Intergenerational Bonding for Ageing with Dignity

We are happy to share that our founder Dr. Nidhi Mishra was recently invited as a Resource Person in a Sensitisation Programme on Inter-generational Bonding for the students of Kaveri College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Pune. The programme was organised by the Janaseva Foundation, which has been granted the status of Regional Resource & Training Centre by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.

Dr. Nidhi conducted an interactive session with the students on the topic “Intergenerational Bonding for Ageing with Dignity”, which was followed by some group and individual exercises which she designed mainly to sensitise students about ageing related issues and concerns. She was very happy to see the enthusiasm with which the students participated in the exercise.

This session was a small step from Dr. Nidhi and Senior Express towards bursting the myths related to ageing among the students and thereby building intergenerational bonding and promoting Ageing with Dignity in our society.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/intergenerational-bonding-promoting-ageing-dignity/

Merry Christmas!

Senior Express wishes everyone Merry Christmas!

Christmas is the festival to celebrate life, happiness and to cherish the beautiful relations which we have in our life, especially with our elders.

97 and Still Rocking!

Sharing an inspiring story of 97 year old Mr. P.M. Daniel from Mumbai, who is full of life and energy.

His story is written and shared by his granddaughter Ms. Smita Vahadane, 30 year old adventurous spirit who currently lives in New York and works for a leading TV channel.

Smita shares a very special bond with her grandfather, whom she fondly calls 'Dadu'. She is full of admiration for him which is very much evident in the story written by her. Their relationship is one of the best examples of inter-generational bonding.

Read full story: http://seniorexpress.in/health-fitness/97-still-rocking/

A Session on Ageing Gracefully

It was a great honour for us as our Founder, Dr. Nidhi Mishra (Gerontologist) was recently invited by “Shehjaar Homes for Senior Citizens” to conduct a session for its members on Ageing Gracefully.

Shehjaar Homes is a Not- for- Profit initiative which was started in Pune in 2009 by a group of seniors who belong to Kashmir. Its main objective is to promote health, wellbeing, welfare and dignity of senior citizens (60+ years) belonging to different communities and living in both rural and urban areas.

Dr. Nidhi conducted an extensive interactive session with the members, where along with explaining the concept of Active, Healthy, Productive and Graceful Ageing, she gave some important tips for ageing gracefully. In addition to this, she played some brain games with the members which according to her has an essential role to play in the promotion of mental fitness and overall health, especially in old age.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

Happy Children's Day to the Child Inside Us

Today on the occasion of Children’s Day sharing a beautiful collection of poems written and shared by our very active and talented contributor Mr. G. D. Bansal. Mr. Bansal is an ardent poet and a proud grandfather of four loving and caring grandchildren.

Team Senior Express wishes all children who are making our world beautiful through their innocence and love a very happy children’s day. We wish the same to all those seniors who never let the child in them ever grow old, which is the secret to their healthy living.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

Happy Diwali

Team Senior Express wishes everyone a very happy and prosperous Diwali. May this Diwali enlighten our mind, heart and soul.

World Elders’ Day: An Event to Celebrate Active Living

The World Elders’ Day Event which was organised by Senior Express in collaboration with Sangam Sarvajanik Sewa Samiti at Annasaheb Behere Old Age Home in Pune on 1st October, 2018 was one of its kind event to celebrate Active Living. Many of our well wishers wanted us to share details about the event, so sharing information about various performances and activities by seniors which were highlighting the theme of active living.

Our inauguration was very special not because of the guests but because of the host, our special host was Mr. Gole, Founder of Annasaheb Behere Old Age Home and a 95 year young active senior who came all the way from Mumbai to attend this event and to motivate other seniors to lead an active life. He is a perfect example of active and productive ageing.

Team Senior Express was happy to see that after some motivation from our end many residents of Annasaheb Behere Old Age Home took keen interest in helping us in organizing the event and showcasing their talents in the event. We are very thankful to Ms. Vartak, Ms. Kalindi, Ms. Anita, Ms. Ajita, Ms. Limya and Mr. Deshmukh for their active participation in the event. This not only helped us in organizing the event well but also fulfilled our objective of showcasing seniors as contributors and not just mere recipient of support and care.

