Family Support for Older People

 Family systems are the foundation of our society. A family system consists of various individuals who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. Family systems vary from culture to culture, but their importance remains the same. The role of family in caring for older people has become increasingly important due to demographic changes and the growing aging population. This essay explores the family system and how it can help our older people.

PICTURE: https://sanalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Family-Roles-in-Addiction-Treatment-.jpg

The family system refers to the various roles, relationships, and interactions that exist between members of a family. Family systems are important as they provide a sense of belonging, emotional support, and security. They also serve as a source of socialization, education, and values transmission. Family systems can have a significant impact on the physical, mental, and emotional health of their members.

The Importance of Older People 

Older people are an essential part of our society. They have contributed to our communities, economy, and culture throughout their lives. However, as they age, they may experience physical, mental, and emotional challenges. These challenges can lead to social isolation, loneliness, and poor health outcomes. It is, therefore, essential to ensure that older people have access to the care, support, and resources they need to age with dignity and respect.

Family System and Older People

The family system can play a vital role in supporting older people. Family members can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and social interaction that can improve the quality of life for older people. Family systems can also help older people maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of self-worth.

Emotional Support

Emotional support is essential for older people as they age. Family members can provide emotional support by being there to listen, provide encouragement, and offer reassurance. This emotional support can help older people cope with the challenges of aging, such as chronic illness, loss of mobility, and social isolation.

Practical Assistance

Older people may need practical assistance with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Family members can provide this assistance, which can help older people maintain their independence and quality of life. Practical assistance can also prevent older people from having to move into residential care or assisted living facilities, which can be expensive and may not provide the same level of comfort and support as the family home.

Social Interaction

Social interaction is vital for older people as it can help prevent social isolation and loneliness. Family members can provide social interaction by visiting, taking older people out, and involving them in family activities. Social interaction can improve the mental and emotional health of older people and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

Maintaining Independence

Maintaining independence is essential for older people as it can help them maintain their sense of self-worth and dignity. Family members can help older people maintain their independence by providing practical assistance, emotional support, and social interaction. This support can help older people stay in their homes for longer, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life.

Challenges in Family System Support

While the family system can provide significant support for older people, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include:

Family Conflicts

Family conflicts can arise due to differences in opinions, expectations, and values. These conflicts can make it difficult to provide effective support for older people, and may even lead to neglect or abuse. It is essential to address family conflicts and find ways to resolve them to ensure that older people receive the support they need.

Caregiver Burnout

Family members who provide care for older people may experience caregiver burnout. This burnout can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can impact the quality of care provided. It is essential to provide support and resources to family caregivers to prevent burnout and ensure that older people receive required care and love. 

Financial Strain

Providing support for older people can be expensive, especially if they have significant health or mobility issues. Family members may need to provide financial assistance, which can strain their own finances. It is essential to plan for the financial costs of supporting older family members to ensure that everyone is prepared for the financial strain.

Distance

Family members may live far away from each other, making it challenging to provide support for older family members. Distance can limit the amount of practical assistance and social interaction that family members can provide. It is essential to find ways to overcome the distance barrier, such as through regular phone or video calls, or by arranging visits when possible.

Limited Resources

Some families may not have the resources to provide adequate support for older family members. This may be due to financial constraints, health issues, or other challenges. It is essential to identify available resources and support services that can help families provide the necessary support for older family members.

Conclusion

In conclusion, family systems can play a vital role in supporting older people. Emotional support, practical assistance, social interaction, and maintaining independence are all crucial elements of the support that family members can provide. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed, such as family conflicts, caregiver burnout, financial strain, distance, and limited resources. It is essential to find ways to overcome these challenges and provide the necessary support to ensure that older people age with dignity and respect. The family system remains an essential component of our society, and we must continue to value and support it in caring for our aging population.

JAC of Senior Citizens Demands for BMC Elections 2022

 Joint Action Committee (JAC) Press Conference was held on 8th June 2022 at Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh, Mumbai.

Silver Shakti!!!!!!!!

To make the 'Silver Voices' heard loud and clear and to make the 'Silver Presence' in society graceful and dignified; we have formed the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of various Organizations, NGOs working for Senior Citizens, researchers and academicians dedicated to the cause of elderly in Mumbai.  The Committee will strive to work with the BMC and various Political Parties to mainstream the special needs and demands of senior citizens.  We demand all Political parties to include issues of Senior Citizens in their Election Manifesto, as they are not only an important vote bank but also the important stakeholders with an estimated 25% of the Voting Population. If the Political Parties and Leaders fail to meet our Demands, we as the Powerful Vote bank will be forced to use NOTA in the upcoming BMC Elections.

A report released by the Ministry of Statistics, GOI in March 2019 said that the number of citizens over the age of 60 jumped by 35.5 per cent — from 7.6 crore in 2001 to 10.3 crore in 2011. In the upcoming elections, this population will be a major factor in deciding who comes to power. In Maharashtra, Senior citizens form around 10% of state population, which comes to an estimated 1.30 crore of Maharashtra’s and in Mumbai itself constitutes approximately 15 lakhs. 

The right to vote is the foundation of any democracy. The vote represents the voice of people and is therefore a powerful tool to exercise to bring about a change in their city and their country as a whole. Senior Citizen are Committed Voters and understand the importance of voting and engage in the process to become egalitarianism warriors in their own communities. Issues such as health care, medical facilities, prices of medicines, pensions, Shelter, retirement schemes and transportation, special attention for poor and homeless, will be upper most in the minds of the older people. To make sure that their needs are met and concerns are heard is the very need of the hour. 

