My Motto in Life: To be Useful for the Society

Sharing another inspiring story on Productive Ageing via Senior Express.

This is the story of Mr. Ravindra Nimbalkar, a 64+ retired Principal from Pune who inspite of various struggles in life has achieved great heights not only as a professional but as a human being too by doing various useful tasks for the welfare of others in the society.

Do read his story and get inspired: http://seniorexpress.in/elder-rights/motto-life-useful-society/

An Unique Event to Build Intergenerational Bonding between Seniors and Students at a Business School

We are proud to share that ICFAI Business School (Pune) in collaboration with Senior Express organised an unique inter-generational event on Friday, 21st December, 2018. The theme of the event was “GEN-X Golden Time With Golden Agers”.

Our esteemed guests were very active and exceptionally talented seniors who are a part of the Senior Express Club. They not only shared their life experiences of how they successfully managed their career along with their passions and hobbies but also showcased their talents in music, literature, art and craft to the students.The event provided an opportunity to the management students to listen and interact with the seniors.

This event was a small initiative from Senior Express towards promotion of inter-generational bonding and active living in our society.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/event-build-intergenerational-bonding-seniors-management-students/

A Session on Ageing Gracefully

It was a great honour for us as our Founder, Dr. Nidhi Mishra (Gerontologist) was recently invited by “Shehjaar Homes for Senior Citizens” to conduct a session for its members on Ageing Gracefully.

Shehjaar Homes is a Not- for- Profit initiative which was started in Pune in 2009 by a group of seniors who belong to Kashmir. Its main objective is to promote health, wellbeing, welfare and dignity of senior citizens (60+ years) belonging to different communities and living in both rural and urban areas.

Dr. Nidhi conducted an extensive interactive session with the members, where along with explaining the concept of Active, Healthy, Productive and Graceful Ageing, she gave some important tips for ageing gracefully. In addition to this, she played some brain games with the members which according to her has an essential role to play in the promotion of mental fitness and overall health, especially in old age.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

Happy Children's Day to the Child Inside Us

Today on the occasion of Children’s Day sharing a beautiful collection of poems written and shared by our very active and talented contributor Mr. G. D. Bansal. Mr. Bansal is an ardent poet and a proud grandfather of four loving and caring grandchildren.

Team Senior Express wishes all children who are making our world beautiful through their innocence and love a very happy children’s day. We wish the same to all those seniors who never let the child in them ever grow old, which is the secret to their healthy living.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

Happy Diwali

Team Senior Express wishes everyone a very happy and prosperous Diwali. May this Diwali enlighten our mind, heart and soul.

World Elders’ Day: An Event to Celebrate Active Living

The World Elders’ Day Event which was organised by Senior Express in collaboration with Sangam Sarvajanik Sewa Samiti at Annasaheb Behere Old Age Home in Pune on 1st October, 2018 was one of its kind event to celebrate Active Living. Many of our well wishers wanted us to share details about the event, so sharing information about various performances and activities by seniors which were highlighting the theme of active living.

Our inauguration was very special not because of the guests but because of the host, our special host was Mr. Gole, Founder of Annasaheb Behere Old Age Home and a 95 year young active senior who came all the way from Mumbai to attend this event and to motivate other seniors to lead an active life. He is a perfect example of active and productive ageing.

Team Senior Express was happy to see that after some motivation from our end many residents of Annasaheb Behere Old Age Home took keen interest in helping us in organizing the event and showcasing their talents in the event. We are very thankful to Ms. Vartak, Ms. Kalindi, Ms. Anita, Ms. Ajita, Ms. Limya and Mr. Deshmukh for their active participation in the event. This not only helped us in organizing the event well but also fulfilled our objective of showcasing seniors as contributors and not just mere recipient of support and care.

Along with the residents of old age home, members of various other senior groups also gave wonderful performances and actively participated in the event. Like the magic show by a senior magician from Viman Nagar Senior Citizens Association was thoroughly enjoyed by the school children who attended the event. Similarly, the themed Antakshari by Mrs. Dalvi, a yoga teacher and a music lover was enjoyed by people of all ages. Everyone got mesmerised by the amazing musical performance by the three talented members Dr. Iyer, Mr. Venkatesh and Brigadier Upadhyay of a Pune based musical group “Raag Rang”. This group has 22 members who are mostly 60+ and are passionate about music.

