Senior Citizens as Changemakers

While conducting the training sessions for senior citizens during the past 3 months, I met some really enthusiastic and active senior citizens for whom age is just a number. Inspite of their age specific problems they are all geared up to work hard towards empowerment of older persons. Kudos to them. They are the changemakers and a real example of active and productive ageing.

R.I.P Nelson Mandela

This post is a tribute to Nelson Mandela, a courageous leader who fought through out his life for equality and peace. Though he is no more but his great initiatives will always be in our mind and inspire us to follow his path. May his soul rest in peace.

United Nations Policy Formulation Programme for Welfare of Elderly

I am glad that after being many years on my wishlist, finally I got the opportunity to participate in the United Nations "International Programme in Policy Formulation, Planning, Implementation and Monitoring of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing", which was organized by the International Institute on Ageing, Malta between 14th to 25th October, 2013.

It was a great learning experience where participants from twelve countries across Europe, Asia and Africa shared the ageing scenario in their countries along with the challenges and best practices towards welfare of elderly.

Through this programme I got the opportunity to meet and interact with experts in the area of ageing, who trained us in formulating and designing need based policies and programmes for the welfare of elderly, which are based on the priority directives of Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002).

This training programme has raised my confidence to put my ideas into action for designing and implementing need based programme for the welfare of Elderly in India, on which I have already started working.

Happy World Elders' Day

On the occasion of World Elders' Day, I wish all my 60+ friends a very healthy, productive and active life. For achieving this aim, one has to not only be physically active but also be psychologically fit and socially engaged in various fruitful activities. Along with this, I request everyone, especially our younger generation to be empathetic towards the needs and feelings of the elders, strengthen the inter-generational bond and contribute towards development of our society. A society can only flourish when its members are happy and satisfied.

Today is World Alzheimer's Day

Today on World Alzheimer's Day (21st Sept, 2013), let us all join hands to spread awareness about alzheimer's and dementia in our community, especially among senior citizens and their family, so that appropriate steps can be taken at right time to prevent it and to deal with it.

Read about some of the initiatives taken in Mumbai for creating awareness on this issue:  http://www.themetrognome.in/campaign/mumbai-observing-world-alzheimers-month

Empowerment of Elderly Women

Many of us often tend to consider the population of older persons as a homogeneous group, with similar types of needs and demands. May be that is why most of the schemes by the government focuses on older population in general and not specifically on the gender dimensions, thus making the much needed empowerment of elderly women a difficult task to accomplish.

With an increase in proportion of older persons in India, maintenance of health and well-being of both male and female elderly has become an important issue, however, this has become a serious concern among the elderly women, who as compared to their male counterparts are more vulnerable to health problems such as osteoporosis, menopausal complications and depression; and are more likely to face financial constraints due to less workforce participation or lack of financial savings for old age. As they live longer than men, they are more likely to be widowed and living alone, thus becoming more vulnerable to crimes and abuses.Situation is worst for those who belong to lower economic status.Due to the phenomenon of feminization of ageing in India, all these issues have become more acute and are thus emphasizing on the dire need to implement older women specific programmes and schemes toward promotion of their health and well-being. I seriously believe that the promotion of health and well-being of elderly women is a major step towards their empowerment, because until and unless they are not physically and psychologically healthy and are not satisfied with their life and environmental context, they won't be able to empower themselves.Empowerment of elderly women is a gradual process in which elderly women, their family, civil society and government have a major role to play to tackle the various challenges at their own level towards achievement of this goal.

Recently, had a fruitful discussion on these issues with fellow participants at the International Conference on Ageing Women (organized and supported by Stree Shakti and HelpAge India), where I was invited as a speaker to highlight and discuss various issues and concerns related to health and well-being of elderly women. Strongly wish that our deliberations should contribute towards empowerment of older women in India.

Quest for knowledge is not age bound

Felt amazed to read about 78 year old Mr. T D Krishnamachari (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-18/chennai/41421985_1_journalism-sanskrit-doordarshan), who has a vivacious and active personality. I admire his quest for knowledge and a strong willpower to lead an active life.

Isn't it inspiring!

Rappelling at the age of 91 years

In the western parts of India, monsoon is considered as the best time for trekking/rappelling in Sahyadri mountain ranges. Though it is mostly a popular activity among youngsters but there are people who enjoy it even in their old age. Meet Mr. Mahajan, who at the age of 91 years enjoyed doing rappelling and have thus negated the views of many who feel that old age is marked by physical incapacity and immobility.

This proves that healthy lifestyle and a strong will power can keep one healthy and active at any stage of life.

Give some 'ME' time to yourself for a Healthy life

Came across a wonderful work by Tom Hussey: http://www.tomhussey.com/#/SERIES%20%20/Reflections/1

This reminds me of the 8th stage: Integrity vs Despair, of the Psychosocial development theory proposed by famous Developmental Psychologist Erik Erikson. According to this theory this phase occurs in old age, where elderly reflects back on life. While doing this if he/she feels satisfied with life in term of fulfilling one's responsibility and achieving one's goals then he/she experiences a sense of integrity but if one feels dissatisfied with earlier phases of life and regret about something then he/she will experience a sense of despair.

While working with elderly I have noticed these issues.And have also come across some elderly who are fulfilling their hobbies and interests in old age, as earlier they never got time to do so. But as compared to others, they are less in number. Based on my experiences of working with elderly, it is my personal suggestion to everyone that along with fulfilling your responsibilities towards your family and others, give some 'ME' time to yourself, pursue your hobbies and interest whenever it is possible for you. So, that later you shouldn't repent, that you have not been able to do what you wanted to do.

Active and Healthy at the age of 120

Researches done in the area of Psycho-Social Gerontology have emphasized that healthy eating habits, active lifestyle and social interaction are major determinants of healthy ageing.

Meet Somaiakka, a 120 year old lady from Tamil Nadu, India. She is a living example of healthy and active ageing, who believes that because of her healthy eating habits and active lifestyle for keeping herself mentally and physically fit, she has been able to live for so many years. 

Seriously, if we can discipline our self, eat healthy and try to lead an active life then old age is just a myth.