Initiatives to promote Ageing issues in CSR unit and Media sector

Recently attended two interesting workshops on Ageing issues at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Both workshops were organized under the UNFPA-ISEC-TISS-IEG Collaborative Project on Elder Advocacy. 

The first workshop was on CSR and Ageing, which was attended by Researchers, Academicians, CSR and NGO professionals.  The discussions in this workshop were mainly focussed upon inclusion of elder friendly projects in the CSR unit of a company.

The second workshop was on Media and Ageing, it was attended by professionals from Media sector, Media Faculty, Researchers and Academicians.  Main aim of this workshop was to sensitize the media on ageing issues and to encourage them to cover elder specific news items mainly on positive topics.

More and more such workshops are required to bring ageing issues in the forefront and also to address the needs and rights of older persons for promotion of healthy and productive ageing.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

Ageing in India: Concerns and Challenges

Sharing my paper "Ageing in India: Concerns and Challenges" (http://www.slideshare.net/DrNidhiMishra/ageing-in-india-dr-nidhi-mishra), which is recently published in BOLD, a quarterly journal of the United Nations International Institute on Ageing, Malta. 

This paper gives an overview of the situation of older persons (60+) in India with a special focus on demographic, psycho-social and policy issues related to the elderly in India. It also highlights the various challenges faced at micro and macro level towards the promotion of the health and well-being of older persons in India. In addition to this, it covers the contribution of various role players such as older persons, family, educational institutions, civil society, for-profit ventures and government in facing those challenges.In the end, based on the review of the situation of older persons in India, it suggests some action points which can be taken as a way forward towards promoting the health and well-being of older persons. 

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

Slowing of Ageing process through Jogging

Great news for all those health conscious 60+ people who want to keep themselves healthy by exercise and jogging.

In a recent study done at Humboldt State University on 60+ people, it was found by researchers that jogging at the age of sixties and seventies could help slow down the ageing process. 

For more details please read:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2843484/Slow-ageing-process-feel-like-20-70s-jogging.html

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

Proud of you Dad!

This post is in honour of my dad Dr. Ashok Mishra, who is an inspiration for me. He is a 67 year old General Physician, who is passionate about his work and is always ready to help people with medical needs. I feel from him only I have acquired the passion to work for social cause.

I am proud of my Dad and he is a perfect example of active and productive ageing.

Sharing one of his recent photograph where he is talking to his patients during a free medical camp.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

Healthy food for a fit body

Interesting article by a naturopathic doctor Dr. Akilah EL (http://bit.ly/1fmSaXN) on foods that look like various body parts and are useful for keeping those body parts fit too.

A useful article for both youngsters and elderly for keeping their mind and body fit and leading a healthy and active life.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

World Alzheimer's Day- 21st September

Today on World Alzheimer's Day I would like to request both younger and older persons to try keeping their mind active and fit through some positive mental exercises which is one of the major step towards preventing Alzheimer's in later life.

A healthy mind keeps a body fit.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

A great initiative by an 11 year old for her ailing grandfather

11 year old Lily has proved it right that when you are passionate to do something then nothing can stop you.She is not an average kid.  Out of her concern to make her ailing grandfather's life comfortable, who is suffering from Parkinson's, this Chicago based kid has designed a cup for him. It is called Kangaroo Cup, it's contoured handles provide a comfortable one-or two-handed grip and stays stable on uneven surfaces. Overall it's easier to hold than the average drinking glass or cup. (http://bit.ly/1ooOs29)

I really appreciate this great initiative by this little girl for her grandfather and hope that more and more grandchildren should show such type of  concern for the betterment of their grandparent's quality of life.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

An example of inter-generational bonding

This post is dedicated to the two diligent gentlemen in our organization, Mr. James and Mr. Sai. Though they belong to different age groups but the understanding between them is great and they compliment each other in many different ways. Their team work makes the working of the organization efficient and smooth.

Our organization Life Circle Senior Citizens Foundation not only aims at promoting inter-generational bonding through our projects but also promotes a work culture where such kind of relation can flourish.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

A Course on Gerontology

The course on Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Perspective, which I was taking under the Diploma in Gerontology Programme at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, got over last week. Like the course, the students group was also a multidisciplinary group; there were doctor, social worker, journalist, demographer, scientist, legal experts, financial experts, entrepreneurs and people with background in management and office administration in the group. Their experiences and curiosity to learn new things related to gerontology made the sessions an interesting and amazing experience for me and I am sure for them as well.

