Old-age care with a difference in Kerala's Kannur: What makes them unique?

Surendran...
Present!
Savithriyamma...
Present!
Prasanna...
'She is absent today, it's her grandchild's birthday...'

A regular day at the Thalikavu Sayamprabha centre for the elderly in Kerala's Kannur starts with roll call. Once done, the caregiver, Sajna Naseer, kickstarts the yoga class. The centre at Thalikavu, one of the nine centres in Kannur, was recently selected as the best in the district, and all 55 senior citizens and their caregivers are thrilled about it. Most members of the centre, which began in 2019, don't miss their daily yoga sessions. Although the classes are offered from Monday to Saturday, they would also like to do yoga on Sundays! 

A regular day
After breakfast at their homes, the members here either walk or take buses to the centre by 10 am for the yoga session. The caretaker must take attendance to ensure that everyone has arrived and is in good health. The members indulge in some agricultural activities at the vegetable farm behind the building for a while. At 11 am, they have unsweetened tea with a snack while enjoying hearty conversations. Besides yoga, the members also regularly take memory tests, attend dance sessions, and take English classes. Sajna would then teach them a few Malayalam and English words, which the members have to recollect and repeat. 

The spirited members
85-year-old Savithri Amma and 84-year-old Surendran are the oldest members here. Former councillor of Kannur corporation Najmunneesa, Rathi, and Tamil Nadu natives Kaliyamma and Anpumani are the most active members of the centre. The sessions end by 3 pm, and everyone returns home after a productive and active day. There are no restrictions for the elderly here. Their camaraderie and friendship strengthen when they teach themselves dance routines, cook and nurture their vegetable farm together. Although the memory test is a bit difficult for some, they try hard to recall the words taught by Sajna as it helps them stay focused and alert. 

The best part
Savithri Amma, one of the members, says that the occasional leisure trips are what she enjoys the most. The members even experienced air travel once. Meanwhile, Savithri Amma spilt the secret that they are already planning for their next trip. Sajna says that the merchants and other charitable organisations in Kannur are always willing to sponsor the various activities and endeavours at Sayamprabha. 

The award
Although Sajna and her team are happy for the district-level award, they are determined to win the state award next time. District social justice officer P Biju says that the Sayamprabha centre in Thalikavu focuses on the mental and physical well-being of the elderly rather than just being a leisure centre for them. He noted that Pakalveedu homes in the district that perform excellently would be turned into Sayamprabha centres. 

What are Sayamprabha centres?
Sayamprabha centres are for the elderly who struggle with loneliness, lethargy, ennui and an unsafe environment at home. These centres ensure their physical, mental and social well-being. The social justice department had turned the Pakalveedu homes under the local self-government bodies into Sayamprabha centres for the elderly. There are nine Sayamprabha centres in the district at Eruvetti, Kayalodu, Kavumbagam, Padyam, Peralassery, Thalikavu, Kavinmoola, Karivelloor Mathirakode and Narathu Kottichal. The caregiver at the Thalikavu centre would be promoted to a managerial post as it has earned the award for the best Sayamprabha centre in the district. Now, they can also appoint a cook and casual staff for cleaning jobs.