The Department of Science & Technology (DST) invites proposals for Technology Intervention for Elderly – TIE

Government of India ,Department of Science and Technology Call S&T based Proposals for managing issues related to elderly population (Technology Intervention for Elderly – TIE).


The Department of Science and Technology (DST) invites proposals on focused initiatives for S&T interventions to benefit of elderly population in the country. The Proposals should focus on R&D for technological solutions with multidisciplinary approach to ameliorate problems and improve quality of life of the elderly population in both rural and urban areas.


People for Social Cause Blog: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) invites proposals Technology Intervention for Elderly – TIE

Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007 , Delhi Govt. District Maintenance Officers

It is mandatory for the State Government to appoint District Maintenance Officers under provisions of Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

This is a list of District Maintenance Officers appointed by the Delhi Government (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) for representing the parent(s) or senior citizen(s) before a Tribunal or Appellate Tribunal in Delhi.


North
Department of Social Welfare
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
20-21, Gulabi Bagh Shopping Complex
Near Super Bazar
Delhi – 110007
Phone: +91-11-23652304, 23655002

Central
Department of Social Welfare
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Govt. Lady Noyce School for Deaf
GLNS Complex, Delhi Gate
New Delhi
Phone: +91-11-23318323

South
Department of Social Welfare
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Village Cottage Home
Kasturba Niketan Complex
Near Jal Vihar Terminal, Lajpat Nagar-II
New Delhi
Phone: +91-11-29819812, 29810892

New Delhi
Department of Social Welfare
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
1, Canning Lane
K.G. Marg
New Delhi – 110001
Phone: +91-11-23071093


South West
Department of Social Welfare
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
C-22-23, Udyog Sadan
Qutub Institutional Area
Behind Qutub Hotel
Delhi
Phone: +91-11-26529019, 26528175

West
Department of Social Welfare
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Nirmal Chhaya Complex
Jail Road
New Delhi
Phone: +91-11-25547952, 25534583

North East
Department of Social Welfare
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Sanskar Ashram for Boys
Opp. GTB Hospital
Dilshad Garden
Delhi
Phone: +91-11-22133765, 22582253

East
Department of Social Welfare
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Block-10, Silai Centre
Gita Colony, Near Samshan Ghaat
Yamuna Pushta
Delhi – 110059
Phone: +91-11-22450151, 22450147

North West-I
Department of Social Welfare
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Nursery Primary School for Deaf & Dumb
Near Vishram Chowk
Sec-4, Rohini
Delhi
Phone: +91-11-27040844, 27933961

North West-II
Department of Social Welfare
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Nursery Primary School for Deaf & Dumb
Near Vishram Chowk
Sec-4, Rohini
Delhi
Phone: +91-11-27056278, 27055275


Source: http://www.voice4india.org/2010/02/12/district-maintenance-officers-in-delhi/

Feb 2010

3rd Annual Essay Competition 2010

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2010

On the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2010, Silver Inning Foundation, a ‘Not for Profit’ dedicated organization for senior citizens and their family members will be commemorating Elder Abuse Day on 15th June’2010. It has taken the initiative to create awareness among civil society and Government to eliminate elder abuse at both micro and macro level.

SILVER INNING FOUNDATION invites an Essay of maximum 2000 words in following category and topics:

1) For all age group:
‘Elders Abuse - The Change Has to Start at Our Home’


2) For School Students - Class 5th to class 10th:
“My Grandparents - Our Golden Treasures”


3) For Students - 1st year College to Post graduation :
'No Excuse for Elder Abuse - Signs and Solutions'



What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is an under-recognized problem with devastating and even life-threatening consequences. Elder abuse is often defined as a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an ‘expectation of trust’ which causes harm or distress to an older person.



Types of Elder Abuse:
1. Physical abuse
2. Sexual abuse
3. Emotional or psychological abuse
4. Financial or material exploitation
5. Neglect
6. Abandonment
7. Self-neglect


All of us know that we will be elders one day and join the ever increasing percentage of senior citizens in the global population! And yet some of us continue to show gross indifference and disrespect to our elders in our own families and in the society! Each of us might have countless reasons, logics and excuses for this behavior but this could be due to a combination of many problems. Let us try to put into a right perspective these various problems and what we could do to keep our elders happy.

Remember, by helping our elders stay physically fit and mentally happy, we are only helping ourselves and our future. If we fail to give proper care and respect to our elders at home now we will get the same ugly treatment from our children later on in our lives!

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15th June ,programme aims to increase society's ability, through various programmes to recognize and respond to the mistreatment of older people in whatever setting it occurs, so that the latter years of life will be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.


Prizes:
The First (1st) best in each category will be given Prize of Rs.500/- by Indian cheque only to each 1st winner.