Apart from the interesting discussions and their enthusiasm to learn new things about gerontology, one thing which I really liked in the group was the strong bonding among them. Though they belonged to different age groups and different places but they bonded very well with each other and were ready to help each other in class assignments without any selfish motive.

I wish all of them good luck for their endeavours in this field and hope that they all will work towards promotion of healthy and productive ageing in our society.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

Promotion of Productive Ageing

We must work towards promotion of healthy and productive ageing in our society by acknowledging and appreciating the contribution of our elders in the welfare of society, family and their own selves. As Dr. Robert Butler mentioned " Productive Ageing is not only paid productivity, but unpaid, voluntary activity for one's family, for the community and even for one's self", so we must acknowledge the paid and unpaid efforts of our seniors in  the development of our society.

One such unpaid effort which we often ignore or rather take it for granted is their role as a grandparent in the upbringing of their grandchildren. In many families, especially in big cities where both parents are working and cannot afford to take care of their children alone, grandparents play a major role in their upbringing and socialization.

Lets recognize and acknowledge all such efforts by our seniors and help them in leading a dignified life.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

An event for raising voice against Elder Abuse

Dear Friends,

Requesting all those of you who are staying in Pune or nearby areas to participate in the Mini Walkathon organized by the International Longevity Centre-India (ILC-I), Pune, on 15th June, 2014. This day is marked world-wide as the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

ILC-I is organizing this event for raising voice against elder abuse. In this event senior citizens, children, NGO representatives, youngsters and concerned members of society would walk from a designated point at Raja Mantri Udyan, Mehendale Garage Chowk, Pune to the ILS Law College Auditorium via Nal Stop, sporting T-shirts and caps carrying the message to “Stop Elder Abuse”.

This walkathon will start at 8.30 am on the 15th of June from Raja Mantri Udyan, Mehendale Garage Chowk via Nal Stop, Pune and proceed to the ILS Law College Auditorium.

Please contact  ILC-I office in case if you wish to participate in this event. Their contact details are as follows: International Longevity Centre-India, C/o CASP BHAVAN,Plot No. 132/2, Pashan Baner Link Road, Pashan, Pune- 411021 
Phone: 00912065002595
Website:- ilcindia.org

Elder Abuse is one of the biggest obstacle towards promotion of healthy and productive ageing. It is not only harming the person who is being abused but is also damaging our values and inter-generational relationship. Lets join our hands together to fight against it.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

A touching short film on elderly couple

Sharing a touching short film "Zaaika" by EmotionalFulls (http://youtu.be/K2fQP9mEocE), which highlights that love, care and concern in family, especially among spouse are one of the important determinants of healthy living in a person's life.

I am sure you will enjoy watching it!

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/productiveageing

A session on Active Ageing

Got an opportunity to take an interactive session on active ageing with 50+ members of Lions Club North Mumbai.  Really enjoyed interacting with the enthusiastic group. I found that many of them are an example of active ageing, who are leading an active life and are contributing towards the welfare of society.

Main purpose behind conducting this session was to create awareness on active ageing and also to help the participants to assess themselves in terms of leading an active life.

Sharing some snapshots of the session.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/productiveageing

Please Vote!

Life Circle Senior Services, India has been put for vote in Grand Challenge Canada for providing innovative and need based healthcare services to Elderly.

For details please go through this link (https://applications.grandchallenges.ca/en/viewVideo/28735E6AA2EC3CB62DDD1A4A) and vote for this service. Its a great initiative towards promotion of healthcare of elderly in India.

A glimpse of Inter-generational bonding

During my recent visit to Hyderabad got an opportunity to attend a birthday party of a young guy at an elder’s home and along with it enjoy the celebration of strong inter-generational bonding.  Appreciate such steps from the younger generation which brings happiness in the life of residents of elder's home and motivate them to lead a healthy life. 

Sharing some pictures of such moments. I am sure you will love it! 

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/productiveageing

One more example of Active Ageing

Came across an interesting video (http://youtu.be/hjHnWz3EyHs), where an 80 year old lady, Paddy is found to be dancing with full vigor and enthusiasm.

