As India’s aging population continues to grow, International Day of Older Persons serves as a powerful reminder of the need of inclusive health care and compassionate service for elderly patients.
On the occasion of International Day of the Older Persons on 1st October 2025 with the Theme: “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights” a week-long program organized by the Department of Prosthodontics, Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur for Older Persons Awareness from 26th September to 3rd October 2025.
In the lead-up to the main event, a free dental screening and awareness camp was also conducted on 26th September 2025 at Matru Sewa Sangha Panchawati Vruddhashram, Dighori. Organized as part of an intern-led research initiative, the camp focused on evaluating the nutritional status and prosthodontic needs of elderly residents.
Spearheaded by Dr. Jaishree Chahande, Sr. Lecture, Dept. of Prosthodontics, the camp saw the active involvement of a committed team including Dr. Anushree Boghe (Assistant Professor), postgraduate students played a vital role in the camp’s success. The college hosted a special program organized a series of impactful initiatives to promote oral health and well-being among the elderly on Friday, October 3, 2025 themed: “Oral Hygiene Awareness among Elderly Persons”, aimed at educating the aging population about the importance of maintaining oral hygiene. The event was inaugurated in the presence of dignitaries including Dean, Dr. Abhay Kolte, Vice Dean, Dr. Ramakrishna Shenoi, Vice Dean-Clinical, Dr. Mukta Motwani and Head of Department Dr. Neelam Pande, all of whom emphasized the growing need for geriatric oral healthcare.
The program featured a series of expert lectures delivered by:
Dr. Smriti Jagdhari Golhar, Reader, Dept of Oral Medicine and Radiology, on “Nourish to Flourish: The Power of Essential Vitamins”,
Dr. Rucha Pandharipande, Sr. Lecture, Dept of on “Oral Health and Aging: Let’s Understand the Change”, and
Dr. Jyoti Sharma, Sr. Lecture, Dept of Prosthodontics, on “From Complication to Confidence: Expert Prosthodontic Care”.
These sessions emphasized the strong link between nutrition, oral hygiene, and overall well-being in the elderly. A total of more than 20 elderly patients of the department have attended the programme.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of an informative brochure titled “Graceful Smile: स्वर्णिम वर्ष में मौखिक देखभाल की नई ऊँचाई”, created and unveiled by Dr. Vijeta Gajbhiye, Sr. Lecture, Dept of Prosthodontics. Patient Awareness Flyer was released at the hands of Dean, Dr. Abhay Kolte and HOD, Dr. Neelam Pande. The brochure provides senior citizens with essential guidance on oral care practices as they age.
The event concluded on a cheerful note with a cake-cutting ceremony by the hands of elderly patients, symbolizing joy, dignity, and respect for the elderly. Overall the CDE Program was successful. All the staff members played an important role to make this program a big success