The Three (3) best essays in each category will be published on Website www.silverinnings.com as also on Blogs: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot.com/ And best Ten (10) in each category, with India postal address will be given Participation Certificate.

All the essays will be property of and used by Silver Inning Foundation as database/Talk / Reference / Lecture / Book/ Paper presentation for its strategy to Tackle Elder Abuse and issues od Elderly. The verdict of management of Silver Inning Foundation & Silver Innings for selection of best essay will be final.

Silver Inning Foundation consists of a dedicated team of professionals contributing to the cause of the elderly. Silver Inning Foundation conducts seminars, camps, lectures, awareness modules, advocacy, networking, Dementia management services and also has support groups for home based advice. At Silver Innings we are working towards creating Elder Friendly World where Ageing becomes a Positive and Rewarding Experience.

The Last date for submission of Essay is 25th June 2010.

Email your essay on or before 25th June 2010 to info@silverinnings.com and copy to silverinnings@gmail.com .


The winners will be announced online by email after 15th July 2010. For further information please call on Tel no. 09987104233 – Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm.


Terms and Condition:
• Essay should not be more than 2000 words
• Essay should only be in English language
• Essay should be sent by Email only (soft copy only)
• No hard copy will be accepted
• It’s open to all Indian Residence / POI / NRI
• People from other country can also participate, but they will not be part of competition.



This Programme is promoted by INPEA (International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse) Indian Chapter through Development, Welfare and Research Foundation (DWARF) and 'Little Things Matter Initiatives' (LTMI).


Together, we all have the power to prevent elder abuse.


My World…Your World…Our World…Free of Elder Abuse

Cognitive Disability and Impact of Wireless Innovation

While mobile devices have long been used to help guide those with cognitive disabilities, the Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center is now testing innovations like the PocketCoach, which instructs those with intellectual disabilities in how to perform assembly line jobs. This technology reflects a strong step toward potentially increasing the employment rate of people living with a cognitive disability.


More than 20 million American citizens have cognitive disabilities, which include mental and developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease and severe and persistent mental illness. As our nation ages and medical advances extend Americans’ longevity, these numbers are expected to rise – a fact that underscores the importance of mobile innovation in this area.

In addition to memory difficulties, common challenges associated with cognitive disabilities include conceptualizing, planning and sequencing thoughts and actions. Fortunately, today’s mobile technologies can help address these issues and give those with cognitive disabilities greater independence and self-sufficiency. For example, mobile devices are ideal for setting up regular reminders for people who need extra assistance completing daily tasks. Many mobile devices now come equipped with this capability and some PDAs and smartphones can be enhanced with special software that includes spoken and picture cues. Additionally, universal design has sparked the development of more versatile features that are helpful to those with cognitive disabilities, such as key shortcuts, voice prompts, lighted keys and more, that assist users in controlling their device.

Navigating the outside world can also be challenging for those with cognitive disabilities. For example, the public transportation system can be a disconcerting maze if help is not readily available. However, thanks to GPS, the recently developed Travel Assistance Device helps guide riders with cognitive disabilities safely to their destinations. The GPS, located inside the mobile device, lets the user know when they are approaching their destination by vibrating and sending a prerecorded message. As a result, people with cognitive disabilities can go about their daily lives with greater independence and less stress.


Read Full Report - Mobile Ability:The Transformational Impact of Wireless Innovation for People with Disabilities :http://mobfut.3cdn.net/07bf12aba705fafb8f_fym6bat6i.pdf


Source: http://www.mobilefuture.org/content/pages/mobile_ability

GERON 2010 :6th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for Geriatric Mental Health

1st Announcement for 6th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for Geriatric Mental Health

The Theme of the conference: Healthy Ageing: From Concept to Reality

Date: 4th and 5th of Sept 2010

Venue: Mirage Hotel , Andheri – East , Mumbai, India


So please block date 4th and 5th of Sept for GERON 2010.More information will follow.



IAGMH President & Hon. Organizing Chairperson:
Dr. Charles Pinto

Hon. Organizing Secretary:
Dr.Alka.A.Subramanyam

Hon. Jt. Organizing Secretary:
Dr.Jahanvi Kedare
Dr.Bindoo Jadhav
Mr.Sailesh Mishra


Contact:
Conference Secretariat:
GERON 2010
Dr. Alka. A. Subramanyam
C/o. Varriance Conferences & Event Pvt. Ltd.
B/519, Aurus Chambers,
S. H. Amrutwar Marg,
Worli, Mumbai – 400013.
Tel: +91 22 24940517
Fax: +91 22 24945020
Email: geron2010@varriance.com

You can also write to silverinnings@gmail.com for more info.

Silver Innings: Bridging the Chasm : Youth Leader India

Silver innings takes the fear out of ageing by empowering the elders and bringing dignity in their lives Who’s afraid of ageing? Is what the team at Silver Innings believes in.