Team Senior Express was delighted to see the enthusiasm and active participation of the seniors. This event was a small step from our end towards promotion of active and productive ageing in India.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

World Elders’ Day Event: An Occasion to Build Intergenerational Bonding

Senior Express organised an unique inter-generational event on the occasion of World Elders Day on 1st October, 2018 in Pune.

More than 100 school, college students and young professionals from Pune attended the event and gave wonderful performances to entertain seniors.  Their performances were of varied types, like there were dance performances on nursery rhymes by toddlers, group dancing and singing by students of various schools, skit by college students and a special dance performance on women empowerment  by the young  female staff of old age home. In addition to this we also organised a drawing competition for school kids where they had to draw their feelings for their grandparents or any other significant elderly person.  Team Senior Express was amazed to see the beautiful pieces of art created by the students in respect and love for their grandparents.

We are very thankful to the Nandanik Group for their mesmerising dance performances in the event.  Nandanik Group is a socio-cultural organization started by the Bengali community in Pune to take up their socio- cultural activities on a common platform and also to work together for the welfare of the society. Their members of all age groups who are mostly professionals working in varied fields gave a wonderful dance performance on the theme of intergenerational bonding. Not only this, they also encouraged and trained some residents of Annasaheb Behere Old Age Home to perform with them.

Team Senior Express was very happy to see the way in which this event contributed in building the intergenerational bonding among people across different generations. This was a small step from our end towards strengthening intergenerational bonding among people of different age groups which we feel is an essential step towards promotion of active and productive ageing in India.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

Happy Maha Navami

On behalf of my initiative Senior Express, I wish everyone a very happy Maha Navami . On this pious day, lets take a pledge to respect the Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati in each woman in our society and make this world a better place to live.

On this occasion, we felt like sharing a thought provoking poem on the condition of women in our society which is written and shared by our active contributor Mr. Bansal, a 70+ avid poet from Noida.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

Press Coverage of Elders’ Day Event

Team Senior Express is happy to share that our World Elders’ Day Event celebration which we had organised in collaboration with Sangam Sarvajanik Sewa Samiti Pune, has got a coverage in prominent Marathi newspapers. Attached are the newspaper clippings.

We are glad that media is also showing keen interest in publishing news related to active ageing and inter-generational bonding which have an important role to play in the development of our society.

World Elders' Day Event, 2018

On 1st October, 2018, to mark the World Elders’ Day, Senior Express in collaboration with Sangam Sarvajanik Sewa Samiti, Pune organised a one day event bringing together the themes of active ageing and inter-generational bonding.

Around 400 seniors, youth and school children came together in this day long celebration and participated with great vigour and excitement. People across generations gave wonderful performances. Each performance was unique and amazing in its own way.

On special demand by those who couldn’t attend it and our well wishers spread across the country, Senior Express team has decided to share videos, photographs and information on each of the programs over a span of this month, so that everyone can get a flavour of it.

Originally published at: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/world-elders-day-event-2018/

A Session on Creating Awareness on Alzheimer’s

On World Alzheimer’s Day i.e. on 21st September, 2018, Senior Express conducted an awareness session on Dementia and Alzheimer’s for the residents of Behere Old Age Home in Pune.

The session was conducted by our Founder Dr. Nidhi Mishra ( a Social Gerontologist and Psychologist) who along with giving a talk on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, made the residents play some simple brain games in groups which they can play in their day to day life too for keeping themselves mentally fit and active.

According to Dr. Nidhi, mental stimulation through brain games is a must for maintaining mental fitness at any age, especially post 60.

Originally published at: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/a-session-on-alzheimers/

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi

Senior Express wishes everyone a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. May Lord Ganesha bring good health and lots of happiness in our life and bless us with an active and healthy life.

On this occasion, sharing beautiful images of Lord Ganesha, which is created by our dear friend Mrs. Meenakshi Gandhi, a 60+ creative artist from Pune.

Ganpati Bappa Morya!