Along with the residents of old age home, members of various other senior groups also gave wonderful performances and actively participated in the event. Like the magic show by a senior magician from Viman Nagar Senior Citizens Association was thoroughly enjoyed by the school children who attended the event. Similarly, the themed Antakshari by Mrs. Dalvi, a yoga teacher and a music lover was enjoyed by people of all ages. Everyone got mesmerised by the amazing musical performance by the three talented members Dr. Iyer, Mr. Venkatesh and Brigadier Upadhyay of a Pune based musical group “Raag Rang”. This group has 22 members who are mostly 60+ and are passionate about music.

Team Senior Express was delighted to see the enthusiasm and active participation of the seniors. This event was a small step from our end towards promotion of active and productive ageing in India.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

World Elders’ Day Event: An Occasion to Build Intergenerational Bonding

Senior Express organised an unique inter-generational event on the occasion of World Elders Day on 1st October, 2018 in Pune.

More than 100 school, college students and young professionals from Pune attended the event and gave wonderful performances to entertain seniors.  Their performances were of varied types, like there were dance performances on nursery rhymes by toddlers, group dancing and singing by students of various schools, skit by college students and a special dance performance on women empowerment  by the young  female staff of old age home. In addition to this we also organised a drawing competition for school kids where they had to draw their feelings for their grandparents or any other significant elderly person.  Team Senior Express was amazed to see the beautiful pieces of art created by the students in respect and love for their grandparents.

We are very thankful to the Nandanik Group for their mesmerising dance performances in the event.  Nandanik Group is a socio-cultural organization started by the Bengali community in Pune to take up their socio- cultural activities on a common platform and also to work together for the welfare of the society. Their members of all age groups who are mostly professionals working in varied fields gave a wonderful dance performance on the theme of intergenerational bonding. Not only this, they also encouraged and trained some residents of Annasaheb Behere Old Age Home to perform with them.

Team Senior Express was very happy to see the way in which this event contributed in building the intergenerational bonding among people across different generations. This was a small step from our end towards strengthening intergenerational bonding among people of different age groups which we feel is an essential step towards promotion of active and productive ageing in India.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

Happy Maha Navami

On behalf of my initiative Senior Express, I wish everyone a very happy Maha Navami . On this pious day, lets take a pledge to respect the Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati in each woman in our society and make this world a better place to live.

On this occasion, we felt like sharing a thought provoking poem on the condition of women in our society which is written and shared by our active contributor Mr. Bansal, a 70+ avid poet from Noida.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

Press Coverage of Elders’ Day Event

Team Senior Express is happy to share that our World Elders’ Day Event celebration which we had organised in collaboration with Sangam Sarvajanik Sewa Samiti Pune, has got a coverage in prominent Marathi newspapers. Attached are the newspaper clippings.

We are glad that media is also showing keen interest in publishing news related to active ageing and inter-generational bonding which have an important role to play in the development of our society.

World Elders' Day Event, 2018

On 1st October, 2018, to mark the World Elders’ Day, Senior Express in collaboration with Sangam Sarvajanik Sewa Samiti, Pune organised a one day event bringing together the themes of active ageing and inter-generational bonding.

Around 400 seniors, youth and school children came together in this day long celebration and participated with great vigour and excitement. People across generations gave wonderful performances. Each performance was unique and amazing in its own way.

On special demand by those who couldn’t attend it and our well wishers spread across the country, Senior Express team has decided to share videos, photographs and information on each of the programs over a span of this month, so that everyone can get a flavour of it.

Originally published at: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/world-elders-day-event-2018/

A Session on Creating Awareness on Alzheimer’s

On World Alzheimer’s Day i.e. on 21st September, 2018, Senior Express conducted an awareness session on Dementia and Alzheimer’s for the residents of Behere Old Age Home in Pune.

The session was conducted by our Founder Dr. Nidhi Mishra ( a Social Gerontologist and Psychologist) who along with giving a talk on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, made the residents play some simple brain games in groups which they can play in their day to day life too for keeping themselves mentally fit and active.

According to Dr. Nidhi, mental stimulation through brain games is a must for maintaining mental fitness at any age, especially post 60.

Originally published at: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/a-session-on-alzheimers/

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi

Senior Express wishes everyone a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. May Lord Ganesha bring good health and lots of happiness in our life and bless us with an active and healthy life.

On this occasion, sharing beautiful images of Lord Ganesha, which is created by our dear friend Mrs. Meenakshi Gandhi, a 60+ creative artist from Pune.

Ganpati Bappa Morya!