Silver Innings is a, a social enterprise dedicated for the cause of elderly. Silver Innings is a new beginning for our elders. It is a new path, the journey of successful ageing.

The idea was germinated by Sailesh Mishra and took root with the support and contribution of these individuals and SilverInnings took form as a one stop destination for information for the elderly and their family members. The social enterprise opened a platform for discussing issues regarding the elderly and soon a need for a social organisation emerged. Taking on this gaping need, Silver Inning Foundation was born to address the micro and macro level issues of the elderly to create an elder friendly world.

Read in detail:Silver Innings: Bridging the Chasm | Youth Leader India

Living it up lately

India’s senior citizens are remarrying, romancing and dating in their twilight years. Changing dynamics Ageing well.

This March, as chilly winter paved the way for the romance of spring, love was blossoming in India’s western city of Ahmedabad.

A “matrimonial meet’’ hosted by non-profit organisation Vina Mulye Amulya Seva (VMAS) saw the attendance of over 300 single, divorced and widowed people from across the country.

However, this was no ordinary meet. All the attendees were senior citizens well into their 60s and 70s with a few even pushing 80! Kitted out in their Sunday best, the seniors — a few with walking sticks — were accompanied by their friends, children, even grandchildren!

According to Saliesh Mishra, founder president of Silver Innings Foundation, an organisation for the elderly, “More and more people are ascribing to theories which advocate that relationships can help us live longer and happier.

“We’re increasingly learning about the benefits of relationships for longevity and how to build and maintain relationships.”
Relationships, according to Mishra’s research, are an essential part of maintaining good health.

Read in detail: Living it up lately

‘Swavalamban’ initiative to accelerate NPS yet to pick up - Moneylife: Personal Finance Magazine

Despite government initiatives, the NPS has not generated enough interest among the masses. What needs to be done to prop up this excellent scheme?

Investors have not responded with much enthusiasm to the ‘Swavalamban’ initiative extended by the government under which it will contribute Rs1,000 per year (for a period of four years) to every New Pension Scheme (NPS) account opened this year with at least a matching contribution from the subscriber. Citizens in the non-government segment continue to abstain from investing in the NPS. The number of non-government subscribers to NPS registered as of 30 April 2010 has touched 5,532. Although the figure is more than double that of October 2009 when non-government subscribers were 2,321, the absolute numbers are still small.


‘Swavalamban’ initiative to accelerate NPS yet to pick up - Moneylife: Personal Finance Magazine

Dial '1298' Senior Citizen Helpline in Mumbai launched

On 10th May 2010 , ‘1298 Senior Citizen Helpline for Mumbai - MMRDA Area’ was launched by Chief Guest Ms. Asha Parekh in presence of Guest of Honour Shri D. Shivnandan, Mrs. Priya Dutt, Honorable Member of Parliament and Ms. Sweta Mangal, CEO of Dial 1298 for Ambulance service.

India is gradually undergoing a demographic change. With decline in fertility and mortality rates accompanied by an improvement in child survival and increased life expectancy, a significant feature of demographic change is the progressive increase in the number of elderly persons. As on 2009 an estimated 8% population i.e. 91 million people of the total population of India are Senior Citizens above age group of 60 years, of which over 1.5 million resides in Mumbai. Presently India has the 2nd largest population of Senior Citizens in the globe. According to UN by 2050 the population of 60 plus in India would likely go up to 20%.

The now fading joint family system and the Indian cultural values that preached reverence and service towards the elders had served a protective and secure net for the elderly. The advent of nuclear families and other factors like children migrating to cities or abroad for better career opportunities have brought out a range of issues like insecurity, loneliness and lack of companionship leaving the elders more vulnerable in their twilight years. Coping with old age is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in cities like Mumbai. Sadly young people now see senior citizens as a burden. The respect they once enjoyed in the joint family is slowly disappearing. The changed scenario has given rise to three major needs: social, health and financial security of Elderly.

For the net savvy individuals there are many networking sites and online portals to connect to people across the globe. At the same time, for many senior citizens in the city just a phone call to someone to listen to them when they are in distressed or feeling lonely is sufficient.

Only government servants are entitled to pension. This means that literally 70 per cent of the Indian population gets no pension, not even those who have worked in the corporate sector for 30 to 40 years. Most senior citizens are in unorganized sector and are either on their children’s or dependent on their savings or their provident fund and gratuity, whose value is shrinking by the day.

Elder Abuse / Crimes against senior citizens where they have been specifically targeted due to their helplessness have been on the increase in Mumbai. In most cases, the crime is committed by relatives or their own children. There has been an increase in violence against senior citizens by domestic help also.

