What is Ageing Process

 Ageing is a natural process that occurs in living organisms over time, characterized by a gradual decline in physiological function and an increased vulnerability to disease and death. It is a complex and multifactorial process influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

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At the cellular level, ageing is associated with a range of changes including a decrease in cellular energy production, accumulation of damage to cellular components such as DNA, and altered gene expression. These changes can lead to a variety of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia.

While ageing is an inevitable part of life, there are things that individuals can do to promote healthy ageing, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, reducing stress, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Researchers are also exploring various interventions and treatments aimed at slowing down or reversing the ageing process.

Ageing is the process of growing old or maturing, which involves a gradual decline in the functioning of various physiological systems in the body. This decline is a natural and inevitable part of the human life cycle and affects everyone as they grow older. Ageing can be characterized by changes in appearance, such as wrinkles and gray hair, as well as changes in physical and cognitive abilities. Some of the factors that contribute to ageing include genetic factors, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and other external factors. While ageing is a normal and expected part of the human life cycle, it can also increase the risk of certain health problems and chronic diseases.

Don't raise age bar for concession, senior citizens urges railways

 The speculation gathered steam as previously it was decided not to bring the rail travel concession back after it was stopped during Covid.

A senior citizen group has written to the railway's ministry, requesting not to increase the cut-off age of senior citizens for travel concessions. Recently, there were reports that the government was considering increasing the cut-off age to 70 years for males and 65 years for females. The speculation gathered steam as previously it was decided not to bring the rail travel concession back after it was stopped during Covid.

The senior citizen group has said that the average life expectancy for males is less than 70 years as per 'SRS (sample registration system) Based Abridged Life Tables, 2015-19', which was recently released by the registrar general and census commissioner's office. As per the SRS report, the national average stood at 69.7 but for males, it was 68.4 while for females it was 71.1.

Prior to the pandemic, the cut-off age for the concession was 60 for men or transgender, and 58 for women. Concessions were given in all classes in the basic fare of mail and express trains; not to mention, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi and Duronto group of trains. The concession was 40 per cent for men or transgender and 50 per cent for women. The concessions were not admissible in passenger trains.

Silver Innings Group, an NGO working for issues of senior citizens, has asked Union minister of state for railways Raosaheb Danve to reconsider the decision. “We have written to the government to reconsider the issue based on the data received through RTI and SRS report. The standing committee has said that the concessions should be restored,” said Silver Linings Group founder president Sailesh Mishra.

As per RTI's reply to Mishra, the number of senior citizens, who availed concessions in the three-year period before the pandemic, is 11.11 crore in 2017-18, 12.02 crore in 2018-19 and 12.07 crore in 2019-20. In the same period, the revenue missed due to concessions stood at Rs 1,492 crore for 2017-18, Rs 1,636 crore for 2018-19 and Rs 1,667 crore for 2019-20.

Asserting that the decision to stop concession during the pandemic was reasonable as the railways were financially-hit, Mishra reasoned, “But, now things have opened up and trains have been restored to their original schedule. It is a huge loss for senior citizens in urban and rural areas as railways are the fastest and cheapest mode of transport for them.” If public employees and elected representatives can get relief in their travel, why should senior citizens not get any relief? Earlier, the age difference was five to seven years between husband and wife. If a male will not be able to travel, how will a female go? Because the cut-off excludes most males as per their age, people in rural areas will suffer more, Mishra underscored.

Sailesh Mishra from NGO working for the elderly said, "We have written to the government to reconsider the issue based on the data. If public employees and elected representatives can get relief in their travel, why should senior citizens not get any relief?

