Wednesday 25 December 2013

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.

Monday 9 December 2013

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.

Thursday 5 December 2013

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.

Tuesday 12 November 2013

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.

Tuesday 1 October 2013

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.

Saturday 21 September 2013

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


Sunday 1 September 2013

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.


Tuesday 20 August 2013

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!

Tuesday 13 August 2013

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.

Tuesday 6 August 2013

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.

Monday 5 August 2013

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.

Monday 29 July 2013

Law for the welfare of Elderly

The new law by Chinese government makes it mandatory for family members to visit their elderly parents or risk being sued and face penalties: http://youtu.be/SaEvrcFEcbU


Though by passing this law the Chinese government intends to instill in the younger family member the moral and ethical responsibility of taking care of their elderly parents. But can such a law actually make younger generation empathize with their elderly parents and work towards improvement of their well-being? I personally feel that because of the fear of getting sued some may be forced to take care of their elderly parents but they may not be able to empathize and connect with them properly, unless and until they are sensitized to this issue. Government should take some steps towards this step as well.

Please feel free to share your views.

Friday 26 July 2013

100 year old doctorate fellow



Amazed and inspired to know about Mr. Bholaram Das, 100 year old PhD scholar in Assam.







Being a PhD degree holder, I know how much energy and hard work one has to invest in getting this degree. Kudos to this gentlemen for deciding to pursue higher studies at this age. He really proves it that age can never act as a barrier in pursuit of any task, if one has a passion and a desire to achieve that task. Along with this, a proper co-operation and understanding from family, like in the case of Mr. Das has also a major role to play in encouraging elderly to fulfill their dreams and lead an active life.

Wednesday 24 July 2013

Retirement savings for a better Quality of Life

Due to increase in longevity, financial security has become a serious concern for a better quality of life and healthcare in old age.This can be achieved only if retirement planning is done properly and at right time. Found an interesting video on retirement savings by ‪‎Moneylife Foundation.

Watch it and learn about retirement savings!

Monday 22 July 2013

Faster Legal Relief for Senior Citizens in Punjab and Haryana


I am happy to share the news, that Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul,the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed all the judicial officers in the state of Punjab and Haryana to take up on priority basis the cases related to the senior citizens, disabled,crime against women and child abuse,which have been pending for more than five years. (http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Chandigarh/Judicial-officers-told-to-hear-pending-cases-of-disabled-senior-citizens-on-priority/SP-Article1-1093961.aspx)

I hope that this directive will bring relief to those senior citizens, differently abled people, women and children who have been waiting for justice for a long time. Especially in case of senior citizens, along with providing legal relief to them, it may also contribute towards improving their well-being and mental health.

Thursday 18 July 2013

At 85 working for the betterment of the society

At the age of 85 when some people feel it difficult to keep themselves fit and active, some others go a way ahead and work towards the development of the society. Ms. Lily Thomas is a perfect example of the later category. She is a lawyer by profession and has been raising her voice since 2005 against criminalization of politics (http://www.bbc.co.uk/hindi/india/2013/07/130715_lily_thomas_sc_judgement_vr.shtml?ocid=socialflow_facebook_hindi). Her efforts have finally resulted in the passing of the recent landmark judgement by Supreme Court whereby politicians having criminal charges against them will be debarred from holding elected positions and from contesting elections (with some clauses).

She is a perfect example of active and productive ageing, who at the age of 85 years is leading an active life and is contributing towards the welfare of the society.

Monday 15 July 2013

Higher Education @ 60+

Post 60 is not only an age for retirement from job, it is a phase for pursuit of hobbies and interest which one has not been able to pursue earlier along with job. For some, such hobbies and interest could be pursuit of higher education like PhD. Though in the West this is becoming popular among 60+, however, in India very few senior citizens choose to go for it, either because they feel absurd to study at this age or they shy in doing so because of being mocked by the society. Like any other mental and physical activity, higher education like PhD too have a positive role to play in promoting healthy ageing, by not only keeping one physically and mentally fit but also psychologically satisfied with life.

