Intergenerational Benefits for Older Adults

Intergenerational Connections: Importance for Older Adults

As people age, they often find themselves disconnected from the younger generation, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection. However, studies have shown that intergenerational connections can have numerous benefits for older adults, including improved mental and physical health, increased social support, and a sense of purpose and meaning in life. In this essay, we will explore the importance of intergenerational connections for older adults and how they can benefit from these relationships.

The importance of intergenerational relationships for older adults cannot be overstated. Interacting with individuals from different generations can provide many benefits for older adults, including enhanced cognitive abilities, improved emotional well-being, and a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life. This essay will explore the various benefits of intergenerational relationships for older adults and provide examples of how older adults can engage with younger generations.

Firstly, intergenerational relationships can help older adults maintain cognitive function. Research shows that older adults who engage in intergenerational activities have better cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. This is because intergenerational interactions challenge older adults to think outside of their usual patterns and perspectives, which can stimulate their brains and enhance their cognitive abilities. For example, older adults who engage in activities with younger generations, such as playing games or solving puzzles together, can improve their cognitive abilities and prevent cognitive decline.

Secondly, intergenerational relationships can improve emotional well-being for older adults. Older adults often experience loneliness and social isolation, which can have negative effects on their mental health. However, intergenerational relationships can provide older adults with social support, companionship, and a sense of purpose. For example, older adults who volunteer with younger generations, such as mentoring or tutoring programs, can experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction from helping others. Additionally, intergenerational relationships can provide older adults with opportunities to learn new skills or knowledge from younger generations, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem.

Thirdly, intergenerational relationships can give older adults a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Older adults may feel a loss of purpose or relevance as they age, especially if they have retired or experienced other life transitions. However, intergenerational relationships can provide older adults with a sense of purpose and a reason to keep learning and growing. For example, older adults who engage in intergenerational activities, such as teaching or mentoring younger generations, can feel valued and important. Additionally, intergenerational relationships can help older adults see the world from a different perspective and gain a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges of younger generations.

Intergenerational connections can improve the mental and physical health of older adults. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and cognitive decline. However, studies have shown that older adults who have regular interactions with younger people have better mental and physical health outcomes than those who do not. For example, a study conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that older adults who participated in intergenerational programs had lower rates of depression, improved cognitive function, and a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life.

One more example of an intergenerational program that benefits older adults is the Experience Corps. This program pairs older adults with elementary school students, where they serve as tutors and mentors. The program has been shown to improve academic outcomes for students and enhance emotional well-being for older adults. Another example is the Foster Grandparent Program, which connects older adults with at-risk youth in their communities. Older adults serve as role models and provide emotional support for these children, which can improve their well-being and reduce behavioral problems.

Furthermore, intergenerational connections can provide older adults with increased social support, which can be particularly important for those who live alone or have limited social networks. Studies have shown that older adults who have regular contact with younger people report higher levels of social support, which can lead to greater feelings of happiness, well-being, and life satisfaction. Additionally, intergenerational relationships can provide older adults with opportunities to mentor and guide younger people, which can help them feel valued and respected within their communities.

Another benefit of intergenerational connections for older adults is the sense of purpose and meaning that comes from engaging with younger generations. Many older adults struggle with finding purpose and meaning in their lives after retirement, particularly if they feel disconnected from the larger community. However, intergenerational programs and relationships can provide older adults with opportunities to share their knowledge and experiences with younger people, which can give them a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Additionally, older adults who participate in intergenerational programs often report feeling more connected to their communities and more engaged in civic life.

There are many ways in which older adults can engage with younger generations to experience the benefits of intergenerational relationships. For example, older adults can volunteer with organizations that work with children or young adults, such as schools, libraries, or community centers. They can also participate in intergenerational programs, such as mentoring or tutoring programs, where they can share their knowledge and skills with younger generations. Additionally, older adults can engage in activities that bring together people of different ages, such as community service projects or cultural events.

Finally, intergenerational connections can help to break down age-based stereotypes and promote understanding between generations. In today's society, age-based stereotypes are often perpetuated by the media and other cultural institutions, which can lead to negative attitudes and beliefs about older adults. However, intergenerational relationships can help to challenge these stereotypes and promote greater understanding and respect between generations. When older adults interact with younger people, they can share their experiences and perspectives, which can help to break down stereotypes and foster greater empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, intergenerational connections are important for older adults because they can improve their mental and physical health, increase their social support networks, provide them with a sense of purpose and meaning in life, and promote understanding between generations. As the population ages, it is increasingly important to promote intergenerational connections and programs that bring together people of all ages. By doing so, we can help to create more vibrant and connected communities that benefit people of all ages and backgrounds.