Post courtesy : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-dont-raise-age-bar-for-concession-senior-citizens-urges-railways 

#Silverinnings #Seniorcitizens #Railways #India #Discount #Concession #Pandemic #Oldage #SaileshMishra 

Humans of Dementia - Yogesh

 Many people around the world leave their villages and hometowns to move to another city, state or sometimes even country, for the purpose of work. Some migrate with their entire families; however, some take the journey alone. Yogesh, a 33-year-old caregiver of person with Alzheimer’s at A1Snehanjali, is one such person who left his village to work full- time for the organization in Mumbai. Other employees like him, mostly men, have also moved to Mumbai from their respective villages for the work opportunity at A1Snehanjali. As a result, while the local employees mostly work in 12 hour shifts, employees like Yogesh stay at the centre 24/7, and work in shifts to care for the person with dementia at the time when other employees aren’t there. Living and working in the same place, A1Snehanjali is like Yogesh’s home and work-space at the same time, blurring the lines between the two. 

While Yogesh is a full-time employee at A1Snehanjali, his work does not really feel like a ‘job’ to him. Rather, he feels as if he is just at home taking care of his own family members. Not only does he regard his person with dementia, the Residents, as his family, but he also finds such proximity with other staff members, who he considers to be his really good friends. Sharing such a bond with his fellow colleagues and residents is one of the reasons that Yogesh has continued to work at A1Snehanjali for almost 8 years now. His own family back in the village also support him in his job as they believe it to be ‘punya ka kaam’ or virtuous work. They are very proud of him. Thus, Yogesh continues to be invested in providing support to the person with dementia and realizes it to be a fulfilling duty. 

Yogesh’s journey at A1Snehanjali began unexpectedly. He hadn’t thought of working here at all until his friend directed him to the Silver Innings organization. Yogesh was in search for work so he was asking around and looking for job openings. This is when one of his friends told him that there was an opening at Silver Innings, new assisted living elder care home ‘A1Snehanjali’. Yogesh came to the centre and has been working here ever since. Before coming to the centre, Yogesh didn’t know anything about Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Elder care or caregiving work, but since he learned about it and got onto the job, he hasn’t looked back.

Over the years, one of the challenges Yogesh has faced is when a new resident arrives for the first time in the centre. They often take a lot of time to adjust to the new environment and it can be difficult for them to settle. However, the caregivers make the new resident feel safe and comforted, and so over time, the residents become accustomed to the environment. He and others at A1Snehanjali have learnt how touch, smile and love make all feel homely. 

While caregiving work has a lot of ‘giving’ in the help that is provided by the caretakers to the person with dementia, Yogesh feels that it is also one of the few jobs that gives back to the caretaker. Everyday he learns something new, which keeps the experiences fresh and different everyday. This makes his job dynamic rather than monotonous, even after 8 years of working in the same place.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." - Leo Buscaglia.  

By Vansh Tibrewal

Visit Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HumansofDementia 

Instagarm Page: https://www.instagram.com/sihumansofdementia/

#Silverinnings #HumansofDementia #dementia #Alzheimer #humanity #HumanityFirst #love #family #Instagram #A1Snehanjali #Relationship #Caregiver #Caregiving #Humans #Humanity #Caregiving #CarePartners #Touch #care #Smile 

Tata Trusts REPORT ON OLD AGE FACILITIES IN INDIA 2018

Don't miss this Eye Opener: Tata Trusts REPORT ON OLD AGE FACILITIES IN INDIA : INDIA has ONLY around 1,150 facilities FOR around 97,000 elderly: This is what we at #Silverinnings  have been saying all this while of lack of facilities and services for Senior Citizens in India.

The study looked at both old age homes and senior living developments in India, built an extensive sample set of 480+ old age homes and 60+ senior living developments in 84 cities, towns and districts cutting across geographies, size, cost, facilities offered, ownership and management.

It projected the sample set to countrywide population data extracted from 2011 census of India, and arrived at an estimate of around 1,150 facilities and the capacity to house around 97,000 elderly residents.

Forecasting likely demand driven by increasing elderly population and change in preferences owing to availability of new products and socio-economic norms, the study pointed towards a crying need to enhance the capacity almost eight to ten-fold over the next decade.

http://tatatrusts.org/upload/pdf/report-on-old-age-facilities-in-india.pdf

You are 60 plus and your children's are in another country / city, Will you relocate ?

On July 5th 2018 we posted this important question on Facebook and we got various comments, which we thought are not only interesting but also shows change in mindset of traditional Indian / Asian Ageing population.