For those 60+ who had completed their post graduation and who want to pursue PhD there is a good news, University of Pune is encouraging them to pursue PhD, by exempting them from appearing for PhD entrance test, however it is compulsory for them to be present for the interview by the exam board. Link to the circular published on the University of Pune website-http://uopnews.unipune.ac.in/Lists/News%20and%20Announcements/DispForm.aspx?ID=751

I appreciate such initiative taken by the University of Pune for the promotion of well-being of senior citizens. Hope that this initiative is well received by senior citizens and helps fulfilling the dreams of those who had a longing to pursue PhD.


Note: This article has also been posted on my Facebook page:www.facebook.com/productiveageing. Please feel free to subscribe to this page and participate in its discussions. 

Friday 12 July 2013

Recreational centres for Senior Citizens in Mumbai

Great news for 60+ Mumbaikars! The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to set up five recreational centres for senior citizens in Mumbai (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Civic-body-to-construct-five-recreational-centres-for-senior-citizens/articleshow/21001973.cms).Later,they plan to construct such centres in every ward in Mumbai. It is an useful and much required initiative from BMC, where free recreational activities and facilities such as yoga, bridge, sudoku, chess, carom, newspapers, magazines and TV watching etc will also be provided to them at these centres on every Sunday (7am-7pm). 

This initiative comes under one of the welfare policy of BMC which also aims at providing healthcare facilities to senior citizens such as free surgery in civic hospitals, a special helpline for them,special health desk for them in all the major civic hospitals and a special geriatric section to be created in BMC hospitals for them.

There is no doubt that these are great initiatives which directly aims at promotion of well-being and maintenance of healthy ageing among senior citizens.Such efforts should be made my government authorities in other parts of India as well for the well-being of senior citizens. However, to make the purpose of the recreational programme more effective, I personally feel that instead of only Sunday, such recreational facilities should be provided to senior citizens on other days of the week as well. Also, special emphasis should be made by concerned authorities towards creating awareness about these programmes(both recreational and healthcare related) among senior citizens and towards its proper implementation. Without this it may not be able to fulfill its purpose.

Tuesday 9 July 2013

An Example of Successful Ageing

I am amazed to read about Dr. Charles Eugster,who is 93 years old and is Worlds' oldest competitive oarsman and bodybuilder (http://www.charleseugster.net/index.htm). He not only keeps himself fit and active at this age but is also actively involved in propagating the cause of healthy and active ageing. He is a perfect example of successful and healthy ageing. I salute this gentleman for his passion to keep himself and others fit.

Thursday 4 July 2013

Mangalore Police Department's initiative towards Social Welfare

Slightly old news article but definitely worth sharing: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-14/mangalore/39975389_1_helpline-destitute-police-department .

Excellent example of collaboration between Mangalore’s Police Department and Organizations working in social sector, to deal with issues related to welfare of senior citizens and other vulnerable groups.

Often organizations working in social sector face resource and financial constraints. Through such initiatives government bodies(and even private organizations) can extent their support by providing infrastructure to organizations working for social cause. Also, such an initiative will result in speedy and efficient implementation of welfare programmes, as both police department and welfare organizations will be working simultaneously on the execution of such initiatives.

We need more such initiatives across India for enhancing the quality of life of senior citizens and other vulnerable groups.

Monday 1 July 2013

Pilgrimage for Senior Citizens by Rajasthan Government



I came to know about an interesting initiative by Rajasthan Government, where its Devasthan department is going to offers free pilgrimage to senior citizens (http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/rajasthan-offers-free-pilgrimage-to-senior-citizens-113062500436_1.html). Such a scheme will not only address the religious and spiritual needs of senior citizens but may also prove to be a recreational opportunities for some of them.

I strongly feel that such activities will enhance the well-being of senior citizens. Some of the researches done in the area of Psycho-Social Gerontology (including my Ph.D. work) have also highlighted that religious, spiritual and recreational activities are one of the determinants of Healthy and Positive Ageing.


Tuesday 25 June 2013

An initiative towards prevention of crime against elderly in Mumbai


I am glad to know that the police department in Mumbai from Dahisar (E) to Goregaon (E) belt have taken up the security of elderly as a serious issue and have thus started collecting information about senior citizens along with their domestic help, driver and other service providers who visit their home regularly (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-25/mumbai/40184913_1_dahisar-police-campaign-senior-citizens).

