The grandmothers gather on a lumpy piece of grass as the late sun paints a golden light. Their long, demure skirts, bright kerchiefs and flat rubber shoes are like a uniform of old age.
Then one peels off her shirt, revealing a sturdy, flesh-colored bra. Another shirt comes off, and another and another. Everywhere are sensible bras and plump skin.
They pull on T-shirts and drag tight nylon shorts on under their skirts. They shimmy their skirts to the ground.
And lace up their soccer boots.
Some of the women stump stiffly onto the field. Others are limping. Some move as quietly as water in a slow-moving river.
The coach blows a whistle and the game begins.
In a rural South African township with staid values, the soccer grannies are quiet revolutionaries.
When the elderly women began kicking a ball around three years ago, they nearly caused car accidents as drivers craned to see them. People walking by stopped to stare. Gossips in this stretch of small houses, taverns and dusty streets in Limpopo province, in the north of the country, passed the word along: The grannies are playing soccer! Come and see!
Read More: They Kick like Grannies, Proudly
Monday, July 5, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
6th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for Geriatric Mental Health (IAGMH) - GERON 2010 - on “Healthy Ageing
6th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for Geriatric Mental Health (IAGMH) - GERON 2010 - on “Healthy Ageing: From Concept to Reality”- taking away the focus from disorders, and moving towards promotive health.
It is our humble privilege and esteemed pleasure in welcoming you to two days of intellectual extravaganza, interactions with both National and International faculty, exposure to budding young researchers, and of course time to let your hair down, shop and relax a bit.
So mark your calendars and we’ll see you with us on 4th and 5th of September, 2010,in this great city - Mumbai.
Register Online: About the Conference-GERON 2010
It is our humble privilege and esteemed pleasure in welcoming you to two days of intellectual extravaganza, interactions with both National and International faculty, exposure to budding young researchers, and of course time to let your hair down, shop and relax a bit.
So mark your calendars and we’ll see you with us on 4th and 5th of September, 2010,in this great city - Mumbai.
Register Online: About the Conference-GERON 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Why You Need an Emergency Response System for Your Home
Many senior citizens choose to live alone rather than moving to senior communities. They often make this choice in order to maintain their independence and live their lives as they desire. However, senior citizens who live alone can face certain dangers that can cause their friends and family members to worry about their safety and health. Some of these dangers are outlined below.
Because of the common experience of equilibrium problems caused by decreases in vision, muscular strength, and brain function, senior citizens are more likely to fall than other populations. This can be dangerous, especially if senior citizens fall from stairs, or if as a result of falling they suffer head injuries or broken bones.
Seniors are also susceptible to forgetfulness and may forget to take their medications, leading to emergency medical situations. Sometimes this is due to the normal aging process. However, if the senior citizen has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, both of which cause serious memory problems, the danger of them living alone is multiplied. If suffering from one of these neurological illnesses, the senior citizen may forget to eat, forget to turn off the stove, or leave the door to their homes unlocked, potentially inviting criminals in to take advantage of them.
Lastly, senior citizens are more likely to suffer emergency health problems such as heart attacks and strokes, both of which require immediate medical care. These health problems can incapacitate a person quickly, especially to the point where they have difficulty dialing phone numbers or speaking clearly in order to let emergency services know where they are and what type of assistance they need.
Given these potential perils of living by themselves, it is important that any senior citizen living alone has access to a personal emergency response system should they get into trouble. Emergency response systems offer senior citizens a direct connection to outside help, and usually require the senior citizen to do nothing other than press a button on a device worn around the neck in order to be connected. Some systems are even calibrated to automatically dial for help if they detect that the device wearer has fallen. The response system will put the senior citizen in touch with someone who can evaluate the emergency and contact friends, neighbors, family members, or emergency medical services on their behalf, depending on the seriousness of the situation. These response systems are available to help any senior citizen who requires it twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days of the year.
Emergency response systems, even if they are never used, offer peace of mind for senior citizens and their families. They also allow seniors who want to live alone and are otherwise capable of taking care of themselves to continue to do so, without being forced to give up their independence and move to a nursing home. An emergency response system is always a good investment for any senior citizen who lives alone and wants to feel secure knowing that help is available whenever needed.
Posted by Henry McCambridge henry.mccambridge@gmail.com
Because of the common experience of equilibrium problems caused by decreases in vision, muscular strength, and brain function, senior citizens are more likely to fall than other populations. This can be dangerous, especially if senior citizens fall from stairs, or if as a result of falling they suffer head injuries or broken bones.
