Holiday in Bali!

Bali is one of the popular tourist destinations in this world. Our contributor Mr. Rajaram Krishnaswami, a 70+ Management Consultant and a Visiting Faculty at a prestigious business school recently visited this place with his wife.

For the interest of all those who wish to visit this place he has shared a small note of his travel experiences there along with some beautiful photographs -

http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/holiday-at-bali/

Met by Destiny, Connected by Love

Sharing a beautiful couple story on Active Aging via Senior Express. This is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Gandhi who believes in living life fully and enjoying each and every moment happily together. They are a 67+ creative and talented couple who passionately pursue their interest in art, craft, dance, singing, socialising and travelling.

They met through their family, had an arranged marriage in 1973 and ever since their love has grown day by day. They are an inspiration and a role model to many young couples.

Let us read their story in Mr. K. M. Gandhi’s words - http://seniorexpress.in/health-fitness/met-destiny-connected-love/

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

Merry Christmas!

Senior Express wishes everyone Merry Christmas!

Christmas is the festival to celebrate life, happiness and to cherish the beautiful relations which we have in our life, especially with our elders.

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/

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 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/

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/

International Yoga Day

Today on International Yoga Day, Senior Express wishes everyone a very healthy and fit life ahead.

On this occasion, we would like to thank our active contributor Mr. Amrendra Narayan Pandey, a 72+ Retired Senior Nuclear Scientist from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, who is actively running a project in Hyderabad, called “Spiritual Awareness Programme” (SAP) through which he is creating awareness on yogic practices, its importance in healthy living and its utility in the promotion of welfare of society.

Mr. Pandey strongly believes that “Yoga and Meditation Explores the Divinity Within”. Sharing his recent photograph while doing yoga, which was featured in our 2018 calendar.

Originally published at http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/international-yoga-day/

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/ 

Raise your voice against Elder Abuse

The United Nations has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to any kind of abuse and discrimination against senior citizens in our society.

On this occasion sharing an informative video on Elder Abuse which is designed by Senior Express (www.seniorexpress.in) to create awareness on this topic and to further guide people across different generations about the various ways in which Elder abuse can be prevented and controlled.

Please do watch the video and share it to create awareness on Elder Abuse, so that our seniors can live a healthy and dignified life ahead.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/raise-your-voice-against-elder-abuse/

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

Happy Happiness Day :)

Today is International Day of Happiness. Senior Express (http://www.seniorexpress.in) believes that Happiness is the key to healthy, active and productive living. So, be happy and spread happiness around you.

Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated this day to recognise the significance of happiness in the lives of people around the globe.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/happy-international-day-happiness/

Living Happily & Ageing Gracefully Together

Sharing a beautiful story via Senior Express (www.seniorexpress.in) of Mr. and Mrs. Shah, a 70+ couple from Mumbai. Mrs. Pushpa Shah (70) and Mr. Ramesh Shah (77) have been happily married for the past 50 years. During this period they have experienced various struggles and achievements together which has brought them closer to each other. They are more like friends rather than spouse and share a lot of common interests like acting, singing, dancing, cooking and socializing with people. They are a perfect example of active living and ageing gracefully together. 

Let’s read more about them and their active lifestyle in Mrs. Pushpa Shah’s words - http://seniorexpress.in/social/living-happily-ageing-gracefully-together/

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/

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/

Good News for Senior Citizens by Indian Railways

Recently I came across two good news for senior citizens by the Ministry of Railways. They are as follows:

1. Indian Railways will secure lower berths for women and senior citizens in trains by not allotting seat number to anyone even if the ticket is confirmed. (For details: http://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-now-indian-railways-wont-allot-you-a-seat-number-even-if-ticket-is-confirmed-14663)

2. The Ministry of Railways has withdrawn implementation of Aadhaar based ticketing system for senior citizens. So now senior citizens can book tickets without Aadhaar card. However, they have to carry alternate documents for identity proof during their travel. (For details: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/railways-withdraws-implementation-of-aadhar-based-ticketing-system-for-senior-citizens/articleshow/58132148.cms)

I am sure both the steps by Indian Railways will not only bring some relief to seniors but will also make their train journey relaxing.

Mobility is an important issue in old age so if seniors will have access to comfortable travel by public transportation system then it will definitely contribute towards promotion of active ageing in India.

This post was originally written on www.seniorexpress.in

A Call A Day Takes Loneliness Away

Today is World Health Day. Every year World Health Organization (WHO) selects a theme around a health topic which is a common concern to people all over the world.This year’s theme is “Depression:Let’s Talk”. According to WHO “depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries.”

This can become an acute problem among senior citizens, especially those who are living alone. Based on my observations and professional experience I strongly agree with WHO that the main cause of depression in senior citizens is loneliness and loss of independence and having simple conversations can make a huge difference. Sharing an informative video by WHO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXZZcdFXTtY&feature=youtu.be

So, this weekend pick up the phone or have a face to face conversation with your parents, grandparents or any other elder family member or friend to make them feel special and appreciated. This simple step will not only control the feeling of loneliness among our elders but will also motivate them to lead a socially and physically active life.

That’s my 18 months old toddler blabbering on the phone and trying to strike a conversation with her grandmother ☺

This article was originally published on Senior Express: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/a-call-a-day-can-take-loneliness-away/

Poor Health Insurance Coverage Amongst Senior Citizens: A Cause of Concern

In general, India has low health insurance coverage (less than 4%). This becomes an acute concern for the elderly population where the coverage drops down to less than 1%. With increase in longevity this is going to become a serious issue in coming times.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/poor-health-insurance-coverage-amongst-senior-citizens-cause-concern/