Why grandparents are called Grandparents?

Till now, you have been reading about needs of senior citizens, Dementia & Alzheimer’s’ and the importance of volunteers for these citizens too. Now, let us move on to their role as grandparents – The most coveted & marvelous role any human would love to perform!! Just like the young grand children, grandparents too are a bubbly lot of individuals – if they enjoy to be lively & cheerful. Yes, the cheerfulness & enthusiasm of grandparents certainly matters for a robust upbringing of their grand children. Only then can a healthy, nurturing & fruitful relationship be built between these two generations.

Picture copyright Silver Innings 28th May 2016 

According to Seniorindian.com, grandparents play a pivotal role not only in loving & caring for their grandchildren but also for instilling the moral values. They should gradually build a sense of right & wrong in the minds of these young ones for a bright future. Also, the senior citizens play a very major role for an overall grooming of their young counterparts in absence of their parents. Nowadays, both mother & father work in offices for long hours. So, the grandparents really need to step in to care for & provide emotional support to their blossoming grandchildren. The grandparents are believed to be the highly guaranteed source of care & support at home. And, it is indeed heartening for the parents too that their children are growing up amidst the cozy & responsible grandparents.

Along with this, grandparents can play the role of a mediator between their children & grand children about family matters. Especially, any sensitive family matters can be responsibly dealt with by these senior members. Since, grandparents are the most experienced & adept at responsibly raising a family, they can rightfully advise their own children & grandchildren for sorting out any issues. Yet, it should be preferably, a friendly advice too to bond the three generations together against all odds.

Nowadays, though, the grandparents and their grandchildren stay far away from each other. It is really difficult for grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren who reside abroad. So, how should one deal with this? They can meet at occasional get together or exchange letters/ emails to enhance a mutual bonding.  

Yet, for those grandparents who stay with or near their grandchildren, it is easy to bond together. How? There are many effective methods of striking an intergenerational rapport. The grandparents can take their little grand kids to a park, fair, zoo, theme parks or movies. It is a new, unique way for them to relate better with these young ones. It is a sure shot way of mingling & befriending each other to cut through the generation-gap syndrome. Thus, grandparents have a huge role to build and cement the strong relationships among their family & nurture it for the grandchildren. So that the grand kids can successfully maintain such robust family ties in the future as well.

The grandparents are indeed a link to the family’s culture & heritage. Also, their blessings are a must-have & most sought after gift at festive occasions and traditional ceremonies; their presence is indeed highly wanted at auspicious events like marriage, naming ceremony, birth and marriage anniversaries etc. The elders’ blessings are highly necessary before beginning any new initiatives or deciding about important decisions.

So, now you know why grandparents are called Grandparents? Yes, you are right. Since, they play a ‘grand’ role in our life, they are called so. Thus, to sum it all up, let us watch a small video! (Click the link to watch). It has focused the importance, lovely presence & extreme responsibility of a grandparents’ role in human life.

Happy Grandparenting!

By Sneha Tipnis

About Author:

Sneha Tipnis is a Freelance Content Writer, Copywriter, Blogger for hire from India. She writes creative content for social media, direct response mails, landing pages, online marketing, websites, brochures, resumes, blogs, articles, taglines/ captions, LinkedIn profiles, press releases, e newsletters, ad copies, video scripts. Till date, she has written content about technology, social media networking, clothing & garments, Insurance, education & training, senior citizens.

She is a Bachelors in English Literature, Masters in Educational Technology – Computer applications & an MBA (Training & Development) from India.

You can connect with Sneha on her blog: https://thecopywritingzone.blogspot.in/, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Inter-generational bonding – A necessary action to bond the young and elderly

Inter-generational bonding is an umbrella term in itself. Yet let us first understand the emotional need which is fulfilled through such a bonding. It consists of the bonding of the aging and young generation on friendly, cordial and co-operative terms. Such a bonding is a medium to develop an equal understanding level between grandparents and grandchildren. The wide term, ‘Inter-generational bonding’ would include the acceptance of each other’s thought processes, changing habits, preferences, choices and behavior. It is increasingly important for both the generations to openly accept each other the way they are. For example, the elderly should openly accept the trends of younger generation; it includes receptiveness for and learning of the new technology and social networking too. If both are connected via the new forms of communication and networking like email, Whats App, Hike messenger, Facebook, then it would help the younger generation to relate with their elders. Also, elders can appreciate the transformed and trendy dressing styles and lifestyle of the youngsters. Similarly, the younger generation should also spend quality time with their grandparents; for instance, if grandchildren are staying away, then they can at least meet their grandparents on weekends or celebrate the seniors’ birthdays and anniversaries together. If all the three generations are staying together then parents and grandparents can spend time and take care of their elders every day; all the family members can have dinner together and talk for sometime every day. Such minute but important gestures would remarkably contribute to strengthen inter-generational bonding. It plays an important role to satisfy the emotional need of the aging population. It helps the grandparents to meet their grandchildren during their aging phase. And, the grandchildren too can experience the precious company of their grandparents.