The Question we asked:  

You are 60 plus and your children's are in another country / city, they can't come and stay with you, But they ask you to come and settle with them, What will you do ?

Following Comments / Answers we got: 
Susan Dmello Barton or just maybe your kids who are abroad can find solutions and caregivers in YOUR OWN HOME IN India... they financially stand by you and visit often so win win for all.

Nidhi Raj Kapoor Good question and great conversation here. You should do a study and compile the findings. I would love to hear more.

Rajeshwar Devarakonda Sailesh Mishra Apt question. In my case, the child - me, relocated. I tried and then understood that the parents too have their social life and to expect them to make yet another sacrifice and become yet another object in your house is inhuman.



Sailesh Mishra I posted above question as this is one of most discussed among seniors. But I never thought, next day I will get this sad news... Like one of the answer when you try to relocate a Senior..... So this is new: USA woman, 92, kills son to avoid being sent into care home : https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44707643

Vanita Kumta This is where having a heart to heart conversation and abstaining from imposing ones point of view over another could perhaps have been helpful to avoid a sad incident.

Bernadette Ferrer Sailesh Mishra, the article reported is an isolated incident. The mindset of US white folks are Selfish and Narcissistic. Do not Ever compare with their mindset with ANY ASIAN whose embedded culture revolves around family!
Second, the SON who was shot by his mother Did Not RESPECT his own mother's wishes to Stay Home. The Sons was Enabled by HIS family members & Girlfriend to FORCE his own mother to leave her comfort zone. Alternative solutions for his mothers5care exists...PAY FOR 24 HOUR Nurse or Caregivers!
Son was a Lemming!
I truly Suspect that the SON and Family members had a Hidden Financial Agenda.
Sailesh Mishra, you're seasoned enough to Discern cultural Mindsets!




Asha Uberoy No body wants to go and live in another country at this age. And remember a father can look after 10 kids. But 10 kids find it difficult to look after one father. It is the law of life. The water in the river keeps flowing forward. We must not, cannot blame our children or anyone else.
Bhavdeep Pandya We can always create ability to change.. greatest issue is people only change by force.
Bhavdeep Pandya I will go.. I am nearing 70 years


Vanita Kumta Firstly if one feels one can adjust to a new country at the age one has reached it is a good option,secondly one must have trust and faith in them only then,thirdly as long as one feels able to take care of ones needs independently it is worthwhile staying put,or resorting to assistance or joining an assisted living facility or a senior citizens home that suits ones needs financially. Most importantly one needs to keep on going on as far as possible,with a positive outlook and not succumb to the growing pressures around. It is a difficult situation and a level headed choice is necessary. Remaining as active as possible,without stretching out ones hands in desperation,yet asking and taking help when needed is imperative.

Vanita Kumta From real life instances I have seen ,I know seniors who have no children and lose their partner,I have also seen seniors who have children often living in India in the same city,yet at the crucial hour they are not in a position to reach out to their aged parents due to official engagements. All said and done life is unpredictable. It does not follow any book. One needs to actively accept everything 100% however unpleasant . Having said that it is necessary to have a plan of action worked out between the couple whilst they are both living,taking the children too into confidence. The problem more often than nought is that communication and discussion on certain unpleasant ,however obvious realities of life is often lacking or postponed for later. But unfortunately, ' Time And Tide Waits For No Man'.
Mohan Siroya Very sane advice.


Bina Umesh Raj Sharma I feel if at this age you can adjust and mentally prepated then one should go and stay with the children in India/abroad. The children will also be comfortable since the whole family is a one place unless they have an ulterior motive.


Bernadette Ferrer Your choice: Stubborn Self Independence versus You live by Their Rules of Their Home (Tables are turned..as children, they lived by Your Rules. As an elder parent, its pay back time ...hee heee)

Aileen Marques It will depend on what i feel, how I feel and why I feel... In terms of the choice of settling in a New place. In most cases i have handled senior citizens preferred the comfort of their house and neighbourhood in their silver years. they said they feel the urge to live life more independently.
Susan Dmello Barton I totally agree... the kids are always welcome to "visit" Also in this day and age you can monitor everything what with c.f. tv cameras and full time police cleared maids and home help... they enjoy their independence AND you are always welcome for visits and holidays etc... let's not take away their dignity.

