All panchayats have special funds and schemes to help the elderly. In this, the funds of the majority of panchayats are being lapsed without doing anything for the elderly. Panchayats can do a lot more than just focus on the housing centres for the elderly. Someone responsible from the panchayat going to the old couple's residence and asking about their problems itself is a great service.

Most people past their sixties stay at home alone once all their children leave for work to far away places. It is a reality that even when children are with them, they may not have time to pay attention to anything other than their basic needs. This is where even a small intervention by local bodies can make a big difference. It will be a huge deal if they can make arrangements to get them medicines at least twice a month.

In the past, political activists gave great importance to such voluntary services. It is now a situation where elderly people are almost completely deprived of fun meetings and other events as they age. It is in this context that the fun trip for the elderly, initiated by the Kottayam Vazhoor Grama Panchayath, should be noticed. The outing conducted by the panchayat for those over sixty can be used as an example by other panchayats.

They conducted a day-long journey in Kochi Metro Train and Metro Water Boats for men and women over sixty years of age in the panchayat. Due to this, 600 senior citizens got to know the progress and development of the state. They also got a brief but meaningful respite from the ravages of age. A couple who had never travelled beyond Kottayam were also part of this travel group. The travel party also savoured the joy of boarding metro services for the first time.

55 people were there to help the senior citizens, under the leadership of Vazhoor Panchayat President VP Regi. Metro authorities had also prepared special facilities. The main financial support for the trip was provided by KMRL Company. Those who participated in the trip had to pay only Rs.400 each. This included travel expenses and three meals a day. The team arrived in Kochi at 10 am in 16 buses and completed the journey by splitting into two groups at Thrippunithura. The organizers had even arranged wheelchair facilities. Most people were Kudumbashree and MGNREGA workers. All panchayats can organize such trips. The Old Age Assistance Fund should be used for this purpose as well. Private sponsors can also be found. The Department of Tourism should also cooperate as such trips will help to increase domestic tourism.