This video is from entertainment industry where often youths are given much preference as compared to older people because often youth is associated with active life and vigor. This beautiful and talented lady has negated such stereotypes through her wonderful performance. She is one of the best example of active ageing.

One noticeable thing in this video is the strong bonding between Paddy and her young dancing partner Nico. To me this is one of the best example of inter-generational bonding as well. This shows that art and dance can bring people from two different generation together to  perform something amazing through a good bonding.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/productiveageing

86+ year old gymnast

For those who believe that senior citizens are frail and not very physically active, I am sure this video (http://youtu.be/CTWo9EfQ4Hc) is going to change their perception.

This video shows an 86+ year old gymnast Johanna Quaas, demonstrating her gymnastic skills as energetically as an younger person. She is a German citizens and was announced as world's oldest gymnast in 2012.

I strongly believe that such real life cases always play an important role in negating the myths about old age existing in our society and also emphasizing the role of active lifestyle towards leading a healthy and productive life.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/productiveageing

A meet for Social Good

Attended  India + Social Good event in Mumbai yesterday. It was a great experience as it gave me an opportunity to listen to the experiences of various change-makers who are really doing great innovative work for social good in our society. It also gave me a platform to interact with like minded people working on various social issues.

Though, the topics covered in various sessions such as social media,health and innovation, development of cities, climate and energy and other developmental issues were generic, however they were relevant in the case of senior citizens too. I would request the organizing committee especially the UN Foundation to include specific issues related to senior citizens too in future.

With the population of senior citizens reaching around 104 million in India, promotion of their health and well-being has become an important issue for most of us. So, in future if such event are held I would appreciate if issues related to senior citizen's health, economic security, second career, human rights are also covered for the promotion of healthy and productive ageing in India.

I wish such initiative must go on, so that people like me can get an opportunity to meet like minded people around the world both in person and through Social Media.

Would like to request all those reading this post to please give your vote on various social concerns which matters to you on : http://www.myworld2015.org/. I have already given my vote! This is a great initiative by United Nations towards making the world a better place to live.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/productiveageing

Nutritional diet a must for Healthy Ageing

Sharing an interesting video by WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/video/aging-nutrition) which emphasizes that one's lifestyle and eating habit in his/her young age plays an important role in determining their health conditions in old age. Life Span Approach also mentions about this.

The video also highlights that intake of nutritional diets can help in controlling various health problems in old age and thus contributing in promotion of healthy, productive and active ageing.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/productiveageing

World Health Day, 2014

Today on the occasion of  World Health Day, I would like to wish everyone a healthy and happy life ahead.

Health is an important issue at all stages of life. It has been proved in various researches that healthy and productive life in old age is dependent on healthy lifestyle in young age. So, if one is leading a healthy lifestyle in young age  there is high probability that he/she will lead an active, healthy and productive life in later part of life.

This year's message for World Health Day by World Health Organization (WHO) is Mosquitoes, flies, ticks and bugs may be a threat to one's health and that of their family at home and when travelling so one should take precautions to prevent themselves from being infected by vector-borne diseases which happens due to these insects. They have even circulated a video for taking such precautions (http://youtu.be/LutGFrwysRI).

Lets all of us pledge today to not only prevent oneself from being infected by vector-borne diseases but by other health problems too by leading a healthy lifestyle and taking appropriate precautions.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/productiveageing

Happiness and Age

Happiness is not only associated with young age. This has been proved by the findings of the survey done by Harris Poll in April, 2013. In this survey 2,345 U.S. adults participated. With reference to age, findings revealed a higher level of life satisfaction for older adults than young adults. Nearly 41 percent of those aged 65+ were found to be happy, compared to just 31 percent of those between 18-24 years. (http://www.harrisinteractive.com/NewsRoom/HarrisPolls/tabid/447/ctl/ReadCustom%20Default/mid/1508/ArticleId/1200/Default.aspx)

This study very strongly negates the negative myths associated with 60+ and proves that at this stage also one can feel happy and satisfied.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/productiveageing

Well done State Bank of India!