To address these issues and provide some relief to the senior citizens of Mumbai, The Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust along with Dial 1298 for Ambulance in association with Silver Inning Foundation, Help Age India, Harmony for Silvers Foundation & FESCOM launched a 24 x 7 Senior Citizen’s Helpline (Referral Service) at a function held on 10th May which was attended by Chief Guest Ms. Asha Parekh and Guest of Honour Shri D. Shivnandan, Mrs. Priya Dutt, Honorable Member of Parliament and Ms. Sweta Mangal, CEO of Dial 1298 for Ambulance service. Around 200 people attended the programme.

The 1298 Senior Citizen Helpline (Referral Service) will work closely with prominent NGOs working with senior citizens to act as a bridge between a senior citizen and these NGOs. Any senior citizen requiring assistance can dial 1298 from landline or mobile from Mumbai which will connect them to a counselor who will be available 24X7 to assist them.

Mrs. Priya Dutt was quoted “Iam grateful to 1298 and other NGO’s for providing be an opportunity to serve our Elderly. My parents have been very near to me and in this was I could continue god work of my family. I will continue to support the work done my organization to provide help to ou elderly. Our Elders are treasure and backbone of our society and we need to make this world elder friendly.

Mr. D. Sivnanandan emphasis the need to protect elderly from crime, especially by the strangers and domestic service providers. He said registration of Senior Citizens with local police is must to provide them security. All households should also register their domestic help and verify therir credentials

Ms. Sweta Mangal also added that her organization 1298 is grateful to work for elderly and make their life much better. It’s important that organization should join hands for such a noble cause.Capacity building for organization would be another step foraward.

Mr.Sailesh Mishra was happy that at last Silver Inning Foundation’s advocacy and networking for the Senior Citizens has taken some shape. It has been nearly one year work to bringing everyone on one common platform. He said a holistic approach and continuous effort to provide need base services will be important for the success of this Helpline.


About Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust (NDMCT):
The Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust (NDMCT) was founded by the (Late) Padmashri Sunil Dutt in memory of his wife (Late) Smt. Nargis Dutt, with a prime objective of funding and helping patients suffering from cancer for whom good and timely medical treatment was a distant dream.Mr. Sunil Dutt worked tirelessly and selflessly to ensure that the Foundation undertook various fund raising drives, the proceeds of which were used to buy life saving diagnostic medical equipment, medicines, transfer of Technology and various other materials which were sent to specialized cancer hospitals across India for the benefit of patients being treated there.

In the area of health- care NDMCT arranges medical camps and provides medical aid to the poor and needy. For the victims of Bihar Flood (in 2008) NDMCT organized a month long medical camp which treated nearly 30,000 families. NDMCT’s recent activity has been the “Platelet Donation Drive “at Tata Memorial Hospital.

NDMCT has now diversified to the field of education as well, wherein we provide vocational training (like computer courses, adult literacy classes) and sponsorship fees to the students who are eager to study and learn. NDMCT has also partnered with FLY – Future Lies in iur Youth to prevent suicides among the student community.


About Dial 1298 for Ambulance:-
“Dial 1298 for Ambulance” is an initiative to provide a network of Fully Equipped Advanced and Basic Life Support Ambulances 24 hours x 7 days a week. The service has been setup with technical and managerial assistance from London Ambulance Service and New York Presbyterian EMS, two of the world’s largest and best metropolitan Ambulance Services.
In case of a medical emergency, a person can dial 1298 from any phone for accessing a fully equipped Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance within the shortest possible time. In Mumbai, “DIAL 1298 FOR AMBULANCE” service covers the entire area of Greater Mumbai from Colaba to Kalyan / Panvel on the Central Line and Churchgate to Vasai on the Western Line with its 21 ALS Ambulances and 30 BLS Ambulances. 1298 Ambulance is available, on average, 15 - 20 minutes to reach the place of incidence whenever called for service. Dial 1298 for Ambulance works closely with Traffic Police Mumbai, Western Railways and Central Railways to assist them in reaching medical support to the victims in accidents on roads and railways in Mumbai with 2 dedicated Ambulances placed in Traffic Chowkis on Eastern and Western Expressways and 10 Ambulances placed in Railway Stations across Mumbai. Since the launch of the service, the service has transported over 120,000 patients / victims. For more information ctc: Rubina D’Souza 9923640870 / rubina.dsouza@1298.org.in



About our Associates:

About Silver Inning Foundation:
Silver Inning Foundation is registered NGO dedicated for the cause of Senior Citizens. It is part of social enterprise Silver Innings which hosts one of the most comprehensive and dedicated website for elderly &their family www.silverinnings.com . Silver Innings is working towards creating Elder Friendly World where Ageing becomes a Positive and Rewarding Experience.

