85+ Medical Biologist Turned Biographer

On 8th March, on the occasion of International Women's Day, Senior Express shared an inspiring story of Mrs. Urmila Rau Lal, a 85+ Medical Biologist turned Biographer, who believes that age is just a number and it's our attitude towards life which really matters.

Do read her motivating story and get inspired- http://seniorexpress.in/elder-rights/85-medical-biologist-turned-biographer/

An Inspiring Story of a Home Maker who is an Example of Active Ageing

Sharing a positive story of 62 years old Mrs. Surekha Laddha, a homemaker from Amravati whose life revolves around her family and the social work which she does for the underprivileged people in her area. She strongly believes that life is all about being happy and spreading happiness around.

Do read her full story and get inspired : https://bit.ly/2RtItzU

97 and Still Rocking!

Sharing an inspiring story of 97 year old Mr. P.M. Daniel from Mumbai, who is full of life and energy.

His story is written and shared by his granddaughter Ms. Smita Vahadane, 30 year old adventurous spirit who currently lives in New York and works for a leading TV channel.

Smita shares a very special bond with her grandfather, whom she fondly calls 'Dadu'. She is full of admiration for him which is very much evident in the story written by her. Their relationship is one of the best examples of inter-generational bonding.

Read full story: http://seniorexpress.in/health-fitness/97-still-rocking/

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.

Meet the 71+ Avid Poet from Noida, India

Sharing another inspiring story on active ageing in India via Senior Express  www.seniorexpress.in

This is a positive story of Mr. G.D. Bansal, 71+ avid poet from Noida who believes that life is all about keeping oneself positive and active.

Mr. Bansal is a true poet at heart. In his own words he says:

मैं एक कवि हूँ | मैं हमेशा से हिन्दी साहित्य का विद्यार्थी रहा हूँ , सो मेरी आरम्भ से ही हिन्दी में लेख लिखने , कविताएँ लिखने व वाद विवाद प्रतियोगिताओं में भाग लेने की रूचि रही है |

मैं दिल से एक कवि हूँ और लगभग 35 वर्षो से कविताएं लिख रहा हूँ | मैं अपनी कविताओं की प्रेरणा अपने चारो तरफ घटित होने वाली सामाजिक, सांस्कृतिक, राजनीतिक और पर्यावरण सम्बंधित बातों से लेता हूँ |

मुझे जहाँ भी अपनी कविता सुनाने का अवसर मिला है मैंने उसमे पुरे मन से भाग लिया है और कई बार पुरस्कृत भी हुआ हूँ |

At Senior Express we promote the talents and creativity of Seniors who are an example of active and productive ageing. Do read his full story and get inspired- https://bit.ly/2M7gbZo

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.

Enjoying Life Together in their 80s

Sharing a positive story of Mr. and Mrs. Waman Jog who are voluntarily staying in an old age home and are living a happy and active life together.

They say : Though we have children, we took a decision to spend rest of our life in old age home. For the last 15 years we are staying in an old age home in Pune. Both of us and our children are very happy with that decision and we are going to stay here till the end.

They make conscious efforts to enjoy their life in the old age home and also try to involve other residents in making everybody’s stay more enjoyable.

Do read their story and get inspired by their passion to live life fully: http://seniorexpress.in/social/age-defying-role-model/ 

A Session on Active Ageing

On 1st September 2017, Senior Express has conducted a session on Active Ageing for the senior residents of Tuscan Estate, Kharadi, Pune, India. The session was conducted both in English and Hindi by our Founder Dr. Nidhi Mishra, where she discussed the concept of Active Ageing through various exercises and shared certain tips for staying active and ageing gracefully and positively as one moves beyond 60s.

Here are few snapshots of the session.

Read more about the session: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/a-session-on-active-ageing/

A 70+ Scientist Promoting Yogic Practices for the Betterment of the Society

Sharing another inspiring story (via www.seniorexpress.in) of Mr. Amrendra Narayan Pandey, a 70+ Retired Senior Nuclear Scientist from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, India, who is on a mission to promote yogic practices for the betterment of the society.

Mr. Pandey is based in Hyderabad where he is actively running a project called “Spiritual Awareness Programme” (SAP) through which he is creating awareness on yogic practices, its importance in healthy living and its utility to the entire population of the world by exploring the themes of yoga from Ancient Indian Wisdom (AIW). Based on his  interest in AIW, spirituality and his background in technology he has developed a spiritual (vedantic) model in association with Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anushandhana Sansthana (SVYASA), Bangalore for the welfare of the society.

Read more about him and his endeavours to promote yogic practices : http://seniorexpress.in/health-fitness/70-scientist-promoting-yogic-practices-betterment-society/

I Plan to Live for 100+ Years through My Active Lifestyle

Sharing another motivating story on Active Ageing via Senior Express (www.seniorexpress.in). This is Mr. Pednekar’s story, who is an 88 year old active and fit gentleman from Mumbai. Mr. Pednekar believes in the philosophy of simple living, high thinking and keeping oneself positive in all circumstances.

Based on his active lifestyle he defines an active and healthy senior citizen as the one who does regular yoga, takes simple and digestive food, spend quality time with younger generation and keeps himself and others happy in all circumstances.

Mr. Pednekar plans to live for 100+ years through his active and healthy lifestyle.Do read his story to know the secret behind his active and productive living — http://seniorexpress.in/health-fitness/plan-live-100-years/

A Session to Remember

Sharing a heartwarming article on Inter-generational bonding, written and shared by Ms. Anastasia Dedhia in memory of her client Mr. Phiroze Driver who passed away recently at the age of 94 years and who according to her was an epitome of positive and graceful ageing.

