Happiness and Age

Happiness is not only associated with young age. This has been proved by the findings of the survey done by Harris Poll in April, 2013. In this survey 2,345 U.S. adults participated. With reference to age, findings revealed a higher level of life satisfaction for older adults than young adults. Nearly 41 percent of those aged 65+ were found to be happy, compared to just 31 percent of those between 18-24 years. (http://www.harrisinteractive.com/NewsRoom/HarrisPolls/tabid/447/ctl/ReadCustom%20Default/mid/1508/ArticleId/1200/Default.aspx)

This study very strongly negates the negative myths associated with 60+ and proves that at this stage also one can feel happy and satisfied.

Same post has been shared on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/productiveageing

Well done State Bank of India!

State Bank of India has taken a great initiative towards promotion of well-being of pensioners (75+) in India by delivering their monthly pension at their doorsteps. (http://bit.ly/1hI2l8o)

The pilot for the same will start from 1st April in Kolkata. Based on the response and success of the project, they plan to roll it out on pan India basis. They are charging Rs. 50 per transaction which in my opinion is reasonable as it is both time and cost saving for the senior citizens who might have to face inconvenience due to travel, waiting in long queues and at times adverse weather conditions.

This can prove to be a major step towards making banks elder friendly in India and making lives of 75+ pensioners more comfortable and stress free. I wish this project must run successfully and roll out in pan India soon.

Elder friendly policy: A must in India!

Through this post I would like to thank The Better India for sharing the story of 97 year old gentleman Mr. Shyam Saran Negi, a resident of Himachal Pradesh, India. Mr. Negi is one of the first voters of Independent India and since 1951 he has never missed to vote in any election no matter how tough the whether or other situations would have been. (http://bit.ly/1pzxjEa)

Mr. Negi being such a socially responsible citizen and an active person is an inspiration for all of us. He is contributing in this way towards the development of society.

My sincere request to our government is to appreciate the efforts of Mr. Negi and many other such senior citizens who fight with all odds to vote for the development of our country. This can be done by designing and implementing elder friendly policies which are based on their needs and rights and not just short term political gains.

This post has also been shared on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productiveageing

More happy in 80s than 60s

Found an interesting study, conducted in UK in which 10,000 older men and women participated (http://dailym.ai/Nx6gwL) . The study highlighted that elderly people in their 70s and 80s were found to be happier with life as compared to those in their 60s. The reason for this is that those in their 70s and 80s have adapted well with life changes and experience a sense of achievement due to living longer and contributing well to their life and their society.

Explored something similar to this in one of the researches conducted by me in which elderly in the age range of 75-85 years reported higher level of adaptation and satisfaction with life as compared to those between 65-75 years.

These types of studies play an important role in negating the negative stereotypes about old age in our society and thus promoting healthy and productive ageing.

Situation of Elderly in Kerala

As per Census 2011, India has around 104 million senior citizens (60+). Among its states, Kerala has the highest proportion of older persons. There are 7.4 million people who are above 60 years of age in Kerala among them 3.3 million are males and 4.1 million are females. There health and socio-economic needs are an issue of concern.

The UNFPA India report entitled "The Status of Elderly in Kerala, 2011" (http://bit.ly/1g7Priz) is a great initiative towards highlighting the socio-economic status and needs of 60+ in Kerala.