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/happy-ganesh-chaturthi-2/

Happy Teachers' Day

Senior Express wishes all teachers a very Happy Teachers’ Day.

On this occasion sharing interesting information about famous mentors/teachers in India (and Indian mythology). This information is compiled by our contributor Mr. Bansal, a 70+ active senior from Noida.

Originally published at:http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/happy-teachers-day/ 

Happy Janmashtami

Senior Express wishes everyone a very happy Shree Krishna Janmashtami. May lord Krishna bless everyone with good health and well-being.

On this occasion sharing a beautiful poem, written by our active contributor Mr. Bansal, a 70+ avid poet from Noida.

Originally published:  http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/happy-janmashtami-2/

A Session on Promoting Elder Friendly Environment

It was a great honour for us as our founder Dr. Nidhi Mishra was again invited by the Salisbury Senior Citizens Club, Pune to conduct one more interesting session on topics related to Positive Ageing for their members.

Dr. Nidhi conducted an interactive session on Promoting Elder Friendly Environment for the club members. The purpose of the session was to create awareness on physical and psycho-social characteristics of elder friendly environment and ways to promote it.

She was happy to see the enthusiasm with which the club members actively participated in the session.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/session-promoting-elder-friendly-environment/

Happy 72nd Indian Independence Day

Senior Express wishes all Indians a very Happy Independence Day. On this occasion, sharing a touching and thought provoking poem written by our very active contributor Mr. Bansal, a 71+ avid poet from Noida.

At Senior Express (www.seniorexpress.in) we believe that Independence means freedom to live a meaningful and active life with dignity.  We are working on this mission by highlighting the talents and creative expressions of our talented seniors like Mr. Bansal and thereby promoting active and productive ageing in India.

Age Defying Role Model

Sharing another inspiring story via Senior Express on Active Ageing in India. This is the story of Mr. Shivnandan Ramrao Rao,  an 86 year young and enthusiastic professional from Thane, Maharashtra.

Do read his fitness mantra in his own words  

My day begins at 6 am sharp. The first thing I do is Pranayam followed by Yoga every day. I have also been doing Jala Neti for 30 years which helps keeps my sinus clear, no headaches and mental stress as it benefits us by removing the excess heat out of our brain. 

My house is at 3rd floor and I need to climb at least 3 to 4 times a day. We do not have a lift. Every morning I go for a walk of 3 km. I prefer to walk as it is faster in the traffic and it helps me keep active. Besides exercising I feel a good and balanced diet is very essential for anyone to keep fit. 

I have been suffering from Diabetes since 1976 but due to exercise and controlled diet and leading a disciplined routine, I have been able to keep my sugar level under control. I feel that to lead a Healthy and Active life one must eat everything in moderation, exercise regularly, think positive and must go for regular health checkups. 

When I retired at the age of 61 from Colour Chem, I had thought of continuing to work for few more years. But didn’t realised that I would be working even today at the age of 86. I will continue to do so as long as my health permits and I can travel alone. My consultancy work also requires travel outside Mumbai 4 to 5 days in a month. 

My wife passed away in March 2012 and since then I live alone at Thane. Both my daughters wanted me to come and live with them but since my health permits and all my friends, my bank related work etc is all based in Thane I decided to continue living here. Living alone means maintaining the house which is a full time job. I am enjoying this new role though I do miss my wife and other family members. 

I am a very social person and have lots of friends and most of my friends have been there with me in all stages of my life. I still meet my school, college and Colour Chem friends and often go out for picnics with them. 

Earlier I was not very fond of the new technology maybe because I thought I would not be able to cope with it but since the time I have been using the smart phone, I have been able to keep in touch with family and friends through WhatsApp. I surf the internet for interesting news articles, and work related material. All this keeps me socially and mentally active.

Read his full story at: http://seniorexpress.in/social/age-defying-role-model/

Happy Doctor’s Day 2018

Today on National Doctor’s Day, Senior Express wishes all dedicated and passionate doctors a very happy Doctor’s Day as they are the one who are spending an essential amount of their time and energy in the promotion of our health and wellbeing.

