Senior citizens who feel lonely and insecure now have some reason to rejoice, as the city now has a day care centre for the elderly.

Around 150 senior citizens have registered with Purodhalaya, the day care centre started by non-government organisation Health Line on September 5.

Senior citizens don't have to spend a paisa for a three-room furnished accommodation where they can spend time with other senior citizens every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

The day care centre not only provides entertainment but also conducts basic medical tests - such as blood sugar and blood pressure - for free on the elderly.

"We want to cater to senior citizens who feel lonely and are left with no choice than to be confined to their homes," said Avadhesh Kumar, secretary of Health Line.

"We have games like carrom, chess and cards to keep them engaged. There is a television set and we also keep newspapers.

"Elderly people associated with the centre are also connected through a Whatsapp group where they share jokes," he added. "The urge to meet like-minded people and the intent to do something constructive is strong among the elderly. A day care centre is definitely a solution to the problem."

He added that the centre has people from different walks of life, like a retired teacher, government employees and even businessmen. "Though around 150 people have registered, only around 25-30 people are visiting it periodically. We want more awareness to be created so that more elderly people take advantage of the facility," Avadhesh said.

He said the NGO was also planning to start routine check-up of senior citizens on a fortnightly basis. "We have already written to the district administration in this regard."

N.K. Mishra, a retired zoology teacher at Patna Science College who visits the centre, said it has helped dispel his loneliness.

"After having worked tirelessly for 25-30 years, it is difficult for many people to get accustomed to retired life," Mishra said. "One can be happy being surrounded by grandchildren, but one cannot confide in them because of the age and generation gap. But such day-care centres provide the perfect respite."

He, however, said that people running the day care centre need to also analyse the aspirations of the elderly, so that they can plan activities accordingly.

"I think the centre still lacks a stimulating factor for people like me. It could do well to check the hobbies of the elderly. It can organise some classes or discussions accordingly," Mishra said.

R.K. Sinha, another senior citizen, hailed the initiative.

"People from different walks of life have joined the centre. One member is like a laughter guru. He has us in splits all the time with his wisecracks. It's fun visiting the centre," he said.