Pune: Aaji Care, an organisation providing specialised care for senior citizens, on Sunday inaugurated its sixth geriatric care centre at Kalyani Nagar in Pune. The seven-storey facility, with a capacity of 49 beds, is the organisation’s largest assisted living centre so far and its second facility in Pune. The information was provided by Prakash Borgaonkar of Aaji Care Centre.

The centre was inaugurated by Padma Shri Dr Prakash Amte and Dr Mandakini Amte. Well-known entrepreneur and hotelier Dr Vitthal Kamat and writer and thinker Achyut Godbole were present as chief guests. More than 175 people, including doctors, geriatric-care professionals, senior citizens, entrepreneurs, social workers and journalists, attended the inaugural programme.

The new facility has been designed to address the changing physical, medical, psychological and social needs of senior citizens. Four floors have been specifically dedicated to elderly people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, with the focus on safety, structured routines and mental well-being.

A separate floor has been earmarked for high-dependency care for seniors requiring greater medical and personal assistance. The remaining floors will accommodate seniors requiring rehabilitation, assisted living support as well as those who remain relatively active and independent.

The centre also has a dedicated physiotherapy unit, activity areas and spaces for recreation, social interaction and engagement. Trained caregivers, nurses, doctors, psychologists and physiotherapists will provide comprehensive care to residents.

Aaji Care founder Prasad Bhide said the objective was not merely to increase the number of beds but to “increase the good days” in the lives of senior citizens. He said the organisation’s approach was centred on helping seniors age with dignity while preserving their independence, decision-making abilities and emotional well-being.

Speaking at the inauguration, Achyut Godbole highlighted the growing need for professional and sensitive geriatric-care facilities amid changing family structures and urban lifestyles.

Padma Shri Dr Prakash Amte and Dr Mandakini Amte stressed the importance of action and service, conveying the message that “actions speak louder than words.” They also emphasised the importance of staying physically active, exercising regularly and retaining independence for as long as possible.

During the event, Naina Oak, head of Aaji Care’s mental health department, conducted an interactive session on Brain Gym and Neurobics, focusing on ways to keep the brain active with advancing age. A Kathak performance based on the theme Ageing Gracefully was also presented.

Established in 2012, Aaji Care operates across Mumbai, Pune and Goa and provides assisted living, dementia and memory care, post-hospitalisation rehabilitation, palliative and high-dependency care, home-based senior care and geriatric mental-health services. The new Kalyani Nagar centre will be open for admissions from September 10, 2026.