Senior Saathi initiative gives elderly a ‘flight experience’ at themed restaurant

Forty inmates of an old-age home in Hyderabad were treated to an experience that many had only imagined – as the district administration organised a special visit to a flight-themed restaurant on Thursday. Each participant was handed a mock passport and a ticket to Dubai before being guided into the aircraft-like dining space, where they enjoyed a curated meal that recreated the charm and excitement of air travel.

The outing was organised under the ‘Senior Saathi’ initiative, a programme designed to strengthen inter-generational connections and nurture the emotional well-being of senior citizens. The group for this trip consisted of residents from Little Sisters Old Age Home, who spent the afternoon at KVRs flight restaurant in Gandimaisamma. The event was organised by Sankalpa NGO with CSR contributions from Vasundhara Diamonds.

During the visit, the participants took part in games, singing sessions and a range of entertainment activities. “Such engagements help improve mental happiness among older persons and create opportunities for social interaction, which often decline with age,” said Hyderabad District Collector Hari Chandana Dasari.

In line with this approach, the district administration is establishing a new day care centre under the Health Department. The facility will offer games, reading material and awareness sessions on health issues to keep senior citizens engaged.