If executed effectively this exercise is going to be a valuable initiative towards controlling crime against elderly and thereby promoting their well-being. For its successful implementation, police department alone won't be able to achieve much success, until and unless the elderly and their family are fully aware of such exercise and are ready to take proactive measures from their end.  

Monday 24 June 2013

Age-Friendly City


Great to know about a positive initiative taken by Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation commissioner M.T. Krishna Babu for making Hyderabad an Age-Friendly City (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130619/news-current-affairs/article/slew-measures-senior-citizens-being-planned-hyderabad). I strongly wish and hope that other cities in India should also work towards achieving this goal and thereby improve the quality of life and promote the well-being of all senior citizens in India. 


Thursday 20 June 2013

Robots as Caregivers


Caregiving is an essential requirement of many elderly, due to the health related challenges faced by them in old age. In most of the cases, the caregivers are the immediate family members of the elderly. In the fast few years, due to increase in population ageing, cost of living and migration of younger generation to big cities and other countries, a shortage of caregivers is being observed in many parts of the world.

To tackle the issue of shortage of caregivers especially in senior citizens’ home, Japan is developing some robots to help the elderly in their daily tasks such as moving between rooms in care centers, assisting with their toilet needs and tracking those prone to wandering off. The Japanese government has allocated ¥2.39 billion for the 2013 budget to assist the development of such robots and it aims to achieve a situation where every senior citizens’ home, or one in every three or four facilities, will have at least one such robot. The government will also set safety standards for nursing care robots to give manufacturers a clear idea of the levels their products will be required to achieve. Further details about this is available on: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/06/19/national/robot-niche-expands-in-senior-care/#.UcKIAOdgeGM

Although it is an innovative and useful solution from Japanese government to cope with the shortage of caregivers in their country, however, the robots can never replace the human warmth, care and love, which are required for a better quality of life among elderly, especially among those who are ill and are residing in old age homes. In addition to this, use of robots may raise some moral and ethical issues related to well-being of elderly in some other cultures and may also dissuade some economically well young people, from taking care of their elderly family members by gifting them one such robot for their care. At a broader level, like any other technology, there is always a chance of it being misused.

Point to discuss: In your view what are the pros and cons of using robots as caregivers?




Tuesday 18 June 2013

A Walk to Healthy Ageing


Since, a long time walking as an exercise has been considered to be playing a major role in physical fitness of both youngsters and senior citizens. Recently, a study done on 385 men aged 55 years and above at Athabasca University in Canada (Published in American Journal of Health Promotion: http://ajhpcontents.org/doi/abs/10.4278/ajhp.120316-QUAN-145) has empirically proved that walking not only keeps elderly men physically active but also enhances their mental health and quality of life.

On a personal note, I feel that both elderly men and women can draw inspiration from this study and should engage in a more active lifestyle.Not only senior citizens, even youngsters and middle aged people who are not much active should learn from it and motivate oneself to walk regularly for a healthy life.

Points to discuss: If you know about any senior citizen who makes effort to keep herself/himself physically active. Please share her/his story.

Saturday 15 June 2013

Elder Abuse an obstacle to Healthy Ageing


Elder abuse is not only hazardous for the physical, social and psychological well-being of senior citizens but is acting as a termite which is going to eat away all our cultural values if not controlled on time. The best way to eradicate it from our society is through inter-generational solidarity i.e. by strengthening our relation with our elders and youngsters in our family and society. Especially family, as most of the cases of elder abuse are reported in families due to inter-generational discords. This is the first step towards making our society generation friendly and free from elder abuse.


The type of elder abuse in family often ranges from verbal to extreme physical and mental torture. Whenever I come across such cases, I ask myself, that are we really living in a civilized culture or are we moving towards a barbarous culture where some people are forcing their fragile parents to lead a life worse than an animal by either locking them in a room, or putting them in a cage or chaining them.  Let’s ask to ourself, are we really progressing? Is the cost of living has gone so high that some people can’t afford to provide things of basic necessities to their parents at home, and so are either abandoning them or are abusing them. It has also been found that sometimes faulty child rearing practices results in abuse of those parents by their children, but such cases are comparatively less and are not an excuse for engagement of children in elder abuse. 