State Bank of India has taken a great initiative towards promotion of well-being of pensioners (75+) in India by delivering their monthly pension at their doorsteps. (http://bit.ly/1hI2l8o)

The pilot for the same will start from 1st April in Kolkata. Based on the response and success of the project, they plan to roll it out on pan India basis. They are charging Rs. 50 per transaction which in my opinion is reasonable as it is both time and cost saving for the senior citizens who might have to face inconvenience due to travel, waiting in long queues and at times adverse weather conditions.

This can prove to be a major step towards making banks elder friendly in India and making lives of 75+ pensioners more comfortable and stress free. I wish this project must run successfully and roll out in pan India soon.

Elder friendly policy: A must in India!

Through this post I would like to thank The Better India for sharing the story of 97 year old gentleman Mr. Shyam Saran Negi, a resident of Himachal Pradesh, India. Mr. Negi is one of the first voters of Independent India and since 1951 he has never missed to vote in any election no matter how tough the whether or other situations would have been. (http://bit.ly/1pzxjEa)

Mr. Negi being such a socially responsible citizen and an active person is an inspiration for all of us. He is contributing in this way towards the development of society.

My sincere request to our government is to appreciate the efforts of Mr. Negi and many other such senior citizens who fight with all odds to vote for the development of our country. This can be done by designing and implementing elder friendly policies which are based on their needs and rights and not just short term political gains.

This post has also been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

More happy in 80s than 60s

Found an interesting study, conducted in UK in which 10,000 older men and women participated (http://dailym.ai/Nx6gwL) . The study highlighted that elderly people in their 70s and 80s were found to be happier with life as compared to those in their 60s. The reason for this is that those in their 70s and 80s have adapted well with life changes and experience a sense of achievement due to living longer and contributing well to their life and their society.

Explored something similar to this in one of the researches conducted by me in which elderly in the age range of 75-85 years reported higher level of adaptation and satisfaction with life as compared to those between 65-75 years.

These types of studies play an important role in negating the negative stereotypes about old age in our society and thus promoting healthy and productive ageing.

Situation of Elderly in Kerala

As per Census 2011, India has around 104 million senior citizens (60+). Among its states, Kerala has the highest proportion of older persons. There are 7.4 million people who are above 60 years of age in Kerala among them 3.3 million are males and 4.1 million are females. There health and socio-economic needs are an issue of concern.

The UNFPA India report entitled "The Status of Elderly in Kerala, 2011" (http://bit.ly/1g7Priz) is a great initiative towards highlighting the socio-economic status and needs of 60+ in Kerala.

A Session on Positive Aspects of Ageing

Had an amazing experience while taking a session on positive aspects of ageing for the nuns of FMM provisional church in Mumbai, last Saturday 8th February.

Most of them were above 65 years. Was very happy to notice that they are negating most of the myths existing in our society about old age through their own acts.Many of them are a real example of active and productive ageing who are actively contributing towards the welfare of society by working for the well-being of children, women, destitute elderly, people suffering from HIV/AIDS and many other special groups who require support and good guidance.

They made the session an enriching experience through their active participation.

66 year old Marathon Runner

I am amazed to see Lata Bhagwankare Ji, a 66 year old grandmother who participated barefooted in Baramati Marathon in Maharashtra (http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/another-fauja-singh-in-the-making/301888?relatedviaplayer). She won in the senior citizens category.

This shows that when one is determined to do something then nothing can stop her/him and also emphasizes on the famous quote by Mark Twain that "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter".

Active and Healthy

Glad to read a news article about senior citizens (http://bit.ly/1lyRgvz) who are determined to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy by hitting the gym daily.They are a true inspiration for many of us to lead an active and healthy life.

Need for Elder friendly banks

Today morning while going through the newspaper I came across a news http://bit.ly/1cstpbY which brought a smile on my face. I am glad to know that the city police in Thane has requested the banks to give special preferences to senior citizens for their bank transaction.

This is something which has been in my mind from a long time. I feel that not only senior citizens should be given preference but also a separate counter should be dedicated to them for helping and guiding them as most of them need assistance in carrying out their transaction. For making the banks elder friendly, along with services the infrastructure of the bank also need to be made convenient for elders.

I strongly wish that this issue should be taken up seriously by the banks as a first step towards making the banks elder friendly.

Happy New Year!

Wishing you and your family a very happy, healthy and productive 2014. Along with enhancing our health and happiness lets work on enhancing the well-being of others in the society through our endeavours.