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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.