Apart from abuse in family, some senior citizens faces various other types of abuses as well, which may include harassment at the institution (old age homes, care centers) where they stay after leaving their homes or ill-treatment by some people in society, who could be neighbours, landlords and sometimes youngsters in the society. At times severe form of such abuses results in crime against elderly.

Though government has taken a strong step towards prevention of elder abuse by passing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in 2007, but still many senior citizens, suffering from elder abuse are not using it due to several reasons, which may include some issues related to its implementation, lack of awareness about this Act among senior citizens and a major reason because of which most of the elder abuse cases are found to be unreported is the decision by the victim to not report such abuses in society as according to them it is going to bring bad names to their family. It is such a pity that often the family members, who indulge in abuse of the elders, are prevented by the same person for the sake of family’s respect at the stake of their own well-being. So, in such cases, even the police department can’t do much as the victim is not willing to lodge complaint.

Apart from the laws and policies passed by government, towards protection of senior citizens from abuse and crime. There is a dire need to sensitize the society towards the evils of elder abuse and also to create awareness among the senior citizens towards the step which could be taken by them to prevent elder abuse, including use of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. This work should be taken up on priority basis by civil society organizations, working for senior citizens in association with police departments. In places like Mumbai, police department is really doing a great job by doing home visits for senior citizens, especially for those who stay alone as they are more prone to abuse and crime. 

Let us all work towards removing this problem from our society. So, are you pledging for it?

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Example of Active Ageing

 Felt really excited and amazed to read about Mr. A. M. Naik in Economic Times (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-company/corporate-trends/lts-executive-chairman-am-naik-slogging-to-find-his-successor/articleshow/20497690.cms). He is 71 years old and is actively working as Executive Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) since 2003. He is a perfect example of active ageing. 

Reading about him makes me feel that sometimes one's responsibilities play an important role in making him/her lead an active life in old age. Have also come across some 60+ people who are leading an active life because they have some responsibilities to be fulfilled.

Point to discuss: Have you ever met such 60+?

Sunday 9 June 2013

Security of Senior Citizens

Feeling secure both physically and psychologically is a must for leading a healthy and active life for senior citizens. However, many instances of elder abuse and crime against elderly have been reported from time to time. 

Today's issue of Times of India (Mumbai edition) talks about the initiative taken by Mumbai Police towards the protection of senior citizens by doing monthly home visits (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cop-out-on-elderly/ileadindiashow/20501211.cms),which is no doubt a great initiative.

I strongly wish that Mumbai police should continue with such task for enhancing the quality of life of elderly and sincerely hope that not only in Mumbai but in other parts of India as well, police department should work towards launching special programmes for the protection of senior citizens. One such initiative in recent time have already been taken by Allahabad police department in the form of making senior citizens aware of their rights related to Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-15/allahabad/39280887_1_senior-citizens-act-maintenance-and-welfare-elderly-persons).

Apart from police department, I strongly feel that family and society have a major role to play in the protection of senior citizens. Hence, we all need to work together for this cause.

Points to Ponder: How secure is our senior citizens?

Thursday 6 June 2013

Review of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)




Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is the first ever scheme, aiming at providing financial security to elderly belonging to Below Poverty Line family and thus contributing towards improvement of their quality of life. 

My latest article published in One India One People Foundation Magazine (June issue) gives an overview of this scheme in India. Please feel free to read, give your comments and share the article.

Monday 3 June 2013

Video games and Healthy Ageing



Physical and Psychological fitness is a must for maintenance of healthy ageing. There are various activities which can keep senior citizens physically and mentally fit. One such activity is playing video games which is often associated with children and teenagers. However, a recent article published by Chicago Tribute (http://trib.in/1aTm8i3it), emphasizes that according to some researchers, playing of video games by senior citizens not only promotes socializing and physical activities among them but also keeps their mind active and prevents depression. It is an interesting finding by researchers which may play an important role in keeping senior citizens active and positive and thereby work towards promotion of their well-being .

Points to Ponder: Can video games really keep senior citizens mentally and physically fit ?

