All aboard: The Senior Station brings weekly adventures
A morning of fun as the seniors all join. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
On a bright Tuesday morning just before Avurudu, a group of senior citizens gathers in an air-conditioned hall at the Ladies’ College Institute of Professional Studies, Colombo 3. Dressed in bright Avurudu attire, they are ready to celebrate. The excitement is palpable as they greet each other, full of happy anticipation of the programme ahead.
Every Tuesday morning, they meet from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The ‘Senior Station’ run by a seven- person group, is a programme especially crafted for senior citizens to make them active and engaged members of society.
A non-profit venture, the Senior Station aims to fill the gaps in the rapidly growing community of elders by conducting programmes that stimulate the mind, body and soul. The seven behind the programme: Asamptha Perera, Farida Lukmanjee, Nisrin Jafferjee, Nadira Adamaly, Nisreen Jafferjee, Shanaz Nathani and Ummul Banin Caderbhoy have fondly taken the seniors under their wing. Seeking inspiration from similar initiatives abroad, the Senior Station was founded “almost as a thank you to our parents” Nadira says.
Although they have busy lives, some being working mothers with young children, they are all present every Tuesday morning to interact with the elderly.
The seniors take part in the lively avurudu games including “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”, “Banis Kema” (bun eating), garland making and even puzzles.
Claude Perera, 69, who has been coming for three months says there is a feeling of being “wanted” here. He received word of the Senior Station through brochures and curiosity made him seek out the programme. “It’s nice to go back down memory lane with your peers,” he shares, adding that he has made many new acquaintances and feels a significant improvement in his attitude, memory and confidence.
Sheila Samarasekera, a retired beautician, also worked as a receptionist in a leading company. One of the liveliest members of the group, a regular from day one, Sheila is said to be one of the first to volunteer to sing or dance
The seniors are mainly retirees from various professional backgrounds. From secretaries to authors, journalists, entrepreneurs, academics etc, the conversations paint pictures of bygone times.
The Senior Station had a modest start as a Facebook Open Forum group as the trustees attempted to get more research on the needs and requirements of the elderly community. Through feedback from elderly caregivers Asamptha shares, “we knew we needed to do something more!”
Begun on January 16 this year, the Senior Station’s trustees hope to incorporate more initiatives such as health, finance and logistic benefits for the elderly as well as platforms for members to present their various skills through workshops and seminars on subjects such as IT, money management, health awareness, positive thinking, teaching sessions etc.
The trustees have also worked with consulting psychologist Nivendra Uduman in putting the weekly programme together. The team has also undergone a certification in first aid and has emergency contact numbers for all its members.
Activities include light exercises (yoga and stretches), meditation and deep breathing, group based cognitive games (puzzles, quizzes, memory games etc.), sing- alongs and impromptu performances, talks and demonstrations by visiting guest speakers, skill based activities and workshops etc. Refreshments are also offered after each session.
The group’s yoga expert Nisrin Jafferjee initiated the programme with some basic stretching, to good-natured grousing from some of the members. “Let’s start with breathing,” Nisrin urges, the routine carefully followed by the seniors. The seriousness is broken by a solitary gentleman playfully declaring to the quiet hall “Thank you for reminding me! For a minute I forgot to breathe”.
The trustees, all old friends, instil a family atmosphere. Volunteers and even a small group of children, children of the trustees make shy conversation with stories and giggles. Farida Lukmanjee whose own children are present that morning smiles, “By bringing them here we’re showing the next generation how to treat their elders.”
Although still in its infancy, the trustees are looking to enhance their initiative with further funding, more volunteers etc. “In future we’re trying to create a sustainable brand image and hopefully partner with medical or community organizations to receive elders’ discounts etc,” Nadira says. All proceeds are solely for the non profit initiative as the main expenditure goes for food, logistics etc.
“There is always a sense of camaraderie here,” Nisrin shares. “They’re forming bonds whilst being mentally stimulated.” Cognitive games such as charades, arts and crafts etc keep the seniors intellectual and motor skills stimulated. Team games also help them socialize “especially motivating the shyer ones” Shanaz adds.
“There are so many aspects of growth and requirements for a person at any age,” says Banin Caderbhoy. “We’re just trying to make them feel empowered,” Nisreen Jafferjee adds. “We’re giving them two hours a week to fight to feel independent again.”
“Now that I think about it the trustees of the Senior Station are much like the operations of a real life train station,” Nisreen laughs. “Shanaz is the Station Master with her experience and calming presence, Asamptha is our administration, Banin gives the station colour being our creative person, Farida who keeps us motivated is our engine, Nisrin is the train’s amenities with her skills of yoga etc, Nadira is the oil to the machine and keeps everything running smoothly and Nisreen is the railway coupling as she keeps everyone together,” the ladies collectively share with a laugh. A testament to their namesake the group’s combined efforts allow this well oiled locomotive to steadily transport its elderly passengers to a new adventure weekly.
For more information on the Senior Station check out their Facebook Page or contact them by email at:
theseniorstation@gmail.com or call 0778445332