionally been Nagaland’s greatest strength, with elders cared for by children, grandchildren and relatives.

However, he observed that education, employment, migration and changing lifestyles were making families increasingly dispersed, placing traditional support systems under strain.

He called upon families, communities, churches, Government and society as a whole to give serious thought to ensuring that the tradition of caring for elders continues in modern forms, while appropriate structures are put in place to meet the evolving needs of senior citizens.

Imchen said longevity was a blessing but also required adjustment to changing circumstances. Retirement from employment, business or economic activity, he said, should not necessarily mean withdrawal from a productive and meaningful life. He encouraged senior citizens to remain physically active, health-conscious and engaged in community life.

Secretary, Social Welfare, Limawabang Jamir, IAS, in his keynote address, acknowledged the contributions of senior citizens at the State and district levels and said longer lives must be accompanied by a higher quality of life, safety and protection of human rights.

He emphasised the need to strengthen healthcare systems, develop age-friendly workplaces and lifelong learning opportunities, improve accessibility and infrastructure, and protect the rights and dignity of older persons.

Jamir also highlighted the participation of healthcare professionals, senior artisans, young students, civil society organisations and the Elderline 14567 team, stating that their involvement could help promote greater awareness and build age-friendly communities.

The programme also featured the presentation of State Awards to Prof Alongla P Aier, distinguished educationist, theologian, social worker and advocate for the empowerment of women and girls in Nagaland, and Dr LM Murry, distinguished medical professional known for his contributions to medical service, humanitarian work, community welfare and Christian ministry.

Receiving the award, Prof Alongla P Aier expressed appreciation to the Centre and State Governments for observing the International Day of Older Persons and recognising the elderly. She said respecting and recognising older persons was a valuable cultural practice that contributed to a more humane and dignified society.

She also acknowledged the work of SCAN in ensuring that senior citizens are not forgotten and expressed gratitude to her family and to God.

Dr LM Murry expressed gratitude for the recognition and thanked the Social Welfare Department for initiating the award scheme. Reflecting on his life, he said experiences of happiness and difficulty had helped him grow in wisdom.

He emphasised that while physical strength may diminish with age, experience and wisdom remain valuable, expressing hope that these could continue to guide and encourage younger generations.

The programme also featured handicrafts by senior citizens and live demonstrations aimed at fostering inter-generational bonding.

A free medical camp was organised by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, providing blood pressure and blood sugar checks, eye and ENT screening, dental check-ups, AYUSH services, general health check-ups and consultations, besides CMHIS and ABHA registration.

The programme was chaired by Director, Social Welfare, Tosheli Zhimomi. The invocation was offered by Rev. Izieteilung Terieng, State Chaplain, Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Assistant Director, Social Welfare, Akali Sema, presented the citations of the State Awardees, while Deputy Director, Social Welfare, K Wango Langsym, delivered the vote of thanks.