Friday 31 May 2013

Leading a purposeful life and experiencing productive ageing



To me, the story of Elder Dobri from Bulgaria, a 90+ man who walks 43 km everyday to beg money for donation and charity, highlights the fact that if one has a purpose in life in old age and has a spiritual bent of mind then it acts as a major determinant in them leading a productive and healthy ageing. Because of his selfless acts he is considered to be a living saint by many people in Bulgaria. I salute this great soul and I am sharing a video in which his efforts have been acknowledged: http://youtu.be/RKe9CPjNf9c





Points to ponder: Isn't he leading a selfless and purposeful life?

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Active Ageing a Reality



While reading an article in Economic Times (http://bit.ly/155RlgJ) about the the four 65+ successful hoteliers, Captain Nair, Biki Oberoi, R.K. Krishna Kumar and Habib Rehman, I got really inspired by them, who through their determination and hard work have become stalwarts in this field and are still actively contributing to this field. They are a real example of active ageing. Its a must read article for those who believe in active ageing.

Points to Ponder: Do you believe in active ageing?

Sunday 26 May 2013

Engagement in activities is a key to Healthy Ageing



It really makes me feel bad to observe some of the myths and stereotypes existing in our society about old age as a stage when people sit idle at home either in frustration or depression.

While pursuing my Ph.D., I observed that many of the senior citizens from whom I collected data, believed in keeping themselves healthy by engaging in either some household or personal chores or pursuing some outdoor activities. Some of them were even pursuing second careers and other work, related to their interest. I am proud to say that my father also belongs to such category of people. He is 65 years old and is actively pursuing his medical profession.

All of them believe that keeping oneself engaged in some activities is not only a means of keeping oneself physically active but is also a way of keeping oneself psychologically fit and socially involved, which is must for a healthy and productive ageing.

I strongly suggest those who believe that life after 60 years is inactive and useless, to change their mindset and meet such people who believe that one can keep oneself fit through a strong will power irrespective of age related changes.

Points to ponder: Do you also believe in such myths and stereotypes about old age?

Thursday 23 May 2013

Adventure @ 80 years



It’s a general notion that one cannot be physically fit, active and mobile at the age of 80 years. Mr. Yuichiro Miura, a Japanese man proved all these myths wrong by climbing Mt. Everest yesterday, at the age of 80 years, despite four heart surgeries. Through this he became the oldest man to scale the peak. He did this earlier also at the age of 70 and 75 years. Interesting fact is that Mr. Bahadur Sherchan, 81 years Nepalese man, who too scaled Mt. Everest at the age of 76 in 2008 to set record, is preparing to climb this peak next week regardless of health problems.

I salute these two men and seriously wish that we all should get inspired from them for keep ourselves physically fit and active so that we can lead a healthy and active life, especially post 60 years.

Sharing the video by BBC World News about Mr. Yuichiro Miura’s success:



Do watch this video and get inspired!!!!

Points to ponder: Is this news motivating you to plan some adventure trips?  

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Helping Independent Parents Post Retirement


Found an interesting article in Economic Times, (http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-05-20/news/39392741_1_shravani-retirement-home-retirement-corpus) which I found to be very useful for those who wish to financially help their independent parents after their parent's retirement, without much interference in their sense of independence.

Points to ponder: Have you planned your parent's and your retirement?

Sunday 19 May 2013

Age is not a barrier!



Really got inspired after reading this news item (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Run-for-fun-on-a-Sunday/articleshow/20144409.cms) which mentions about participation of around 712 senior citizens in 4.7 km run in the 6th edition of TCS World 10K run yesterday in Bangalore. This proves that age is not a barrier for those who wish to keep themselves healthy inspite of any challenge whether physical or social. 

Point to ponder: Is it possible for everyone to keep onself fit?

Thursday 16 May 2013

Real examples of Productive Ageing



Yesterday, felt really amazed to meet and interact with six (50+) students of paraprofessional course of Nirmala Niketan. Was very happy to observe their motivation to gain more information on social issues and their eagerness and passion to apply that knowledge for the welfare of society. They are the real heroes, the real change makers and a perfect example of active and productive ageing.

I strongly wish that other senior citizens should take inspiration from them for not only leading an active and healthy life but also making a meaningful contribution to society.