According to HelpAge India, India’s elderly population is estimated to become 200 million till 2030. Also, at present 95 million Indians are above the age of 60. Moreover, today’s lifestyle is changing due to more of online interactions instead of actual, personal interactions. In addition to this, the academic and professional commitments too, have increased. It has thus led to the growth of an online culture. These are one of the factors which have resulted into lack of inter-generational interaction. So, the SAVE (Student Action for Value Education) program, a HelpAge India initiative plays an important role to bridge this gap between elders and youngsters. Through this program, activities, games and festival celebrations are organized to enable and strengthen inter-generational bond. Thus, SAVE ensures that the elderly population is relieved of isolation and neglect by participating in such interactive, refreshing activities.

Silver Innings is a Mumbai-based social enterprise (For profit) which was formed to provide need based services to India’s elderly population. Since 2008, Silver Innings along with A-1 Snehanjali, its sister concern have been conducting refreshing inter-generational programs. The purpose of these programs is to create harmony between both the generations. They conduct activities such as music and dance events, story-telling, summer camp, recreational games, SIFC Football club matches, 60 v/s 16 Cricket matches etc. These programs help create a unique bond between elders and youngsters. It creatively portrays the long term vision of Silver Innings – ‘Creating elder-friendly world where ageing becomes a positive and rewarding experience.’ Silver Innings is living with its aim of supporting and caring for the growing number of elderly in our country. Therefore, it is playing a vital role to bond the elder and young generation.

SKIP is a Canada-based organization which has been working for a decade to develop cordial, co-operative and unique relation between the senior and younger generation. SKIP (Seniors and Kids Intergenerational Programs) organizes intergenerational bonding programs. For example, it hosts interesting activities and games for elders and youngsters. These activities make the seniors feel satisfied since they can freely share their life stories with the youngsters. The youngsters too feel equally comfortable to interact with elders because of this unique medium of interaction. SKIP helps elders to engage themselves creatively and mentally in order to gradually reduce their loneliness. Consequently, these programs have helped the youngsters understand the importance of elders in a very better manner. (Click video to watch SKIP activities.) Thus, SKIP plays a remarkable role to facilitate interaction between elders and youngsters. Such an inter-generational bonding has been positively helping the elders to live life in a renewed way. (Click video to watch its founder speak)

A paper entitled, ‘Promoting intergenerational understanding between the young and old: the case of Singapore Leng Leng Thang, National University of Singapore’has been published on UN website (Please click UN to view the entire paper). It has described the efforts that were done on a national level to promote intergenerational bonding. The paper states that, ‘In Singapore, the setting up of the taskforce to promote grandparenting and intergenerational bonding in July 2002 by the Singapore Ministry of Community Development (now expanded as the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports) could be regarded as the starting point of state effort to promote intergenerational initiatives in Singapore.’ [Note: The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports restructured on 1^st November, 2012 as Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)]. The State has been promoting the celebration of Grandparent’s Day on every 4^th Sunday of November. The purpose of this day is to make the younger generation realize the importance of grandparent’s contribution to their life. Later, in 2005, a Gen3 Fund Inter-School Competition was arranged as part of the activities of the National Family Week. The Gen3 Fund played a very important role to fund the recreational, fun-filled activities conducted by Singapore Government.

Another paper entitled, ‘Ageing families in Singapore’ was published in February 2015 by Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Singapore. It has stated that family support is very crucial and valuable for the aged members. Such support has been provided to the aged members – emotionally, physically and financially by their family members. The paper states that , ‘The Perception and Attitudes towards Ageing and Seniors (PATAS) survey in 2013 found that 96.5% of respondents aged between 50 and 74 years agreed that family support was key to successful ageing.’ It further explains that, ‘In the Housing and Development Board (HDB) Sample Household Survey (SHS) 2013, the majority of elderly residents expressed confidence that they were able to rely on their children for physical, emotional and financial support. They also reported that they were able to rely more on their unmarried children as most of them were living together, compared to their married children for physical support, while they were able to rely similarly on both married and unmarried children for emotional and financial support.’ Thus, a caring nature and sensitive behavior by the grown-up, responsible children towards their parents too forms an important part of intergenerational bonding.