On this occasion we would like to thank our active contributor Dr. Ashok Mishra, a 69+ General Physician (MBBS Doctor) from Allahabad. For him his medical practice is not only a profession but also a means to do welfare service towards the disadvantaged section of the society. He has been treating patients since 1975 and for him his profession is an essential part of his life which keeps him physically, mentally and spiritually active.

Every day he travels 120 km by road to see his patients and listen to their problems, personal challenges and hardships. Some of his patients are from the economically weaker section of the society who come for free consultation. He treats them with full dedication and never shows any discrimination against them. He believes that this is a part of his professional social responsibility which instills in him a sense of self fulfillment.

We salute him and other doctors like him who are dedicating their time and energy in the development of the society.

Originally published at: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/happy-doctors-day-2018/

A Session on Active and Healthy Ageing

On 23rd February 2018, Founder of Senior Express, Dr. Nidhi Mishra was invited by the Salisbury Park Senior Citizens Group, Pune to conduct a session on Active and Productive Ageing for their members.

She conducted an interactive session with the group members, where she discussed the concept of active, productive and healthy ageing and its major dimensions through certain exercises, shared some important tips for ageing gracefully and made the members play some brain games. According to Dr. Nidhi (Gerontologist), brain games are an important mental exercise which keeps a mind active and a body fit. She recommends that everyone must do some kind of mental exercises or play certain brain games in order to lead an active and healthy life ahead.

It was a lively session where the members took part in the interactions, clarified their concept of active ageing by asking questions and enjoyed playing brain games.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

An Event to Celebrate Active Living

On 9th December 2017 we celebrated Senior Express’s (www.seniorexpress.in) first anniversary with our well-wishers and contributors belonging to different generations.

On this occasion our founder Dr. Nidhi Mishra shared our one year journey with the group along with the upcoming projects. During last one year we focused on our mission of promoting active ageing and negating myths about ageing by sharing inspiring stories of people across India belonging to age group 60+ to 80+ years and are leading active life (http://seniorexpress.in/my-story/). We were also engaged in our mission of strengthening inter-generational bonding by encouraging people across different generations to write and share their views and ideas about different topics related to ageing on our forum (http://seniorexpress.in/forums-2/) and by conducting sessions on building inter-generational bonding and sensitizing the youth about issues related to old age. As Senior Express enters in its second year we are in the process of launching our two innovative projects focusing on our mission of promoting active ageing by highlighting the creative expressions of seniors and by building inter-generational bonding across different generations.

Later, we organised a semi formal discussion on concerns related to healthy living and ways to promote positive living with our contributors and collaborators, professionals and experts working in the area of Yoga & Meditation, Pranik Healing, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Training, Motivational Speaking, Health & Fitness, Information Technology, Digital Marketing, Performing & Visual Arts. It was a productive discussion where the group members shared their views and ideas related to the topic based on their personal and professional experiences.

On this occasion we designed a table calendar which is a small tribute to all our valued contributors who have shared their inspiring stories with us and have thus helped us in promoting active ageing in India. In the end of the session we felicitated some of our contributors who managed to attend the function by gifting them those calendar in which they are featured along with a brief write-up on them. One of our contributors Ms. Primla Hingorani, a 72+ marathon runner, came all the way from Mumbai to attend our programme in Pune. Mr. & Mrs. Gandhi from Pune who are not only a perfect example of active ageing but also an ideal couple and an inspiration for many were felicitated by our youngest team member Avni (2+ years). We missed the presence of Mr. Gandhi as he couldn’t attend the programme due to prior commitment. Mr. Bansal, a retired staff officer (Grade A) from Reserve Bank of India and a true poet at heart couldn’t attend the programme as he is travelling right now. In his absence his youngest son Ashish and daughter-in-law Mouli came to receive the calendar out of their love and respect for their father which was given by our mentor and well-wisher Mr. Ramesh Sood, who is a popular NLP training and a Happiness Coach.

Any anniversary celebration is incomplete without cake cutting so together we did that along with taking a pledge to build inter-generational bonding.

We missed all our contributors and well-wishers across India who were not able to attend the programme. We are very thankful to each of them for being a part of our journey and in helping Senior Express in realizing its potential. We pray for their good health and look forward to their active contribution in coming years.

This post is originally published at: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/celebration-senior-expresss-1st-anniversary/