Seniors are also susceptible to forgetfulness and may forget to take their medications, leading to emergency medical situations. Sometimes this is due to the normal aging process. However, if the senior citizen has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, both of which cause serious memory problems, the danger of them living alone is multiplied. If suffering from one of these neurological illnesses, the senior citizen may forget to eat, forget to turn off the stove, or leave the door to their homes unlocked, potentially inviting criminals in to take advantage of them.
Lastly, senior citizens are more likely to suffer emergency health problems such as heart attacks and strokes, both of which require immediate medical care. These health problems can incapacitate a person quickly, especially to the point where they have difficulty dialing phone numbers or speaking clearly in order to let emergency services know where they are and what type of assistance they need.
Given these potential perils of living by themselves, it is important that any senior citizen living alone has access to a personal emergency response system should they get into trouble. Emergency response systems offer senior citizens a direct connection to outside help, and usually require the senior citizen to do nothing other than press a button on a device worn around the neck in order to be connected. Some systems are even calibrated to automatically dial for help if they detect that the device wearer has fallen. The response system will put the senior citizen in touch with someone who can evaluate the emergency and contact friends, neighbors, family members, or emergency medical services on their behalf, depending on the seriousness of the situation. These response systems are available to help any senior citizen who requires it twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days of the year.
Emergency response systems, even if they are never used, offer peace of mind for senior citizens and their families. They also allow seniors who want to live alone and are otherwise capable of taking care of themselves to continue to do so, without being forced to give up their independence and move to a nursing home. An emergency response system is always a good investment for any senior citizen who lives alone and wants to feel secure knowing that help is available whenever needed.
Posted by Henry McCambridge henry.mccambridge@gmail.com
Friday, July 2, 2010
Filling The Void In Dementia Care
Three steps every developer needs to consider before entering into this seniors housing niche.
In the face of adverse economic conditions, developers have shifted their focus away from single-family residential and commercial projects to senior-living communities because they are considered a high-performing asset class. Although the assisted living segment has become somewhat overbedded, strong demand still exists for facilities that specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
The National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry reports that the median assisted living penetration rate among the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas is 60.9%, while the median memory care penetration rate is 20.4%. Penetration rates represent the relationship between supply and demand. Lower penetration rates indicate better growth opportunities.
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease or a form of dementia. That number is expected to increase 10% in 2010. While demand is increasing, market studies show that most Alzheimer’s and dementia care facilities have high occupancy rates.
Now is a good time to invest in this niche. Some developers report a 20% to 50% internal rate of return over a five-year period on Alzheimer’s and dementia care development projects. However, before entering into an Alzheimer’s and dementia care project, developers should undertake a three-step process:
1. Consider new development or transforming an assisted living community into an Alzheimer’s care facility: Acquisition of an existing Alzheimer’s and dementia care facility typically does not provide the greatest return on investment, as most facilities in this specialty area are performing well. Instead, consider developing a facility from the ground up in a strong market.
Some investors in Florida also have been successful in purchasing small, underperforming assisted living facilities with 60 units or less that are located in markets where the demand for assisted living is low. In this type of market, turning a small facility into an intimate Alzheimer’s and dementia care community is a viable option.
2. Size up the competitive landscape: The location of the facility is not as critical as competitive saturation of the market. It’s wise to take a good look at area competitors, their performance and facility occupancy levels. This approach will help determine optimal rental rates, amenities and services a facility needs to be competitive in the market, as well as the project’s ultimate profitability.
Understanding the competitive landscape of the market is key when determining rental rates for a new facility. It’s important to choose a market that has proven it’s capable of sustaining high enough rental rates to offset the cost of construction. And in a market with high demand, a new Alzheimer’s and dementia care facility with amenities and services that are superior to those of competitors can merit higher rates.
3. Align with an experienced operator from the start: The ability to secure funding for a project is directly tied to the track record of the management company a developer chooses to operate the facility. Success in Alzheimer’s and dementia care also is dependent on the quality of programming and care, which are provided by the operator.
The management company must have a reputation that commands respect within the community. An operator that offers top-notch amenities, and who brings an outstanding reputation for care and programming to help keep residents active for as long as possible, can perform well even in highly competitive markets for Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Developers new to the industry should be aware that senior living facilities are not a typical real estate investment. A property’s value is driven by the facility’s operation, rather than the value of its real estate. In that respect, it’s akin to determining hotel valuations. A few hotel firms have dabbled in the niche, including Renaissance Hotels.
Partnering with a reputable management company that understands the needs of potential residents from the start of the development project will put the investment on the right track for success.
