Multan: A ceremony was held at Women University Multan to mark International Day of Older Persons 2026, with speakers urging the young generation to benefit from the experience, knowledge and wisdom of elders.
According to a spokesperson on Sunday, the event was organized by the Department of Sociology to highlight ageing, the care of elderly people, and the importance of their dignity and respect in society. It was held as a practical component of the department’s course on social gerontology. Students from the sociology department and other university departments participated in large numbers.
Experts spoke on the social, psychological and cultural aspects of ageing and briefed students on the problems faced by senior citizens and the need for their proper care.
Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Syeda Shahida Batool said elders are a valuable asset of society, and their lifelong hard work, experience and wisdom served as guidance for the new generation. it is the responsibility of everyone to value and preserve their knowledge and experiences.
She said the youth should treat elders with love, respect and compassion. Strong family values were the foundation of society, and elders played an important role in passing these values from one generation to the next, she added. The elderly had the right to live with honour and dignity, and families and society should look after their physical, mental and emotional needs.
Clinical psychologist Dr Syed Muzaffar Hussain said people could face certain psychological and emotional problems as they grew older. In such circumstances, the attention, love and support of the family played an important role in improving the lives of elders, he added.
Assistant Director of the Punjab Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Department’s Old Age Home Samia Munir said providing a safe environment, proper care and respect to the elderly was the collective responsibility of society. She also briefed participants on the facilities available at the old age home and the needs of senior citizens.
Former chairperson of the Sociology Department Dr Farhat Zafar Alam said elders played an important role in society through their experiences and traditions. She said the new generation should learn from their experiences and acknowledge their role in promoting social values.
Retired Professor of English and former student of the university Mrs Yasmeen said elders needed attention, love and respect, and giving them time could bring a positive change in their lives.
The event was organized by Teacher In-charge of the Sociology Department Dr Ayesha Khan and Lecturer Dr Aqsa Qandeel, in collaboration with the department’s faculty and the Directorate of Student Affairs.