About Help Age India:
HelpAge India is a national level secular, non political, non-profit and non-government organization working for the cause and care of disadvantaged older persons. We endeavor to improve their quality of life and have been doing so for the last 31 years. The cause of the elderly needs attention because we are a society in transition with changing values, which has led to the breakdown of the joint family, resulting in lack of security for the elderly. We voice the needs of India’s 90 million (current estimate)“grey” population, and directly impact the lives of lakhs of elders through our services every year.Website: http://www.helpageindia.org/

About FESCOM:
The Federation of Senior Citizens Organizations' of Maharashtra ,Unifying and strengthening the comprehensive welfare activities of senior citizen and their organizations under one banner and leadership, and utilizing their precious knowledge, wide experience, wisdom, energy and skill for welfare of the society in general and Senior Citizen in particular. Website: http://www.fescom-for-sr-citizens.org.in/

About The Harmony for Silvers Foundation:
The Harmony for Silvers Foundation is a non-government organization working to improve quality of life for everyone as they age. Harmony for Silvers Foundation is a social initiative espouses the cause of promoting the interests of senior citizens in the country. The initiative has a three-tiered approach. We have set up our first Harmony Interactive Centre for Silvers Citizens in Girgaum, Thakurdwar. In addition we also run a magazine Harmony- Celebrate Age and a website-portal for Silver Citizens .Website: www.harmonyindia.org

Retirement Saving Boost for India's New Pension Scheme

The Government of India has recently announced it will add a 1000 Rupees ($25) co-contribution every year for the next three years for everyone who joins the New Pension Scheme. Gautam Bhardwaj, director of Invest India Micro Pension Services (IIMPS) sees that this is likely to become a permanent subsidy, given the pressure to make the NPS a success.


Providing opportunities to the working poor to build up savings for retirement is an important public policy goal for the Government of India. The launch of the NPS is seen as playing a pivotal role in this. However, individual take-up of the scheme has been disappointing so far. One of the key obstacles to overcome is the need to incentivise individuals to go through the effort of joining and of diverting some of their current consumption towards long term savings. In this context, a number of entities such as IIMPS had been advocating the idea that the Central and State Governments should adopt a system of conditional cash transfers or co-contributions linked to retirement savings for the working poor for two key reasons: firstly, pension co-contributions can provide the working poor with a powerful financial incentive to undertake disciplined voluntary retirement savings over multiple decades, and secondly pension co-contributions can also supplement the modest savings of the working poor so that when they reach their retirement years, the value of their savings is sufficient to produce an above poverty annuity. The fact that the Government of India has now taken this on board is an encouraging sign for the future success of the NPS, although clearly, there is still much work to be done to ensure the vision is translated into reality on the ground.


The country-wide NPS itself can build on the experience gained in Rajasthan – one of the largest States in India, on developing and implementing a co-contributory social security scheme targeting the working poor. IIMPS is the turnkey implementation agency for the Government of Rajasthan’s “Viswakarma Yojana”. Under this scheme, an eligible low income informal sector worker is encouraged to open a new individual pension account on a voluntary basis and to accrete periodic savings towards his retirement into his own account. The Rajasthan Government co-contributes an identical amount into the worker's pension account subject to a maximum annual co-contribution of Rs.1000. The worker's own retirement savings, the pension co-contribution by the Rajasthan Government and the returns earned on these combined savings are reflected in the individual pension account of each worker who joins the scheme. Workers receive a periodic account statement reflecting contributions and accumulations in their pension accounts. Each individual worker then receives a pension that is dependent on the period and amount of savings and the returns earned on these savings.


Source:
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/2010/boost.htm

New 24 x7 Senior Citizens Helpline to be launched in Mumbai

On 10th May 2010 at 5pm, Senior Citizens 24 x 7 Helpline ' 1298 ' will be launched in Bandra,Mumbai By Ms. Asha Parekh ( Film Actress) and Shri. D. Shivnandan (Commissioner of Police, Mumbai).

Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust (NDMCT) is partnering with 1298, Silver Inning Foundation, Help Age India, Harmony for Silvers Foundation, FESCOM and in associations with several NGOs to launch this prestigious event for the benefit and relief of our Senior Citizens who are vulnerable to Abuse.

Financial Exploitation and Senior Citizens : Issues in India

The financial dilemma is common among senior citizens who are usually relegated to an abject position of economic inactivity. Lack or absence of financial capacity creates a stressful life and invites the entry of problems other than physical and mental health issues. For instance, domestic problems in an extended family system can aggravate the problem of a financially-destitute senior citizen. Should any of the children be wallowing in a similar state of poverty, the senior citizen becomes physically and mentally loaded up with intense and continuing pressure out of being totally helpless to come to the financial rescue a grieving son or daughter.

While it may not be the panacea to aging-related problems, the value of money cannot be overstated in the post-retirement period. A financially-handicapped senior citizen, afflicted with some degenerative or serious illness, is practically on the road to an early death.