Now let us understand the intergenerational bonding which can happen at workplace too in a comprehensive and creative manner. Employseniors.org (Ohio, U.S.A.) provides free employment services inclusive of guidance and support from a Volunteer Job Counselor, job referrals; it acts as a link between seniors aged 50 & above and the employers;  organizes Annual Senior Job Fair which hosts career, educational programs and networking with local employers; it also undertakes workshops and programs to broaden career options of senior citizens; it provides resources to elderly job seekers to attain employment for achieving financial stability for themselves and their family. 

Seniors.lovetoknow.com mentions some work from home jobs for senior citizens. They can creatively engage themselves in online jobs like selling products on ebay, paid blogging, working as consultant, conducting tuitions, cooking/catering, tailoring etc. Yet, there is an intense need to unite the younger and senior population at workplace. It would enhance a new kind of intergenerational bonding. Moreover, it would be an excellent way to create earning opportunity for elderly people. As a result, they would achieve dignity, financial stability and social belongingness. The increasing population of seniors and their rising isolation can also be dealt with in this way. The efforts of Government and business world would play a very significant role to employ the growing number of elderly in their companies along with young executives.

Thus, the inter-generational bonding would cater to our elderly population in terms of emotional and physical support as well as financial support. It would remarkably build and develop their self-reliance and self-respect.

Long live intergenerational bonding!!

By Sneha Tipnis

About Author: 

Sneha Tipnis is a freelance writer from India. She has been writing for online writers’ platforms like writersbureau.com, Triond, Authspot and Bookstove.  She writes content for websites, brochures, blogs and social media updates. She’s an English Literature Graduate and Masters in Educational Technology – Computer Applications (MET-CA). She has worked in the e learning industry for a year pertaining to Masters Degree. She’s a student of The Writers Bureau  (A renowned Writing College in UK), Manchester, London.

You can connect with Sneha on her blog: goldentipsmumbai.blogspot.in , Google+, LinkedIn and Facebook page Thoughts, Feelings and Expressions.

How to live your Flourishing Fifties with hobbies ? by Sneha Tipnis

There are certain age related health disorders. These disorders include Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Of these, Dementia happens due to the deterioration of a person’s cognitive (brain) functioning. Later, it progresses to lead to Alzheimer’s, which causes the death of a person’s brain cells. And, as a result, the brain shrinks. According to NIA (National Institute for Health, Bethesda, U.S.), ‘Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of Dementia among older adults.’ Lastly, Parkinson’s disease causes memory loss or dementia. According to a video uploaded by Khan Academy Medicine, Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease. It involves the loss of control over body movements. Parkinson’s can surface and show symptoms during age of less than 50 years of a person.

Yet there are ways to keep oneself fresh and fit owing to such diseases during old age i.e. 55 years and above. Especially, in case of memory loss due to Dementia, mental stimulation becomes very important to keep one’s brain fit. Several memory games and activities are helpful to keep the senior citizens mentally fresh and fit. According to http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/, there are number of memory games like jigsaw puzzles, crossword, word search and Sudoku; other games for improving memory include Dominoes, Checkers, Chess, card games and Scrabble.

Apart from these memory games, certain activities and hobbies are also beneficial for people 55 years and above. As per, http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/ these hobbies include drawing, painting, knitting, playing musical instrument, scrapbook making, woodworking, creating mosaics from tiles or colorful paper, photography, gardening etc. When people of 55 and above involve in these activities, they can mentally and creatively uplift themselves. As a result, their brain cells stimulate and freshen up. Also, playing games like chess, card games and gardening are very helpful for them to interact with their peers (Senior citizens aged 55 and above). Many of these hobbies help the elderly maintain eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills. Also, those elderly who have short attention span, arthritis or poor eye-hand coordination, a craft or hobby can be modified to suit that person.

Thus, the mind or memory games help the elderly to re-establish recognition skills, and increase their memory power. These games and hobbies help the elderly to live a healthier and longer life. It enhances their social interaction and friendships. As a result, it helps them get rid off loneliness and depression.

So, it can be said that 50 and above is indeed a second innings for our elderly population!! And as the name speaks Silver Innings Group, it is truly a home for second innings of this silver population!! It is indeed a second and new phase of life for them!! So, they can truly enjoy their Flourishing Fifties!!


