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.

Happy Christmas! Time for family bonding

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas. Festivals are a special occasion not only because it is a time for merriment but also because it is the time for family bonding, sharing and care. It is the perfect time for inter-generational bonding. So, enjoy it with your family and friends and especially with the elder members of your family as often they are the one who look forward to this day for family gathering and for celebration, which is one of the major determinant in the enhancement of their well-being.

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.