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/happy-ganesh-chaturthi-2/

Happy Teachers' Day

Senior Express wishes all teachers a very Happy Teachers’ Day.

On this occasion sharing interesting information about famous mentors/teachers in India (and Indian mythology). This information is compiled by our contributor Mr. Bansal, a 70+ active senior from Noida.

Originally published at:http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/happy-teachers-day/ 

Happy Janmashtami

Senior Express wishes everyone a very happy Shree Krishna Janmashtami. May lord Krishna bless everyone with good health and well-being.

On this occasion sharing a beautiful poem, written by our active contributor Mr. Bansal, a 70+ avid poet from Noida.

Originally published:  http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/happy-janmashtami-2/

A Session on Promoting Elder Friendly Environment

It was a great honour for us as our founder Dr. Nidhi Mishra was again invited by the Salisbury Senior Citizens Club, Pune to conduct one more interesting session on topics related to Positive Ageing for their members.

Dr. Nidhi conducted an interactive session on Promoting Elder Friendly Environment for the club members. The purpose of the session was to create awareness on physical and psycho-social characteristics of elder friendly environment and ways to promote it.

She was happy to see the enthusiasm with which the club members actively participated in the session.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/session-promoting-elder-friendly-environment/

Meet the 71+ Avid Poet from Noida, India

Sharing another inspiring story on active ageing in India via Senior Express  www.seniorexpress.in

This is a positive story of Mr. G.D. Bansal, 71+ avid poet from Noida who believes that life is all about keeping oneself positive and active.

Mr. Bansal is a true poet at heart. In his own words he says:

मैं एक कवि हूँ | मैं हमेशा से हिन्दी साहित्य का विद्यार्थी रहा हूँ , सो मेरी आरम्भ से ही हिन्दी में लेख लिखने , कविताएँ लिखने व वाद विवाद प्रतियोगिताओं में भाग लेने की रूचि रही है |

मैं दिल से एक कवि हूँ और लगभग 35 वर्षो से कविताएं लिख रहा हूँ | मैं अपनी कविताओं की प्रेरणा अपने चारो तरफ घटित होने वाली सामाजिक, सांस्कृतिक, राजनीतिक और पर्यावरण सम्बंधित बातों से लेता हूँ |

मुझे जहाँ भी अपनी कविता सुनाने का अवसर मिला है मैंने उसमे पुरे मन से भाग लिया है और कई बार पुरस्कृत भी हुआ हूँ |

At Senior Express we promote the talents and creativity of Seniors who are an example of active and productive ageing. Do read his full story and get inspired- https://bit.ly/2M7gbZo

Happy 72nd Indian Independence Day

Senior Express wishes all Indians a very Happy Independence Day. On this occasion, sharing a touching and thought provoking poem written by our very active contributor Mr. Bansal, a 71+ avid poet from Noida.

At Senior Express (www.seniorexpress.in) we believe that Independence means freedom to live a meaningful and active life with dignity.  We are working on this mission by highlighting the talents and creative expressions of our talented seniors like Mr. Bansal and thereby promoting active and productive ageing in India.

A plantation drive by people across different generations

It was an amazing experience to watch the inauguration of the second plantation drive of Tuscan Society, Pune, which was done by the senior citizens of the society.

Along with planting a tree with my daughter, I witnessed a unique inter-generational activity where seniors and youngsters, especially kids actively participated in tree plantation drive and did something meaningful for the society. All in all, one Sunday morning well spent.

The bonding between juniors, seniors and mother  nature was a very unique experience. And also one of the best inter-generational activities I have seen so far.

We should encourage more such initiatives for enhancing intergenerational bonding and making our future generation more environmentally responsible citizens of the society.

Senior Express (http://www.seniorexpress.in) is an initiative to promote active ageing and inter-generational bonding in India. We consider it as our professional social responsibility to highlight and promote such endeavours for inspiring others to follow the same.

Originally published at: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/plantation-drive-people-across-different-generation/

Role of Architecture in Promoting Active Ageing

Felt honoured to be invited as a Trainer for the Training program organised by Dr. D.Y. Patil School of Architecture, Pune, for the faculty members of various architecture colleges across India.

This was a unique interdisciplinary training program focusing on the role of Architecture in promoting Active Ageing.

