‘Engage’ urges the elderly to stay active and connected

Former MP and ex-mayor of Colombo Rosy Senanayake doing the opening honours.

PIX BY PRADEEP PATHIRANA

 The exterior of Engage

The centre is designed as a luxurious residential facility focused on quality care, offering in-house medical services

BY PRANAVESH SIVAKUMAR  

Ensuring that Sri Lanka’s ageing community is not neglected or left behind, Engage, a Wellness Centre for the Aged, was inaugurated on Thursday by former Mrs. World, former High Commissioner to Malaysia, former Minister for Child and Women Affairs, and former Mayor of Colombo, Mrs. Rosy Senanayake. She was joined by award-winning finance leader, advocate for women in leadership, Executive Director of Abans PLC, and Group CFO of Abans Group, Mrs. Chandrika Perera.

Located at 1044/11, Pothuarawa Road, Malabe, and managed by Pearl Cluster Management, Engage operates under the ethos of care, comfort, and companionship.

Dr. Sithira Senavirathne (MBBS, MD, MRCP (UK), MRCP Geriatric Medicine UK), a Consultant Geriatrician at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, addressed the gathering, saying, “I’m so happy to see Engage Centre taking elderly care to the next level, which is much needed. Based on my professional experience and knowledge, I firmly believe that our ageing population requires holistic care through a multi-disciplinary approach. I must thank Mr. Rachitha Muthukumarana, CEO of Pearl Cluster, for taking the initiative to bring this vision to life. Engage aims to provide a great opportunity for both local and international individuals to offer exceptional care for their elderly parents and relatives.

“In the midst of our daily struggles and fast-paced lifestyles, we often miss providing the necessary attention to our ageing population. Engage Wellness Centre offers hope in alignment with the World Health Organization’s Healthy Ageing Decade (2020- 2030). I was particularly impressed by the conceptual meaning behind the name ‘Engage,’ created by former advertising professional Asgiri Seneviratne. According to her, ‘Engage’ stands for Enhancing, Nurturing, and Guiding Ageing Gracefully Every day.”

The management of Engage states that their services extend beyond the wellness centre to include a daycare facility operating from 8 AM to 5 PM every day. The centre is designed as a luxurious residential facility focused on quality care, offering in-house medical services, consultations, daily therapeutic and exercise activities, customized healthy meals, and physiotherapy. Engage has also enlisted well-known professionals to provide their expertise.

Asgiri Seneviratne, an artist, creative consultant, art therapist, and specialist in loneliness management and personality development, conducts sessions aimed at enhancing personal and social confidence. Her work helps individuals strengthen their mind-body connection, build motivation, and develop a positive outlook. She has extensive experience in working with dementia patients, assisting them in regaining their confidence and identity through her sessions.

Additionally, Dr. Aruni Malwatta, a specialist in lifestyle medicine, provides guidance on culinary medicine to promote a healthier lifestyle. According to her, maintaining a balanced life is essential for everyone, not just the elderly. She emphasises the importance of healthy meals, adequate sleep, stress management, and strong family and social interactions as key factors in ageing well.