Summary of this article
M. K. Stalin inaugurates 25 ‘Anbucholai’ centres for seniors in Tamil Nadu
These day care centres aim to enhance community engagement and well-being of the elderly
The focus is on supporting working families and reducing elderly loneliness
The Tamil Nadu Government has launched 25 "Anbucholai" day care centres for senior citizens in the state. The Chief Minister (CM) of the state, M K Stalin, officially launched the centres on Monday to boost community engagement and the well-being of the elderly. These day care centres are spread across the state in such locations that are well-connected and conveniently accessible for elderly visitors. The idea is to create a safe space where senior citizens can spend their daytime hours, enjoy themselves, and engage meaningfully with other community members. The core objective is to help the elderly remain active and motivated while staying connected with their families.
The CM launched the centre from Trichy, visited one of the centres in Ponmalai, Trichy, interacted with and spent some time with the elderly there, and distributed gift hampers containing health drinks and millet food items prepared by self-help groups.
The other places where Anbucholai day care centres have been opened are:
Places Number Of Centres
Ranipet 1
Krishnagiri 1
Tiruchy 2
Madurai 2
Coimbatore 2
Salem 2
Tiruppur 2
Erode 2
Thoothukudi 2
Vellore 2
Thanjavur 2
Dindigul 2
Chennai 3 (in Tondiarpet, Sholinganallur, and Virugambakkam)
These centres, as per media reports, are launched to keep in mind the families where women are working or aspire to take up employment, and the elderly at home do not feel lonely.
Reportedly, these day care centres are set up with adequate space and infrastructure. The facilities include recreational services, such as chess, carom boards, a library, yoga, skill development services, and basic healthcare facilities like health check-up instruments and physiotherapy.
These centres are expected to serve as safe and engaging community hubs where seniors can stay busy during the day through meaningful activities, games, pursuing hobbies, or learning a new skill, while enjoying lunch. According to reports, centres have been established at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore.
As the elderly population in India is increasingly growing, projected to reach around 347 million by 2050, the central and state governments are paying attention to the needs of the elderly, ranging from healthcare and physical and mental health to social engagement and old-age homes. Recently, the Kerala government has initiated a pilot project of “Time Bank” for senior care, where volunteers can offer their time to support the elderly and, in return, get credits to be used when they need someone else’s time for care.