The 2 sessions which I took were focussed on:
1. Environmental Gerontology & Architecture
2. Promoting Ageing in Place & Elder Friendly Environment

Was encouraging to see the active participation and keen interest shown by the participants during the sessions and group exercises.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/training-program-architecture-ageing/

Age Defying Role Model

Sharing another inspiring story via Senior Express on Active Ageing in India. This is the story of Mr. Shivnandan Ramrao Rao,  an 86 year young and enthusiastic professional from Thane, Maharashtra.

Do read his fitness mantra in his own words  

My day begins at 6 am sharp. The first thing I do is Pranayam followed by Yoga every day. I have also been doing Jala Neti for 30 years which helps keeps my sinus clear, no headaches and mental stress as it benefits us by removing the excess heat out of our brain. 

My house is at 3rd floor and I need to climb at least 3 to 4 times a day. We do not have a lift. Every morning I go for a walk of 3 km. I prefer to walk as it is faster in the traffic and it helps me keep active. Besides exercising I feel a good and balanced diet is very essential for anyone to keep fit. 

I have been suffering from Diabetes since 1976 but due to exercise and controlled diet and leading a disciplined routine, I have been able to keep my sugar level under control. I feel that to lead a Healthy and Active life one must eat everything in moderation, exercise regularly, think positive and must go for regular health checkups. 

When I retired at the age of 61 from Colour Chem, I had thought of continuing to work for few more years. But didn’t realised that I would be working even today at the age of 86. I will continue to do so as long as my health permits and I can travel alone. My consultancy work also requires travel outside Mumbai 4 to 5 days in a month. 

My wife passed away in March 2012 and since then I live alone at Thane. Both my daughters wanted me to come and live with them but since my health permits and all my friends, my bank related work etc is all based in Thane I decided to continue living here. Living alone means maintaining the house which is a full time job. I am enjoying this new role though I do miss my wife and other family members. 

I am a very social person and have lots of friends and most of my friends have been there with me in all stages of my life. I still meet my school, college and Colour Chem friends and often go out for picnics with them. 

Earlier I was not very fond of the new technology maybe because I thought I would not be able to cope with it but since the time I have been using the smart phone, I have been able to keep in touch with family and friends through WhatsApp. I surf the internet for interesting news articles, and work related material. All this keeps me socially and mentally active.

Read his full story at: http://seniorexpress.in/social/age-defying-role-model/

A Talk on Active Ageing

Dr. Nidhi Mishra, Founder- Senior Express, giving a brief talk on Active Ageing in The Star Seniors Festival in Pune.

Happy Doctor’s Day 2018

Today on National Doctor’s Day, Senior Express wishes all dedicated and passionate doctors a very happy Doctor’s Day as they are the one who are spending an essential amount of their time and energy in the promotion of our health and wellbeing.

On this occasion we would like to thank our active contributor Dr. Ashok Mishra, a 69+ General Physician (MBBS Doctor) from Allahabad. For him his medical practice is not only a profession but also a means to do welfare service towards the disadvantaged section of the society. He has been treating patients since 1975 and for him his profession is an essential part of his life which keeps him physically, mentally and spiritually active.

Every day he travels 120 km by road to see his patients and listen to their problems, personal challenges and hardships. Some of his patients are from the economically weaker section of the society who come for free consultation. He treats them with full dedication and never shows any discrimination against them. He believes that this is a part of his professional social responsibility which instills in him a sense of self fulfillment.

We salute him and other doctors like him who are dedicating their time and energy in the development of the society.

Originally published at: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/happy-doctors-day-2018/

A Unique Intergenerational Meet

Recently, had a very productive meeting with some very active and talented residents of an Old Age Home in Pune. Senior Express is designing some need based programs/projects for them.

Due to the presence of my little daughter Avni, it turned out to be an entertaining intergenerational meet for them.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/unique-intergenerational-meet/

International Yoga Day

Today on International Yoga Day, Senior Express wishes everyone a very healthy and fit life ahead.

On this occasion, we would like to thank our active contributor Mr. Amrendra Narayan Pandey, a 72+ Retired Senior Nuclear Scientist from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, who is actively running a project in Hyderabad, called “Spiritual Awareness Programme” (SAP) through which he is creating awareness on yogic practices, its importance in healthy living and its utility in the promotion of welfare of society.

Mr. Pandey strongly believes that “Yoga and Meditation Explores the Divinity Within”. Sharing his recent photograph while doing yoga, which was featured in our 2018 calendar.