A financially secure senior citizen with the same illness, however, may have a longer life to live because money can give quick and convenient access to life-giving remedies. Even with state-of-mind dysfunctions like severe depression, boredom, nervous breakdown, and self-pity, financial capacity can buy options to rejuvenate and refresh a financially-capable senior citizen, through travels, elderly recreation, social renewal, and continuing education. A poor senior citizen in the same state of mental degradation cannot afford to do the same; and more so, be back into the mainstream of society.

Financial hardships can be avoided if the senior citizen, during his or her period of economic activity and utility, had deliberately exercised foresight, focus, continuous learning, perseverance, and simplicity, a discipline that consistently upholds the importance of modest needs, savings, productivity, competence, and delivering superior value to people and organizations. The idea here is to build a sustainable wealth of lifetime resources to address the financial requirements of the person across the twilight zone.


Financial Exploitation and Senior Citizens
Financial abuse and material exploitation of the elderly may not cause physical injuries or leave scars, but they can have devastating effects and ruin the lives of victims. An elder’s entire life savings can disappear, leaving the victim unable to provide for his or her own needs and causing harmful stress and agitation.

Financial elder abuse and material exploitation occur when an abuser uses an elder’s money or assets in a manner contrary to elder’s wishes, needs, or best interests, or for the abuser’s personal gain. Oftentimes, elderly victims are exploited because of vulnerabilities associated with advanced age, such as impaired mental capacity. Abusers can be caregivers in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, professionals hired by the elder (such as accountants), strangers, or family members.

Financial elder abuse can take many forms. The abuser may steal money or items from the elder’s bank account or home, sell or transfer property against the elder’s wishes, use the elder’s credit cards for unauthorized purchases, use the elder’s name to open new credit accounts, and create or alter a living trust or will for the abuser’s benefit. Financial elder abuse also can take the form of telemarketing fraud, identity theft, predatory lending, home improvement scams, and estate planning scams.

Unexplained behavioral changes, such as sudden secrecy or reluctance to speak freely, may be warning signs of financial elder abuse. If an elder appears withdrawn, helpless, frightened, or angry, this may also indicate that abuse is taking place.

Factors which make elders susceptible to financial abuse include isolation, loneliness, physical and/or mental disabilities, and lack of familiarity with financial issues. Elder financial exploitation often goes unreported. The senior may be unaware that exploitation is taking place or remain silent due to intimidation by the abuser. The elder victim may also be embarrassed about the situation or worried that making accusations will cause him or her to be labeled senile or too demanding.


Financial abuse perpetrated against a senior may include:
• Misusing or stealing assets, property or money.
• Cashing cheques without their authorization, forging a signature for any reason
• Misusing a power of attorney.
• Pressuring a senior into making changes to their will.
• Pressuring a senior into signing legal documents when they do not understand what it is.
• Sharing a home with the senior without paying expenses when requested.
• Transfer of Property : SRA schemes
• Forced / Forged Gift Deed



Problem:
• Uniform Age: Senior Citizen must be defined as one who is 60 plus
• Mobility problem
• Signatures on checks and documents that do not match
• TDS for retired elderly : why Elderly need to pay numerous TDS
• Numerous deduction by banks and financial institute in name of service: ATM withdrawal, number of chq book , number of transaction , minimum balance , account statement , renewal of credit card / debit card
• Single window policy, people have to run for pillar to post
• Medico legal problem: like person suffering from Dementia
• NPS: encourage more saving / participant for young people
• Reverse Mortgage: more clarity on interest rates and process should be single window
• Post office financial instrument should be made more attractive and efficient
• Grievance for UTI / LIC / NSE / Mutual funds



Recommendation for Govt:
• Immediate implementation of Senior Citizens Maintenance Act 2007
• Implementation of NPOP
• GOI should consider all stakeholders while revision of NPOP
• NPOP should consider different needs of different age groups : Young Old , Old old and Very Old
• Action on BC’s / Chit Funds / Plantation / Plots – Fraud schemes
• Cyber Crime protection
• Fast Track court
• Indira Gandhi Pension Scheme increase premium
• Aarogyasri Healthcare Insurance Scheme for BPL / APL
• Concept of Universal Coverage: irrespective of age, health conditions or claims history must be covered under the Scheme
• Renewal must be automatic, without any limit of upper age
• Cashless Service must
• More Public Pvt Partnership
• Property transfer safeguards
• Ethical Will concept
• Advance Directive – Will: Advance directives are a way of making your voice heard when you can no longer speak. They allow you to appoint someone to make your health care decisions for you when you no longer can and to administer or withhold treatment and procedures.
• Special Elder abuse Law
• Non Bailable Elder Abuse Law
• Property tax rebate
• There should be a mentoring Agency for Old Age Homes and Retirement Communities
• A National Level Elder Helpline (Four digit Code) must be set up
• Elders’ Right similar to Child Rights must be recognized
• National Elders Commission (similar to National Women’s Commission) must be set up
• Separate Ministry for Senior Citizens Welfare is necessary
• Intra Ministry work
• National Association/ Federation of Older Persons must be identified and established
• Separate and adequate funds must be allotted for Senior Citizens Welfare
• Both States and Central Govt must allocate funds for senior welfare
• Old Age Pension must reach all deserving persons
• Tax concessions must be given to care givers and those who take care of elders
• Separate Medicare policy must be available for older persons.
• Geriatrics and gerontology must be taught in MBBS, PG, Nursing, MSW, etc
• Special attention must be paid for training Bed side Assistants
• There must be geriatric wards in District Hospitals
• There must be Day Care Centres in every municipality
• There must be Old Age Homes for destitute in every Municipality
• There must be Day care centres for Dementia patients
• Pension and Gratuity amount can’t be gifted to any one for minimum 5 yrs of receipt
• Post office can be made central point of all govt related financial schemes
• Annapurna / Meal at doors / Mid day meals
• Legal AID Cell in all Law college / District courts



