Workshop for Senior Citizens: 'Ageing Gracefully, Living Meaningfully'

This post is an introduction to an upcoming two-day workshop for senior citizens and those interested in the welfare of senior citizens organized by the Mahatma Gandhi University’s School of Gandhian Thought and Development Studies (Kottayam, Kerala).

The theme of the programme is ‘Ageing gracefully, living meaningfully’. Dates are 17 and 18 October 2014. If you are interested do join in. 

What is special about this workshop?

1.       This is a personal transformation-oriented programme. That means the emphasis will not be on transmission of information on ageing and its implications. Instead, it will be on attitudinal change for ageing gracefully and meaningfully. 

2.       The methodology will be applied humanistic psychology known as Theme-Centred Interaction. That means there will not be any lecture or power-point presentations. Emphasis will be on introspection and interaction leading to transformation.

3.       It is going to be intensive learning experience, free from formalities and ceremonies. To learn is to change. Therefore, through this programme, participants can expect an attitudinal and behavioural transformation.

I have offered to lead this workshop because I see around me a number of seniors who are frustrated or have turned negative with age. It is important that all of us become sensitive to the type of energy we radiate around us. Is it positive energy, negative energy or neutral energy? How can we turn negatives into positives, turn obstacles into stepping stones? This is going to be an important focus. 

Today there are lots of senior citizens' clubs all over Kerala. It is time for us to give attention to the question whether they are able to impact the quality of life of the persons involved in this field. How can senior citizens’ clubs become organisers of programmes for social development, instead of merely concentrating on welfare and time-pass?

The fee for the above mentioned workshop is Rs.1000 per person, inclusive of lunch, refreshments, learning journal and study materials. If you want to be a part of this innovative learning event, please contact: 

Dr. Harilakshmeendra Kumar, Asst. Professor at MG University. Ph: 9447569925

Mr. Mathew Kanamala, Research Scholar. Ph: 9447306586