Originally published at http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/international-yoga-day/

Enjoying Life Together in their 80s

Sharing a positive story of Mr. and Mrs. Waman Jog who are voluntarily staying in an old age home and are living a happy and active life together.

They say : Though we have children, we took a decision to spend rest of our life in old age home. For the last 15 years we are staying in an old age home in Pune. Both of us and our children are very happy with that decision and we are going to stay here till the end.

They make conscious efforts to enjoy their life in the old age home and also try to involve other residents in making everybody’s stay more enjoyable.

Do read their story and get inspired by their passion to live life fully: http://seniorexpress.in/social/age-defying-role-model/ 

Happy Eid

Senior Express wishes everyone a very happy Eid. May this festive season bring lots of good health and happiness in your life.

Raise your voice against Elder Abuse

The United Nations has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to any kind of abuse and discrimination against senior citizens in our society.

On this occasion sharing an informative video on Elder Abuse which is designed by Senior Express (www.seniorexpress.in) to create awareness on this topic and to further guide people across different generations about the various ways in which Elder abuse can be prevented and controlled.

Please do watch the video and share it to create awareness on Elder Abuse, so that our seniors can live a healthy and dignified life ahead.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/raise-your-voice-against-elder-abuse/

Poem on World Environment Day by an Active Senior

Our environment is an essential part of our life as it impacts our health and well-being. So, for keeping ourselves healthy and fit we must keep our environment green and clean.

Today on World Environment Day sharing a thought provoking poem which is written on this topic by our very active contributor Mr. Bansal, who is an avid poet and a super active senior from Noida.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/poem-world-environment-day/

The Star Seniors Festival

Dr. Nidhi Mishra, Founder- Senior Express, was invited as a speaker and a panellist on 19th May 2018, for the Star Seniors Festival, a one of its kind conference on Active Ageing in Pune.

This conference was a good platform to bring together active seniors and professionals working towards promotion of active and productive ageing.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/the-star-seniors-festival/

A conference on “Ageing in India: Present Situation & Futuristic Perspective”

On 26th April 2018, Dr. Nidhi Mishra, Founder-Senior Express, was invited as a Chairperson for a technical session “Issues of Ageing Population: Gender, Health, Economic, Social” for a National Conference on “Ageing in India: Present Situation & Futuristic Perspective”, organized by the Department of Social Work, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune.

There were total 5 paper presentations done in the technical session chaired by Dr. Nidhi which were ranging from psychological distress in geriatric population, family and health issues among the residents of old age homes, socio-economic problems of elders from rural areas, social media and senior citizens and geriatric issues from a nursing professional’s perspective.

In the end of the session Dr. Nidhi summarized the session and gave her feedback on each and every presentation and suggested the presenters to focus on the methodology and implication of their respective studies for doing a need based research for seniors.

Originally published at: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/conference-ageing-india-present-situation-futuristic-perspective/

Elder Women a Source of Inspiration

On 8th March 2018, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Senior Express organized and conducted its first “Meet Up Session” for the residents of Annasaheb Behere Old Age Home, Pune.

On this occasion, we invited eight most active and inspiring women residents of the old age home to share their background and achievements with the group, who were later felicitated by us for their achievements in their respective fields.

For Senior Express each of them is an example of active and productive ageing. They not only shared their experiences, struggles and achievements with full enthusiasm but also took the session as an opportunity to relive the past moments while sharing their life story.

Read more for details: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/felicitation-eight-talented-women-international-womens-day-old-age-home/

A Session on Active and Healthy Ageing

On 23rd February 2018, Founder of Senior Express, Dr. Nidhi Mishra was invited by the Salisbury Park Senior Citizens Group, Pune to conduct a session on Active and Productive Ageing for their members.

She conducted an interactive session with the group members, where she discussed the concept of active, productive and healthy ageing and its major dimensions through certain exercises, shared some important tips for ageing gracefully and made the members play some brain games. According to Dr. Nidhi (Gerontologist), brain games are an important mental exercise which keeps a mind active and a body fit. She recommends that everyone must do some kind of mental exercises or play certain brain games in order to lead an active and healthy life ahead.

It was a lively session where the members took part in the interactions, clarified their concept of active ageing by asking questions and enjoyed playing brain games.

Originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

Water is Life

Today is World Water Day, on this occasion sharing a thought provoking poem on the importance of water in our life. This poem is a creative expression of our active contributor Mr. Bansal, a 69+ avid poet from Noida.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/world-water-day/

Happy Happiness Day :)

Today is International Day of Happiness. Senior Express (http://www.seniorexpress.in) believes that Happiness is the key to healthy, active and productive living. So, be happy and spread happiness around you.

Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated this day to recognise the significance of happiness in the lives of people around the globe.

Read More: http://seniorexpress.in/forums/topic/happy-international-day-happiness/

A Session on Active Ageing with Dignified Seniors

On 19th February 2018, the Founder of Senior Express (www.seniorexpress.in), Dr. Nidhi Mishra was invited by Dignity Foundation, Pune to conduct a session on Active Ageing for its members (60 years and above). She conducted an interactive session with the members, where she discussed about the concept and major dimensions of active ageing through certain exercises, shared some important tips for ageing gracefully and positively and conducted some group activities where the participants were made to play brain games. According to Dr. Nidhi (Gerontologist), brain games are important mental exercises which can keep a mind active and a body fit. She recommends that everyone must do some kind of mental exercises or play certain brain games in order to lead an active and healthy life ahead.

All participants actively took part in the interactions and enjoyed playing brain games and participating in the exercises.

In the end of the session, one of the active members, Mrs. Abha Choudhary gifted a small parsley plant to Dr. Nidhi on behalf of the entire group. Getting such a thoughtful and beautiful gift from an active senior is really an honour for Senior Express and its team.

This post is originally published at www.seniorexpress.in

A True Philanthropist Who Will Live in Thousand Hearts Forever

Ever since my childhood, the most popular phrase which I have been hearing is “Do good and forget about it”, I hardly came across anyone practising it except my dear uncle, Late Mr. Arun Kumar Mishra who was a true philanthropist at heart and who spread a message of love and empathy by taking care of needy people, hungry and ill dogs and cows and by planting trees so that others can breathe fresh air. He was a middle class salaried man who along with taking good care of his family also spent part of his salary in doing welfare work.

The moment I got news of his sudden demise I was in complete shock as he was highly active and social person, who couldn’t see anyone in pain be it a human being, street animal or even plants. His passing away is not only a personal loss for our family but a great loss for the society as he was actively contributing in the development of the society through his good deeds. I didn’t want to shed all his memories in my mind in the form of tears, so I decided to share some of his memories here so that it can inspire others to work towards the welfare of the society.

I remember in the morning, first thing he use to do after his morning tea was to feed the hungry and ill stray dogs and cows. Whenever he saw any destitute person in need of food and clothes he would never ever hesitate to help him/her in whatever way possible. Almost every month he used to donate clothes and refreshments to needy people in village area. He also sponsored the study of some needy students. He was doing all these great work selflessly and with full commitment. He had further plans to open a school for underprivileged children and a day care center for destitute elderly in his ancestral village.

He was a highly empathetic and caring person who would never ever miss an opportunity to make a moaning heart and saddened soul happy. He was a happy person at heart who wanted to spread happiness around through his actions. Like most of us he was also concerned about his future but at the same time believed in living the present to the fullest. He always believed in leading an active life and I never saw him sitting idle at any place.

He was my favourite Chacha (paternal uncle) who was always ready to cheer me up with his infectious smile, pamper me on my birthdays and make me feel proud of my achievements.  He was also my daughter’s favourite Nana (grandfather) who inspired her to do social work at the age of two by feeding stray dogs and cows.

Last year when he was telling me about his favourite song “Accha chalta hoon duaaon mein yaad rakhna, mere zikr ka zubaan pe swaad rakhna” I didn’t knew that listening to this song will be so difficult this year. Ever since he passed away, he is being sorely missed by all those people and animals he used to selflessly take care of. For me he was a true philanthropist at heart who will live in thousand hearts forever.

Living Happily & Ageing Gracefully Together

Sharing a beautiful story via Senior Express (www.seniorexpress.in) of Mr. and Mrs. Shah, a 70+ couple from Mumbai. Mrs. Pushpa Shah (70) and Mr. Ramesh Shah (77) have been happily married for the past 50 years. During this period they have experienced various struggles and achievements together which has brought them closer to each other. They are more like friends rather than spouse and share a lot of common interests like acting, singing, dancing, cooking and socializing with people. They are a perfect example of active living and ageing gracefully together. 

Let’s read more about them and their active lifestyle in Mrs. Pushpa Shah’s words - http://seniorexpress.in/social/living-happily-ageing-gracefully-together/