Recommendation for Civil Society:
• Micro Finance: as SHG for women
• Training / Sensitization of professionals: legal, medical, police, govt. Servants etc
• Financial clinic
• Legal clinic
• Empowering common man about Financial Rights
• Pre Retirement workshop: Financial planning for young
• Encourage more Hobbies and skill
• Formation of Vigilance Committee for Elder Abuse in our communities
• Joint / United forum of organization – NGO’s and other stake holders
• Mapping of services for elderly in each municipality/ district



These were some important points for discussion by Silver Inning Foundation for Moneylife Foundation brain storming session on financial issues of Elderly in India.



Sailesh Mishra
Founder President
Silver Inning Foundation
sailesh2000@gmail.com
www.silverinnings.com

Poverty and Loneliness pushing Elderly Japanese towards crime

The elderly in Japan are turning to petty crime, including shoplifting and pick-pocketing, to help make ends meet, the nation's Justice Ministry said.

A government report found that last year, 48,605 Japanese persons age 65 and older were arrested in crimes other than traffic violations, which is more than double the number five years earlier, CNN reported Wednesday.

"The main reasons they shoplift are poverty and loneliness," said Kazuo Kawakami, a former federal prosecutor. "The traditional Japanese family is gone, and now our elderly live alone."

Japan's economy lapsed into recession this year, and at the same time, the nation's pension system has been beset by corruption, leaving many pensioners worrying about their future.

CNN said on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, more elderly than youths -- by a 3 to 2 ratio -- were arrested in 2006.


Source: United Press International,Dec 2008

We need a new convention to protect the rights of older persons:Susan Somers of INPEA

Susan B. Somers General Secretary of (INPEA) The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, Inc., (INPEA) ; UN NGO Coordinator for INPEA and Attorney at The Somers Law Firm, NY,USA recently visited Mumbai on Invitation of Sailesh Mishra, Founder President of Silver Inning Foundation – a not for profit organization dedicated for the cause of Senior Citizens.


Susan Somers was at Nepal for one month to give training for Care giver for Senior Citizens organizations, the project was funded by the Nepal government.


During her way back to NY she specially came to Mumbai to understand the work done by Silver Inning Foundation in associations with other NGO's for last two years in spreading the message of INPEA especially with WEAAD "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" on 15th June (one week event) .


Taking advantage of this high profile visit of an International expert, Silver Inning Foundation in association with Money Life Foundation organized a small formal interactive meeting of organization working for elderly in Mumbai at Moneylife Foundation, Shivaji Park, Dadar.


The meeting with NGO’s was held on Mon 3rd May from 11am to 1pm and representative from Help Age India, Money Life Foundation, Silver Inning Foundation, Shree Manav Seva Sangh , The Family Welfare Agency , The Bombay Community Public Trust , TISS , ASCCON and FESCOM participated. Representative from Mumbai NGO’s gave presentation about their work with elderly.


Susan Somers talked in detail about INPEA, Elder Abuse and importance of Networking among organization for the benefit of Elderly. She also highlighted the growing number of financial abuse and stress of family members. The diversity of culture and tradition in South East Asia has its own dynamics in care for elderly. She advocated for taking up the programmes in community and on individual level and also to continue to fight for right of elderly at government level. She also put forward the need to stop Elder abuse and Ageism.


She highlighted financial issues prevalent in the US and how they have been dealt with Moneylife Digital team.


It was also discussed to have one meeting in month / bimonthly among the organization for better coordination.


Susan informed that Abuse is an act, or a series of acts that are harmful to an older person, which are caused by someone that they have a relationship of trust with, which could even be a family member. Abuse within families is often hidden. Older people are not willing to go against their families even when they are suffering.


