It was after years that 60-year-old Shrikrishna Tambe, a resident of Baner Road, was playing tick-tac-toe, while Shama Raje of Kondhwa was delighted shopping for sugar-free chocolates and cakes.
The senior citizens are being treated to fun, frolic and excitement at the Retirement Expo 2011 at Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, Swargate.
The three-day expo organised by the Dignity Foundation, a 16-year-old premier NGO, and Athashri, a Paranjape Schemes venture, was inaugurated by city mayor Mohansingh Rajpal on Friday.
At the five-city mega event, interesting products like specialised alarm system and video door phone are attracting the attention of senior citizens, for whom security is a major concern.
One can view suspicious movements outside the door by activating indoor camera in the video door phone system while the alarm system helps in a crisis.
There are a number of companies providing attractive offers for senior citizen homes. Special villas as well as flats are available for senior citizens in the city with necessary facilities like domestic help, common and individual dining facility, health services, entertainment and others.
Several banks have also set up stalls with information about special schemes for senior citizens. Some insurance companies are also seen encouraging senior citizens to join as insurance advisors.
In the fun section, there are games and music. Many senior citizens enjoyed singing old movie songs with the background music as a special arrangement at the venue. Some were seen consulting the astrologer, others were taking part in a quiz and also learning to play golf.
Suresh Pethe was the most sought after person. He was making portraits of senior citizens within 20 minutes each at a concessional rate of Rs50.
Cultural programmes are also being held for the elderly. A series of workshops of general interest — among them hobbies to pursue after retirement, earning opportunities, tips for sound investment, spiritual growth, memory improvement, travel, eating and living healthy — are also planned over the next two days.