Ms. Anastasia Dedhia is based in Mumbai. She is the Founder of Mind Mantra and is a Clinical Psychologist, Elder Care Specialist and a practicing EFT Therapist.

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“Darling, can I offer you a martini?” was the first thing I was asked when I met Mr. Phiroze Driver, a Parsi Gentleman living in Cuffe Parade; as I began my sessions with him in the early winters of 2013. The 11 a.m. Monday morning ‘Blues’ changed to beautiful ‘Pinks’.Uncle was 91 when I first met him as an Elder Care Specialist. The age where people usually wait for all to get over, uncle has something to look forward to, always!

To read the full article click here — http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/a-session-to-remember/

We at Senior Express (www.seniorexpress.in) believe that healthy inter-generational bonding is a must for positive living of all generations.

In Memory of My Dad who Lived Gracefully

Sharing an inspirational story via Senior Express (www.seniorexpress.in) which is written and shared by a son in the fond memory of his father who passed away in 1990 at the age of 80 and left behind lots of positivity for the family and society. He strongly feels that his father inspired him to lead a positive and happy life.

Read full story here: http://seniorexpress.in/social/in-memory-of-my-dad-who-lived-gracefully/

80+ Shooter Dadi: World’s Oldest Female Sharpshooter

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ShooterDadiOfficial/

Ms. Chandro Tomar, an octogenarian from the village of Johri, Bagpat district, Uttar Pradesh is the world’s oldest female sharpshooter. She is popularly known as ‘Shooter Dadi’ or ‘Revolver Dadi’. She learnt shooting at the age of 65 and has won more than 25 national championships. She is an example of Woman Empowerment and many women in her family and village have got inspired by her achievements.

She is an inspiration for both seniors and youngsters and is a perfect example of active and productive ageing. 

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/80-shooter-dadi-worlds-oldest-sharpshooter/ 

105 Year Old Master Chef Granny

Meet Mastanamma a 105 year old great cook who is a master in cooking traditional recipes. She has become an internet sensation these days and is definitely an example of active and productive ageing

Enjoy watching her video: http://www.outlookindia.com/videos/this-105-year-old-cook-can-probably-give-top-chefs-a-run-for-their-money/429

This post was originally published on www.seniorexpress.in

101-year-old Mann Kaur aspiring to bring gold medal for India in the World Masters Games

Proud moment for all Indians especially senior citizens as 101 year old Mann Kaur from Chandigarh aspires to bring gold medal for India in the World Masters Games in Aukland, New Zealand.

She entered athletics at the age of 93 after being motivated by her 79 year old son Gurudev Singh, who is also an athlete. In 2016 she won gold medal at Americas Masters Games for her good performance.

She is getting lot of media coverage in New Zealand for her zeal and decision to participate at this age.(Read more: http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/91712662/world-masters-games-welcomes-101yearold-sprinter-from-india & http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11839822).

As a gerontologist and proud Indian I consider it my personal responsibility to spread this good news and thereby acknowledge her strength, motivation, determination and hard work. She is truly an inspiration and a perfect example of healthy, productive and active ageing.

Please feel free to share your honest comment on the article also share it if you like it.

This article was originally published on www.seniorexpress.in

60+ Students Practicing Their Right to Education

Felt motivated while reading a news article few days back and thus thought of sharing it with you.

This positive news is from the Barmer District of Rajasthan where many senior citizens appeared in the state open exams for class 10th and 12th not out of any compulsion but just to follow their dreams of completing basic education. Read More: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/no-age-bar-senior-citizens-take-school-exams/articleshow/58039708.cms?from=mdr

I am happy that along with fulfilling their desires these seniors are also practicing their Right to Education. Through this act they are also inspiring the younger generation to educate themselves and become self sufficient.

Right to Education is an important tool for people of all ages, including senior citizens. In my professional and personal life I have met many senior citizens who are very passionate to go for higher education or to do some professional courses. I always encourage them to do so and fulfill their dreams as I am a strong proponent of “Activity Theory of Ageing” (developed by Robert. J. Havighurst in 1961) which emphasises that a person’s life satisfaction is directly related to his/her degree of social interaction and level of activity.

Additionally, I came across news from different parts of India which emphasises on senior citizen’s desire to pursue education, either for seeking professional degree (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/with-age-no-bar-even-60-year-old-register-for-mbbs-entry/articleshow/58090827.cms?from=mdr) or for completing basic education in a rural area (http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/aajibaichi-shala-grandmothers-school/).

Meeting passionate 60+ students in person and reading news items about more such examples in different parts of India not only motivates me but also makes me hopeful about the future of our country. Who says that only youth are the future? Such passionate seniors are also the future, who are setting a good example for the entire nation.

At Senior Express we keep sharing such positive news about senior citizens which are related to their rights like right to education, right to lead a dignified life, right to avail various facilities by the government, right to express themselves and various other rights which can be practiced by them to lead an active, healthy and productive life.

This article is originally published on www.seniorexpress.in

Millennials: Contributing Towards Elder Friendly Society in India

Often millennial generation (people born between early 1980s to early 2000s) is perceived as materialistic and self-centred, however both recent researchers and my personal experiences point out to the contrary. The millennials along with being go-getters are also a socially conscious generation who are not only concerned about senior citizens but are also empathetic towards their needs.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/millennials-contributing-towards-elder-friendly-society-india/

A Passionate Agriculturist and Mentor to Agri-preneurs and Farmers

Sharing a positive story of a 66+ Mr. Joseph Britto from Bangalore, who is a Passionate Agriculturist and a Compassionate Human Being. To read his full story click here: http://seniorexpress.in/social/passionate-agriculturist-mentor-agri-preneurs-farmers/

He is a perfect example of productive and active ageing.

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

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