By Alex Lopez, director of business development for Senior Management Advisors (SMA), an operator of seniors housing communities in Florida and Georgia specializing in rejuvenating facilities. He can be reached at alopez@smaservices.net.
Source: Filling The Void In Dementia Care
In the face of adverse economic conditions, developers have shifted their focus away from single-family residential and commercial projects to senior-living communities because they are considered a high-performing asset class. Although the assisted living segment has become somewhat overbedded, strong demand still exists for facilities that specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
The National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry reports that the median assisted living penetration rate among the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas is 60.9%, while the median memory care penetration rate is 20.4%. Penetration rates represent the relationship between supply and demand. Lower penetration rates indicate better growth opportunities.
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease or a form of dementia. That number is expected to increase 10% in 2010. While demand is increasing, market studies show that most Alzheimer’s and dementia care facilities have high occupancy rates.
Now is a good time to invest in this niche. Some developers report a 20% to 50% internal rate of return over a five-year period on Alzheimer’s and dementia care development projects. However, before entering into an Alzheimer’s and dementia care project, developers should undertake a three-step process:
1. Consider new development or transforming an assisted living community into an Alzheimer’s care facility: Acquisition of an existing Alzheimer’s and dementia care facility typically does not provide the greatest return on investment, as most facilities in this specialty area are performing well. Instead, consider developing a facility from the ground up in a strong market.
Some investors in Florida also have been successful in purchasing small, underperforming assisted living facilities with 60 units or less that are located in markets where the demand for assisted living is low. In this type of market, turning a small facility into an intimate Alzheimer’s and dementia care community is a viable option.
2. Size up the competitive landscape: The location of the facility is not as critical as competitive saturation of the market. It’s wise to take a good look at area competitors, their performance and facility occupancy levels. This approach will help determine optimal rental rates, amenities and services a facility needs to be competitive in the market, as well as the project’s ultimate profitability.
Understanding the competitive landscape of the market is key when determining rental rates for a new facility. It’s important to choose a market that has proven it’s capable of sustaining high enough rental rates to offset the cost of construction. And in a market with high demand, a new Alzheimer’s and dementia care facility with amenities and services that are superior to those of competitors can merit higher rates.
3. Align with an experienced operator from the start: The ability to secure funding for a project is directly tied to the track record of the management company a developer chooses to operate the facility. Success in Alzheimer’s and dementia care also is dependent on the quality of programming and care, which are provided by the operator.
The management company must have a reputation that commands respect within the community. An operator that offers top-notch amenities, and who brings an outstanding reputation for care and programming to help keep residents active for as long as possible, can perform well even in highly competitive markets for Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Developers new to the industry should be aware that senior living facilities are not a typical real estate investment. A property’s value is driven by the facility’s operation, rather than the value of its real estate. In that respect, it’s akin to determining hotel valuations. A few hotel firms have dabbled in the niche, including Renaissance Hotels.
Partnering with a reputable management company that understands the needs of potential residents from the start of the development project will put the investment on the right track for success.
By Alex Lopez, director of business development for Senior Management Advisors (SMA), an operator of seniors housing communities in Florida and Georgia specializing in rejuvenating facilities. He can be reached at alopez@smaservices.net.
Source: Filling The Void In Dementia Care
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Session on Tai Chi for Senior Citizens - Mumbai
Silver Innings Active Ageing Center in association with Harmony for Silvers Foundation has pleasure to invite Senior Citizens who are 50yrs + for Session on Tai Chi.
Tai chi, pronounced "tie chee," is a gentle exercise program that is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Derived from the martial arts, tai chi is composed of slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and deep breathing, which enhance physical health and emotional well-being.
Facilitator: Mr. Carlton Hill on behalf of Harmony for Silvers Foundation
Date: Wednesday, 7th July 2010
Time: 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm
Venue:Cosmopolitan School, Ground Floor, Near Ganesh Mandir, Sheetal Nagar, Mira Road. Near Mumbai
Contact:
Tel: 9987104233; Email: silverinnings@gmail.com
This programme is organized by Silver Inning Foundation with support from Cosmopolitan School
Monday, June 28, 2010
Man Arrested for Failing to Take Care of Elderly Father- So all childrens better take care of your parents
In the first case in the city under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, police have arrested a 57-year-old man for failing to take care of his 83-year-old father. He was booked under Section 24 of the Act.