‘Every human being should be treated with dignity. Unfortunately, people aren’t always treated equally and can’t be protected without laws. We need a new convention to protect the rights of older persons, as an international convention is the ultimate legal instrument that binds countries. Existing conventions don’t address the rights of older persons. We had a meeting at the commission of social development in the UN in February on this. Our next aim is to get support.’ said Susan Somers

Two very important things are the right to freedom from all forms of discrimination and violence and the right to monetary security. Then there’s need for access to healthcare, the right to work and the right to own property, which is especially important for women, who are so often cut out from laws, which leave them with no power at all.

“There is a need to raise financial awareness among senior citizens, especially women. They do not understand wills, tax issues and transfers. This leaves them completely vulnerable to financial issues,” said Somers. Highlighting instances of financial exploitation in the United States, she said, “There have been various cases of financial exploitation of the elderly like fraudulent selling of expensive security systems under the pretext of safety or charging exorbitant fees for simple day-to-day jobs like repairing a car.”

While the elderly are highly susceptible and gullible to financial exploitation at the hands of their own family members and relatives, certain groups also reportedly took advantage of the same. “There was a rampant selling of living trusts which promised wealth protection for the elderly from the Government, from paying taxes, from family and relatives. This was in the form of a document. They charged a huge amount of fees for this document. Most times, one did not even need such a protection,” Ms Somers said.

She said, “The government should issue information. To take reverse mortgage as an example, the government should provide information stating these are the good points about the product and these are the bad points of the product, this helps the senior citizen take an informed decision.”

She also said that Depression is a huge problem that is under recognized and under treated, though treatments are available. These issues are difficult for a family to understand, but they can meet a lot of these needs. Most write it off.

During her interaction with Dr. S. Parasuraman Director of TISS and Prof. Nasreen Rustomfram,she emphasized the need of research in different angle of abuse in Indian Context. She also asked TISS to provided training and education in gerontology and geriatric to South Asian countries. Mr. Parasuraman informed the need of care giver at different level for the elderly and the module being prepared by TISS. Sailesh Mishra requested for taking the Gerontology course at grass root level and for the professionals like legal, bureaucrats, medical etc, in such a case a need for On - line course was highlighted.

Susan Somers visit to Mumbai to meet advocacy groups working for the rights of the elderly to support the creation of a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons and her meet with the students and faculty of Gerontology and Counseling course of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) was great success and it bought in new dimension of exchange of knowledge and training for welfare of Elderly Population.


By Sailesh Mishra, Founder President, Silver Inning Foundation
www.silverinnings.com

“There is a need to raise financial awareness among senior citizens”

In an interaction with NGOs working for senior citizens, Susan B Somers, General Secretary of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) highlighted financial issues prevalent in the US and how they have been dealt with Moneylife Digital team

Susan B Somers, General Secretary of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, Inc (INPEA) highlighted some financial issues that the elderly face in an interaction with other NGOs working for senior citizens. The interaction was organised by Silver Inning Foundation and Moneylife Foundation on Mon 3^rd May 2010 in Mumbai, India.

“There is a need to raise financial awareness among senior citizens, especially women. They do not understand wills, tax issues and transfers. This leaves them completely vulnerable to financial issues,” said Somers who is also United Nations NGO Coordinator for INPEA. She is associated with the Somers Law Firm, New York.

Highlighting instances of financial exploitation in the United States, she said, “There have been various cases of financial exploitation of the elderly like fraudulent selling of expensive security systems under the pretext of safety or charging exorbitant fees for simple day-to-day jobs like repairing a car.”

Among other financial exploitation cases were repeated mis-selling of insurance policies to the elderly. “There were insurance agents or brokers, who convinced the elderly to flip their current insurance policy with another one, stating that the existing was no more useful to them. In reality, every time the elderly person changed his insurance policy the broker earned a commission. It was in the benefit of the broker and the not the elderly person,” stated Ms Somers.

While the elderly are highly susceptible and gullible to financial exploitation at the hands of their own family members and relatives, certain groups also reportedly took advantage of the same. “There was a rampant selling of living trusts which promised wealth protection for the elderly from the Government, from paying taxes, from family and relatives. This was in the form of a document. They charged a huge amount of fees for this document. Most times, one did not even need such a protection,” Ms Somers said.

On being asked on what steps have been taken or should be taken to address such issues which are equally applicable to Indian senior citizens, she said, “The government should issue information. To take reverse mortgage as an example, the government should provide information stating these are the good points about the product and these are the bad points of the product, this helps the senior citizen take an informed decision.”

“Another significant step taken in the US was a law stating a cooling-in period of three days. If the seller or agent approaches the elderly, he cannot be forced to sign or agree to buy the product or service right away, a cooling-in period of three days has to be practised. This avoids the elderly from taking any hasty decision while under pressure,” she added.

Source: http://www.moneylife.in/article/8/5177.html