About Author:
Sneha Tipnis is a freelance writer from India. She has been writing for online writers’ platforms like writersbureau.com, Triond, Authspot and Bookstove.  She writes content for websites, brochures, blogs and social media updates. She’s an English Literature Graduate and Masters in Educational Technology – Computer Applications (MET-CA). She has worked in the e learning industry for a year pertaining to Masters Degree. She’s a student of The Writers Bureau  (A renowned Writing College in UK), Manchester, London.

You can connect with Sneha on her blog: goldentipsmumbai.blogspot.in, Google+, LinkedIn and Facebook page Thoughts, Feelings and Expressions.

Tangerine teams up with Bollywood to help India’s old folks

Mumbai, March 2016: In today’s age of celebrities, getting an autograph from a leading star is a desire for many. But imagine if these autographs could actually be used to improve the lives of those in need? 

Tangerine, the designer brand for home solutions, made this a reality. As part of a unique CSR initiative, it got renowned Bollywood celebrities to autograph on its bedroom makeover accessories. For every one celebrity signature, they donated twenty five bed sheets to NGOs like Help Age India and Silver Inning Foundation.

Sonam Kapoor, Siddharth Malhotra, Sushant Singh Rajput, Kalki, Malaika Arora Khan, Javed Akthar Govinda, Bhoomi Pednekar, Athiya Shetty, Kabir Bedi, Anu Malik, Karan Tacker, Urvashi Rautela, Karan Grover, Kanika Kapoor, Queenie Singh, Talat Aziz, Mouni Roy, Jennifer Winget, Aditya Thackrey, Sanjeeda, Ranveer Brar, Makarand Deshpande, Rahul Sharma, Sanjeev Kapoor and Neeraj Kabi came together and signed for a cause.

Through this one of a kind program, the brand brought together celebrities to lend their star power and help the disadvantaged elderly of India. It donated a total of 650 bed sheets to the NGOs, which are expected to significantly improve the quality of life of its beneficiaries. With this simple but significant gesture, they gave India’s old folks a comfortable bed to sleep on, and more importantly, a smile on their faces with the knowledge that someone is thinking about them.

Talking about the initiative, Rajiv Merchant, Co-founder, Tangerine, said, “Our products beautify the homes of thousands of Indians. But we were keen on using our brand to make a difference to people in need. By donating close to 650 bed sheets to NGOs like Help Age India and Silver Inning Foundation, we got the chance to help India’s disadvantaged elderly rest with comfort, dignity, and a smile on their faces. We are thankful to our Bollywood fraternity to help us bring this initiative to life, and lending their names for the cause.”


About Tangerine: 
From IHV's stable comes the introduction of the new age concept of Home Makeover in the form of Tangerine, premium lifestyle brand of home solution in 2014. Tangerine’s innovative and superior quality products coupled with innovative signature collections have contributed to the success of the brand in India. With the knowledge of Indian consumer behaviour and current market trends, Tangerine brings a total coordinate solution for home and accessories. It enables the consumer chose the best.

Tangerine is available in leading speciality stores, departmental stores, online stores and mom and pop furnishing stores across the country.
• For further information, please visit the Website: http://www.mytangerinetree.com/
• Social Media page: facebook.com/mytangerinetree
• Blog: http://www.mytangerinetree.com/blog/


About Indian Home Variations: Indian Home Variation (IHV), a brand marketing and distribution business in Premium House-ware Segment since 2009. IHV’s main objective is making Indian homes more stylish and to cater the needs of the modern consumer by offering them internationally acclaimed, premium design-centric home décor solutions. Co-Founder and CEO, Indian Home Variations, Mr. Rajiv Merchant embarked on a journey into home décor offering and design solutions. He brings entrepreneurship, business connections and value chain management to Indian Home Variations.

For PR enquiries, please contact:  
Divya Siraj Menon | 9029555956 | divya.m@crisscross.in || Meghana Nambiar | 9833322812| meghana@crisscross.in || Tejal Daftary | 98204 04 621| tejal@crisscross.in

Ageing population and long retirements means grandparents will hand down little to younger generations

An increasingly ageing population means the elderly will have less money to spare for children and grandchildren, experts have warned.

New official estimates suggest that more than one in 12 people will be aged 80 or over in 24 years’ time, with the average UK age lifting from 40 years old to just less than 43 by 2039.

The proportion of people in pensionable age is expected to rise by nearly a third from 12.4million last year to 16.5million by 2039, according to data.