Police arrested Kumar, a resident of Pattalam, based on the complaint of his father Muthukrishnan on Wednesday. Police said Muthukrishnan had approached the local police station earlier to seek legal action against his son who was neglecting him. “We summoned Kumar and he entered into a compromise with his father in front of Ayanavaram police inspector Ramesh, three months ago. As per the deal, Kumar promised to give Rs 200 to his father every month. However, he failed to adhere to his words, instead he harassed his father. Later, Muthukrishnan lodged another complaint and based on it, police arrested Kumar. He was remanded in judicial custody after being produced before a magistrate’s court,” a police officer said. According to the law, neglect, exposure and abandonment of senior citizens is punishable with imprisonment up to three months or a fine up to Rs 5,000 or both.
Muthukrishnan is a vegetable vendor and has three sons Kumar, 57, Sekar, 53, and Kamalakannan, 48, apart from a daughter Padmini, 45. All of them are married. Muthukrishnan has had to depend on his children following the death of his wife five years ago. Though Sekar and Kamalakannan supported their father, Kumar did not help out at all. He works in a printing press and lives with his family in the adjacent locality.
Additional commissioner of police (law and order) Mohammad Shakeel Akther said, “Many elderly people don’t know about the new Act. Any harassment of senior citizens will be dealt with severely, according to law.”
Caring For The Old
The elderly unable to support themselves are entitled to maintenance
* According to the law, neglect, exposure and abandonment of senior citizens is punishable with imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 5,000 or both
* Maintenance of senior citizens includes provision of food, clothing, residence and medical treatment to them
Source: Man Arrested for Failing to Take Care of Elderly Father
Police arrested Kumar, a resident of Pattalam, based on the complaint of his father Muthukrishnan on Wednesday. Police said Muthukrishnan had approached the local police station earlier to seek legal action against his son who was neglecting him. “We summoned Kumar and he entered into a compromise with his father in front of Ayanavaram police inspector Ramesh, three months ago. As per the deal, Kumar promised to give Rs 200 to his father every month. However, he failed to adhere to his words, instead he harassed his father. Later, Muthukrishnan lodged another complaint and based on it, police arrested Kumar. He was remanded in judicial custody after being produced before a magistrate’s court,” a police officer said. According to the law, neglect, exposure and abandonment of senior citizens is punishable with imprisonment up to three months or a fine up to Rs 5,000 or both.
Muthukrishnan is a vegetable vendor and has three sons Kumar, 57, Sekar, 53, and Kamalakannan, 48, apart from a daughter Padmini, 45. All of them are married. Muthukrishnan has had to depend on his children following the death of his wife five years ago. Though Sekar and Kamalakannan supported their father, Kumar did not help out at all. He works in a printing press and lives with his family in the adjacent locality.
Additional commissioner of police (law and order) Mohammad Shakeel Akther said, “Many elderly people don’t know about the new Act. Any harassment of senior citizens will be dealt with severely, according to law.”
Caring For The Old
The elderly unable to support themselves are entitled to maintenance
* According to the law, neglect, exposure and abandonment of senior citizens is punishable with imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 5,000 or both
* Maintenance of senior citizens includes provision of food, clothing, residence and medical treatment to them
Source: Man Arrested for Failing to Take Care of Elderly Father
Saturday, June 26, 2010
‘How to be safe and smart with your money’- Moneylife Foundation workshop
Moneylife Foundation invites you to a Workshop on Finance titled ‘How to be safe and smart with your money’ .
Senior Citzens can attend this workshop .
On Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Admission: FREE
The programme will be conducted by Sucheta Dalal, consulting editor, Moneylife
and Debashis Basu, editor, Moneylife.
Programme details:
Working session by Ms Dalal on ‘How to be safe with your money’
Tea Break
Working session by Mr Basu on ‘How to be smart with your money’
Q&A
Venue: 305, 3rd floor, Hind Service Industries Premises,
Off Veer Savarkar Marg, Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai 400028
Landmark: Chaithyabhoomi lane
Time: 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Registration is on a first—come—first—served basis!!
Hurry up. Limited seats!
Look forward to meeting you on 29 June.
RSVP: Dione/Pritika 2444 1058
mail@mlfoundation.in
Senior Citzens can attend this workshop .
On Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Admission: FREE
The programme will be conducted by Sucheta Dalal, consulting editor, Moneylife
and Debashis Basu, editor, Moneylife.
Programme details:
Working session by Ms Dalal on ‘How to be safe with your money’
Tea Break
Working session by Mr Basu on ‘How to be smart with your money’
Q&A
Venue: 305, 3rd floor, Hind Service Industries Premises,
Off Veer Savarkar Marg, Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai 400028
Landmark: Chaithyabhoomi lane
Time: 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Registration is on a first—come—first—served basis!!
Hurry up. Limited seats!
Look forward to meeting you on 29 June.
RSVP: Dione/Pritika 2444 1058
mail@mlfoundation.in
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