ALAPPUZHA: From now on, don't worry about having nobody to talk to. Just make a phone call, and a troop of neighbours will be in your courtyard for glib talks, music and whatnot.
The Healthy Aging Movement in his brief stint has turned into the best pastime relief for retirees in Alappuzha. The brain behind the movement is Dr B. Padmakumar, principal of Parippally Medical College. The initiative sprouted during COVID-19 days and has successfully conducted many meetings. The meeting goes by the name ‘Talking Parlour’.
There was a time when people used to sit in a circle and share a laugh on countryside grounds or under the shade of trees. ‘Talking Parlour’ intends to resuscitate the good old culture that bolstered camaraderie among neighbours. If contact 'Healthy Ageing Movement', the team will arrive at your location and will find peers of the same age from the neighbourhood. Their willingness will be sought and a meeting will scheduled.
A spacious house with a courtyard enough to seat all people will be picked by the team. The meeting will have a duration of up to two hours. Anyone from the group can volunteer sponsorship for snacks and other beverages. By the end of the ‘talking parlour’, the date for the next meeting and location will be fixed.
People from various walks of life like retired teachers, soldiers, doctors, policemen, and farmers are actively part of the group. During its inception, the aim was to conduct meetings at least twice a month. But now, it has crossed to over 25 meetings in a month. Every meeting will begin by resuming the topic discussed by the end of the previous meeting. Dr Padmakumar says idle talks, discussions and good laughs can improve physical fitness.
In the next step, the 'talking parlour' is all set to reach public spaces. Collaboration with popular clubs is also on the cards.
Chandradas Keshava Pillai, Co-ordinator. Phone: 9447263059