This is because of the big numbers of people born in the ‘baby boom’ years just following WWII reaching state pensions aged in the coming 25 years, the Office for National Statistics said.
Pensioners will make up 25 per cent of the population in 100 years time, according to the estimates.
As people are expected to live longer, they will need to save more money for themselves and will have less to leave to their children and grandchildren, according to Danny Cox, chartered financial planner at Hargreaves Lansdown.

‘An unfortunate consequence of longer life is parents and grandparents being less able to help out their children, as they need more for themselves. It is important not to give away too much to family as retirement could be 25 or 30 years,’ he said.

‘The longer we live, the more likely we will have health issues and need some form of nursing care. After an initial 12 week period, the cost of nursing care is around £650 a week depending upon the location and can be a huge drain on income and capital,’ Cox added.


Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-3295314/Ageing-population-long-retirements-means-grandparents-hand-little-younger-generations.html

Well-being of older persons mandated in the Constitution of India: Vice President

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the well-being of older persons has been mandated in the Constitution of India. He was addressing the International Day of Older Persons organized by the Helpage India, here today.

Shri M. Hamid Ansari said that Census statistics show that India has a youthful population, with over half the Indians being below the age of 35 but the fact often overlooked is that with increasing life expectancy, India is fast graying and that we have a large number of elderly- a growing and vulnerable segment which the society seem woefully ill equipped to manage.

The Vice President stated that the Indian society is undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of industrialization, urbanization and globalization and the traditional values and institutions are changing. As nuclear families become the norm, the family based social safety nets are no longer adequate and the transition from rural, agrarian set-up to urban, industrial way of life, migration from villages to cities and increasingly, abroad, forces the younger generation to leave their elders alone back home, he added. He opined that the finances are stretched as healthcare becomes expensive. The Vice President said that efforts should also be made for enhancing the productivity span of the elderly.

Shri M. Hamid Ansari said that we need a transformation in how we visualize and treat the elderly in our society. Health care services should be based on the felt needs of the elderly, which would involve a comprehensive baseline morbidity survey and functional assessment in health areas that are perceived to be important to them, he added. He further added that education, training and information needs of older persons will also have to be met. The thrust should be to identify the more vulnerable among the older persons - the poor, the disabled, the infirm, the chronically sick and those without family support, and provide welfare services to them on a priority basis, he opined.

The Vice President said that the non-governmental agencies need to be encouraged and assisted to organize services such as day care, multi-service citizen’s centres, outreach services, supply of disability related aids and appliances, short term stay services and friendly home visits by social workers.


Following is the text of the Vice President’s address:

“Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be,

Or so said English poet Robert Browning.

If one were to go by the TV portrayal of elderly in India, one could be forgiven to believe that the elderly in India are getting the all care and dignity they deserve by the younger generations. The reality, however, cannot be more different. Census statistics tells us that India has a youthful population, with over half the Indians being below the age of 35. What is often overlooked is that with increasing life expectancy, India is fast graying and that we have a large number of elderly- a growing and vulnerable segment which the government and the society seem woefully ill equipped to manage.

In India, as per the 2011 census, the population of senior citizens who are more than 60 years old, was 10.4 crore, which is 8.6 percent of the population. A report jointly brought out by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Help Age International says that by 2050 the number of elders will shoot up to 32.3 crore, constituting 20 percent of the total population. Many other countries are witnessing similar demographic change. But in India, the problem is compounded by two issues.

One, the Indian society is undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of industrialization, urbanization and globalization. Consequently, the traditional values and institutions are changing, resulting in the weakening of inter-generational ties that were the hallmark of the traditional family structure in India where the care of the elderly was a shared responsibility with the children taking care of their parents. As nuclear families become the norm, the family based social safety nets are no longer adequate. Transition from rural, agrarian set-up to urban, industrial way of life, migration from villages to cities and increasingly, abroad, forces the younger generation to leave their elders alone back home. Finances are stretched as healthcare becomes expensive.

The second issue is that nearly 90 percent of the elderly have worked in the informal sector and do not receive any post–retirement social security coverage, like pensions and medical assistance. They either continue to work beyond retirement age or suffer from neglect and alienation. The impact and reach of public social security infrastructure has remained limited and a large number of elderly have failed to benefit from the government schemes.

On the Global AgeWatch Index (GAWI) for 2014, India ranks 71st among the 96 countries. This when countries like Bolivia and Sri Lanka, which also have high poverty levels, rank much above India. The Government of India is duty bound to provide reliable, effective and easy to access care and assistance to the elderly.

Well-being of older persons has been mandated in the Constitution of India. Article 41, a Directive Principle of State Policy, provides that the State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right of public assistance in cases of old age. Social security has been made the concurrent responsibility of the Central and State Governments.