I would also like to thank my friend Mr. Sailesh Mishra of Silver Inning Foundation for giving me an opportunity to join him in a discussion with those students at Nirmala Niketan Extension Centre, Goregaon.

Point to discuss: Have you come across any such examples of active and productive ageing?

Monday 13 May 2013

Keeping oneself psychologically well is a key to Healthy Ageing

 
While watching the movie Something’s Gotta Give (released in 2003, directed by Nancy Meyers) during the weekend, in which two lead characters (50+) Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton have portrayed an active and enthusiastic life and also remembering the zeal with which an Indian elderly couple were enjoying water sports activities during my recent trip to Thailand, the quote by Mark Twain that “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter” seems so true and meaningful. 

I know that in old age, social and family matters play an important role and at times create stress for elderly. However, inspite of various old age related challenges, if elderly opt to enjoy life and keep oneself psychologically well then they are surely going to move towards the state of healthy ageing.

Believe me this is not something ideal, I have seen live examples of it!

Point to reflect: In what ways one can keep oneself psychologically well?

Wednesday 8 May 2013

Healthy diet - Healthy Ageing


Needless to say that our diet plays an important role in maintenance of our health throughout our life, especially during old age when a person is vulnerable to many health challenges.

Found an interesting research paper ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2544374/) which highlights the effectiveness of Mediterranean diet on healthy ageing. I am sure you will find it useful.

Point to discuss: Can you share some other diet patterns which have positive impact on healthy ageing?

Monday 6 May 2013

Elder Friendly Environment

During my last few days in Bangkok, was really happy and amazed to see the elder friendly transport and infrastructure facilities available there for promotion of active ageing. This is something which is very strongly recommended by Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing for promotion of well-being in old age.

I seriously wish and hope that someday elder friendly transport facilities through buses and trains (especially local trains in Mumbai) and infrastructure facilities like lifts, ramps and toilets for the convenience of elderly at railway stations, hospitals, government offices, malls and other public places may be available in India in most of the places for the promotion of active and healthy ageing.

Point to Reflect: In what ways our transport system can be made more elder friendly?

Friday 26 April 2013

Retirement Planning for Positive Ageing

Retirement Planning is a must for promotion of wellbeing in old age and for maintenance of healthy and productive ageing. It can also instill a sense of independence and autonomy in an older person if it is done in a right way at right time.

Found an interesting article on Retirement Planning (http://www.jagoinvestor.com/2011/03/retirement-planning-india-future.html) on Retirement Planning by Manish Chauhan at www.jagoinvestor.com. It is a must read article for both senior citizens and young professionals.

Point to reflect: What are you doing for retirement planning?

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Importance of Social Interaction



Social Interaction plays an important role in maintenance of healthy and positive ageing. I have not only read about it in articles and research papers but I actually observed it when I got an opportunity to work directly with senior citizens. I found in one of my study that as compared to those elderly who preferred to stay alone at home, those who participated in social gatherings such as satsangs and recreational activities at clubs or parks and who were volunteering for some social cause were found to have  higher level of satisfaction. They also considered participation in such activities as a major source of well-being in old age.

There are both physical and psychological benefits of being socially active in old age.

According to an article titled “Older Adults and the Importance of Social Interaction” published by Yale Medical Group on their website (http://www.yalemedicalgroup.org/stw/Page.asp?PageID=STW037188) , some of the health benefits of being social in old age are:

·         Potentially reduced risk for cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis
·         Potentially reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease
·         Lower blood pressure
·         Reduced risk for mental health issues such as depression

Some NGOs in India, who are working for the cause of elderly, are running recreational programmes for enhancement of well-being of senior citizens, which is a great initiative. More and more such programmes are required mainly in old age homes where people are found to be experiencing loneliness, alienation, lower self esteem and loss of purpose in life. Such programmes are also required for those elderly who are living alone and are experiencing empty nest syndrome.

In today’s world when people have more work and less time, involvement in social activities and interactions through recreational activities, volunteering work, second careers and pursuance of hobbies and interests is a must for senior citizens.

Point to reflect: How those elderly, who are staying alone, can be involved in social activities?