Niraj Khedkar Something outside the question asked... With all due respect to all senior citizens:
Point is not who leaves his set life... Each life is earned with lot of effort... Kids aswell as parents... But Problem is something else...in India parents are so much emotional that they can't let there kids choose their life after 16/18yrs and accept it or not... Hence majority of parents never plan for their post retirement life... 
I am sure this generation already knows their kids are not going to take care of them... So they have already started saving and planning for post retirement life...
#healthyAging #postretirementplanning
#OnestopSolutionServices for all senior citizen needs Can be few solutions for such challenges


Mohit Sadh Just go ther for some time n check, if it's worth, otherwise come back n live here happily ever after


Aditi Misra Interesting responses! 
I think for me it’ll depend on a lot of things... my health / my finances/ my spouse!


Aseem Chandawarkar On Children
- Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, 
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, 
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, 
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, 
and He bends you with His might 
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies, 
so He loves also the bow that is stable.


Umesh Gujjar Better to be in India with our Loved ones, even if one earns less (as compared to foreign earnings)


Niraj Khedkar Yes that action speaks a lot... No senior citizen wants to willingly go in a care home...


Doris Gomes I will go n spent sone time, esp because of my small grand kids...


वरिष्ठ नागरिक सेवा संस्थान It is difficult for parents to shift .

Ashok Maheshwari Never. I am Hindustani and at 80 crossed, I want to spend my allotted time in my own country.


Dileep Lad I will stay in My country. I am proud of my country भारत माता की जय

Adv Vidya Patil Very much right


Puneet Sunita Khurana I'd ask them to F... off!


Bhavdeep Pandya I will go n settle with my children


Amita Rs What about in olden days when people relocated from villages to town in search of better life? How did those older adults feel then when their children left them and the big farming lands behind for city jobs? Only some things have changed but rest of the issues remain same.


CA Hemant Damodar Mehta One has to choose with balanced mind .. to be useful to Society here in India or to spend life with son/daughter abroad depending your physical capacity and health.


We thank all for their views and opinion, this will help us to plan our Future.

Visit our website:  http://silverinnings.in/ 

Book Review by Ravi Shet: Remember Me: You, Me and Dementia

Book That Will Find Place in Your Book Shelf

Sailesh Mishra’s Remember Me: You, Me and Dementia is an easy read for any of us. This book is highly recommended to those who are on the dementia journey with their loved one. Dementia awareness is very poor in India and people impacted find it really hard to get information on it. With this book, Sailesh Mishra has made a sincere effort to promote hope and assurance for managing dementia and its consequences.

The book is divided into a number of chapters and can therefore be used successfully as a self-help guide, in which key issues are easily addressed. The chapters have been written by various peoples who are involved in the work related to dementia care and awareness. It intends to boost understanding of dementia and also elaborates the methods to handle symptoms and behaviour issues. It is packed with real time incidents which gives more genuine emotional appeal to the readers. Chapter 24 (Carer – Looking After Yourself) by Lisa Gratrix is really well written piece and will serve as a good guide for caregivers involved in dementia care. Chapter 41 (In Remembrance of My Parents) penned down by Vanita Kumta takes you through the emotional journey of her life’s important part. Photo Story consisting of four pages adds more value to this book.


Kudos to Sailesh Mishra and his efforts to bring out this book, especially in our country where still there is a huge void with respect to the information and awareness on dementia. It is surely bound to inspire others to help and support people with dementia and also spread awareness about it.



Ravi Shet is the Co-founder of www.treatum.com , an online healthcare portal connecting patients with right doctors. His area of interest is writing articles and doing reviews on films and food.

Posted on 7th Jan 2018 


Buy the Book at Amazon : https://www.amazon.in/dp/9385221051