Maintenance of Parents is included in section 125 of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 and also the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and senior Citizen Act, 2007, also known as “Senior Citizens Act” explicitly states that it should be the duty of the children to maintain their parents. The Act applies to all communities. The implementation of the Act, however, remains patchy.

The elderly in India face a range of challenges that include failing health, economic insecurity, isolation, lowered self-esteem, abuse, idleness and neglect. These specific set of problems require specialized response. There is a lack of infrastructure to provide the specialized attention to the growing numbers of elderly. Very few Government hospitals in India that have specialized geriatrics facilities. The off-take from Government schemes like the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) has also been poor.

The Mohini Giri Committee, set-up to review the implementation of the 1999 National Policy for the elderly, had suggested sweeping changes to the government policies and programmes to make benefits to elderly more widely and easily available. It advised special focus on elderly women and rural poor, and other disadvantaged seniors. It had also pointed out the lacunae in implementation of the existing schemes suggested remedial action. The recommendations became the backbone of the National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011.

The draft 12th Five Year plan had also identified some key action areas- including the setting up a National Commission for Senior Citizen; Establishment of Old Age Homes with integrated multi-facility centre in 640 districts and Health insurance for senior citizens. International experience shows a combination of welfare policies lead to healthy and quality life for the elderly. Even in the absence of a well-endowed economy, strong political will can do the job.

For example Bolivia, a country with resource constraints, ranks much higher than India in the global index for elderly care. The achievement can be linked to the government’s progressive policy for the elderly. In 2009, the Bolivian government rewrote the Constitution to include and guarantee the rights of elderly, who account for 10.4 percent of the country’s population.

While Government supported public social networks and safety nets are essential, we also need to look at how the elderly can continue contributing to the society longer. Government data shows that India’s old age dependency ratio is increasing. In order to reduce the pension bills to manageable levels, we must also look at enhancing the productivity span of the elderly.

The received wisdom is that a larger proportion of old people means slower growth and less savings. Some economists are, however, more optimistic, arguing that people will adapt and work longer. In some developed countries, the earlier views on retirement have undergone a change. Almost 20% of Americans aged over 65 are now in the labour force, compared with 13% in 2000. Nearly half of all Germans in their early 60s are employed today, compared with a quarter a decade ago.

New research on productivity of elder workers shows that while the older workers were as productive in similar tasks as their younger colleagues, they actually commanded a higher premium price in certain skill based jobs. The key factor is education and skill. Less-skilled workers often have manual jobs that get harder with age. Higher-skilled workers, on the other hand, tend to be paid more, which gives them an incentive to keep working. Training the elderly, providing quality health care and modifying the work environment helps in increasing the productivity term of the seniors.

An experiment by leading German carmaker, BMW at its plant in Dingolfing, as described in a 2010 Harvard Business Review article, threw up some interesting results. The company modified one of its production lines and staffed it by workers who were near or beyond retirement age. 70 small—mostly ergonomic—changes, such as adding barbershop chairs so workers can perform tasks sitting down and orthopedic shoes for comfort, were made to the “pensioner’s assembly lines” as it was called. The total investment in modifications was a paltry US $ 50,000. The changes led to an enhancement of productivity by 7%. The line thereafter has performed at par with other lines with younger workers.

History is full of examples, where the elderly have contributed fruitfully well into their twilight years. As the American poet Longfellow wrote -

‘Cato learned Greek at eighty; Sophocles            
Wrote his grand Œdipus, and Simonides      
Bore off the prize of verse from his compeers,        
When each had numbered more than fourscore years,        
And Theophrastus, at fourscore and ten,    
Had but begun his “Characters of Men.”            
Chaucer, at Woodstock with the nightingales,        
At sixty wrote the Canterbury Tales;
Goethe at Weimar, toiling to the last,          
Completed Faust when eighty years were past.’

We need a transformation in how we visualize and treat the elderly in our society. Health care services should be based on the felt needs of the elderly, which would involve a comprehensive baseline morbidity survey and functional assessment in health areas that are perceived to be important to them. Education, training and information needs of older persons will also have to be met. The thrust should be to identify the more vulnerable among the older persons - the poor, the disabled, the infirm, the chronically sick and those without family support, and provide welfare services to them on a priority basis.

Voluntary organizations, such as HelpAge India, need to be encouraged and assisted to organize services such as day care, multi-service citizen’s centres, outreach services, supply of disability related aids and appliances, short term stay services and friendly home visits by social workers. This is the least we need to ensure so that elderly can go through their twilight years with dignity, without having to fear that they will end up no longer counting for anything.

I once again thank the organizers, HelpAge India for inviting me to this event and wish them all the very best in their future endeavors.


Jai Hind.”

Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0 

Spread The Smile #DaanUtsav #HappyDot Oct 2015

Silver Inning Foundation an NGO working with Senior Citizens and their Family is Happy to be part of #DaanUtsav 2015, 'Daan Utsav', Mumbai - is India's own festival of giving, celebrated every year from October 2-8. Earlier known as the Joy of Giving Week.

Our Activity between October 2nd -8th Oct 2015 are as Follow:

2nd Oct: We will Distribute Food Packets to the Residents and Staff of Krishna Kala Old Age Home, Mira Road as part of World Elder's Day 

1st Oct to 10th Oct : Social Media Donation Collection Campaign to Support #DNA #ADOPTAFAMILY,  'Adopt a Senior Citizen Farmer Family of Maharashtra'  https://www.facebook.com/events/1643988102544317/ . We will Donate Total Amount Collected to DNA by Chq on 8th Oct. 

2nd to 8th Oct : Collection and Distribution of Letters, Post Cards, Greeting Cards from various school made by Partners of Daan Utsav to Old Age Home Residents at Borivali East, Andheri West, Sion, Bhayandar West and Nalasopara west.

Contact us at silverinnings@gmail.com Tel : 9987104233 / 9029000091 ( Mon to Fri 11am to 5pm)

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, What you can do?

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to global dissemination of information as part of its commitment to world-wide prevention of elder abuse.  The United Nations International Plan of Action adopted by all countries in Madrid, April 2002, clearly recognizes the importance of elder abuse and puts it in the framework of Universal Human Rights. #INPEA is dedicated to supporting the plan of action. As part of INPEA's research agenda on 15^th June 2006 we launched a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in partnership and collaboration with interested individuals, agencies, organizations, NGO's, governments and corporation. 

Some of those who had offered support in 2006 are :  the International Association of Gerontology (IAG), The World Health Organization ( #WHO ), The International Federation of Aging ( #IFA ), Help Age International, Pan American Health Organization(PAHO), the Subcommittee on Elder Abuse of the UN NGO Committee on Ageing, International Longevity Center (ILC – USA), American Association of Retired Persons ( #AARP ), Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse ( #CNPEA ) and the Ontario Seniors Secretariat/Government of Ontario.

#WEAAD is marked each year on June 15 as an official #UnitedNations International Day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. Since 2006, communities throughout the country and around the world have used this day to raise the visibility of elder abuse, by sharing information about abuse and neglect and promoting resources and services that can help increase seniors’ safety and well-being.

#INPEA and Elder Abuse networks and organizations across globe are planning multiple WEAAD activities across the countries to mobilize community action and engage people in discussions on how to promote dignity and respect of older adults.

The key objective of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is to raise awareness of elder abuse (which encompasses neglect and mal- or mistreatment) throughout the world.

Join the Movement – Get Involved!

We encourage everyone to get involved and to raise awareness about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. A wide variety of events and activities can be planned by organizations and individuals alike. Here are a few examples of what you can do:

Host:

A public awareness event geared toward seniors

Community Walks

A High Tea

A purple dinner

A flash mob event

Intergeneration event

Discussion/ Debates

A conference or training, focused on elder abuse awareness and available community resources.

A public awareness activity that includes politicians, seniors, local programs, survivors of abuse, and others

 

Communicate:

Send out a press release, hold a press conference, or submit an editorial to discuss elder abuse awareness and prevention efforts.

Develop a PSA on elder abuse with a local TV or radio station.

Ask local leaders, the Mayor, MP, MPP to release a Proclamation declaring June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Create a poster on elder abuse or use a poster created by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

Harness the power of social media to raise WEAAD’s profile and broadcast news of various events

Educate:

Yourself and others about elder abuse

Use graphics on your website, blog, or in your email signature block, to draw awareness to elder abuse and prevention efforts

Do:

Random acts of kindness

Tweet and Post your Events with HASTAG  #WEAAD2015  #INPEA  #EldersMatter   @sbsomersINPEA

INPEA

# WEAAD2015 Global Team

Website: www.inpea.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inpea

Twitter: @sbsomersINPEA

Email: sbsomers5@aol.com

Posted by Sailesh Mishra

Social Media Coordinator INPEA

Founder President, #SilverInnings #SilverInningsHelpline 

www.silverinnings.com

Vrushali Lad 

http://www.themetrognome.in/ 

#TheMetrognome