Based on constitutional and legal provisions, Government of India and Maharashtra state government has formulated various policies and devised various programmes for the elders including National Policy for the Older Persons 1999 and Maharashtra Senior Citizens Policy 2013 and subsequently in 2018. However, these have remained only on Paper. After advocacy and constant struggle by Senior Citizens Originations from 2010 to 2013, The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on 5th August 2013 through its Resolution no. 622 cleared the Senior Citizens Policy in its general body meeting, which is first such policy by any Municipal Corporation in the country. This policy, which includes the provision of day care facilities and recreation grounds for them in every municipal ward as also medical helpline services and amenities in open spaces, was announced on 2013.  Further benefits included in the policy are, dedicated spaces for senior citizens in large housing complexes, library with books on spirituality and health, and ramps, railings at public toilets. Senior citizens would also be provided specialized healthcare at select civic hospitals for hypertension, diabetes, loss of vision and other ailments.  For the first phase of implementation, BMC had agreed to form a committee headed by the then Mayor Sunil Prabhu.

But it is with great regret and disappointment we note that a pittance of the expected work has been done by BMC after announcement of this Policy. A few Day care facilities and a few Nana Nani parks have been set up only at the whims and fancies of the Councilors. To make it worse there is no Budgetary provision has been made for the implementation of the Policy. It is shameful to state that an RTI filed for details of expenditure has received no response.

Based on the recommendations of the United Nations to which India is a signatory and the policies for senior citizens to which Central and State Governments have committed, the JAC demands the following:

                            I Finance and Planning  

a) Make a definite budgetary provision for the welfare and security of elders in the Senior Citizens policy, allocate 10% of BMC budget to Senior Citizens Policy 

b) Raise CSR funds for effective Implementation of initiatives for elders 

c) Corporators need to spend minimum 10% of their allocated funds for the welfare of Senior Citizens 

d) Form ‘Senior Citizens Policy Committee’ at HQ as well as at all the 24 administrative wards for Planning and Implementation. Senior Citizens Policy Committee’ to meet regularly for monitoring and evaluating implementation and progress of initiatives.  

e) Permanent Office for ‘BMC Senior Citizens Bhavan’ at a central, convenient accessible location.

f) Appointment of a Nodal Officer at the rank of Joint Commissioner/ Deputy Commissioner to monitor the progress of the implementation of the policies and programmes as well as to address the grievances of the senior citizens

g) The Community Development Officer (C.D.O.) / Social Worker at BMC to work on Seniors program, projects awareness, planning, implementation 

II Health Care and Nutrition - Health care should be affordable and accessible to all senior citizens 

a) Free medical treatment for all senior citizens at all Government Hospitals and Primary Health Center 

b) Establishment of a Geriatric ward at every Government hospital. Appoint Geriatric Expert / Doctors in all BMC hospitals

c) 'Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana' to be implemented at all hospitals and specially for Elders with no documents and homeless

d) Free / Subsidized Medicines / Generic Medicine to be made available

e) Reserve 10% bed for Geriatric population in private hospitals / nursing homes

f) Introduce the WHO Recommended Adult Vaccination Programme. Priority to senior citizens in all Vaccinations and Health Care initiatives

g) OPD special section / desk for Seniors / Display of Notice board at every hospitals of available facilities for Seniors  

h) Free / Subsidized Diagnosis at Government hospitals and clinics

i) MMC (Mobile Medical Clinic) for elders living in poor communities and elders below BPL

j) Wellness and Prevention program like Yoga, Alternative Therapies, AYUSH, Health camps for Seniors

k) Mental Health Screening in collaboration with BMC Hospitals 

l) MID Day Meal to be extended to poor seniors. To initiate GOI POSHAN Abhiyaan / Shiv Bhojan like scheme 

III   Shelter and Welfare: 

a) Multipurpose Senior Citizens Full Day Care Centre

b) Dementia Day Care Centre 

c) Respite Stay Centre

d) Homeless Elders Night Shelter

e) Policy for protection of Senior citizens during natural and manmade disasters  

f) Specific spaces and facilities to be reserved in Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), SRA and MHADA for Senior Citizens - Day Care Centres

                   IV    Protection of life and property of Senior Citizens

a) Legal Aid Cell to work on issues and problems faced by the elders

b) Special concession in Water and Property tax for Old Age Homes and Seniors Day Care Centers 

c) Provision to establish BMC Retired person's special cell  

d) Involve NSS and Civil Defense officers and volunteers for Safety and Security of Seniors

e) Special Call Center for Senior Citizens issues  

V Accessibility, transport and Age friendly environment

a) Application of WHO Global Age-friendly Cities Guidelines to city planning

b) Accessible, affordable and safe public transport

c) Age-friendly driving conditions and parking facilities

d) Age-friendly buildings, pavements and walkways, safe pedestrian crossings and adequate rest areas

e) Affordable, well-designed and safe housing 

f) Auto, Taxi, Water Transport to be sensitize towards Seniors

g) Special Concession and Travel arrangement for Senior Citizens in BMC Buses 

h) Age Friendly, Accessible Public Washroom and Sanitation 

VI Capacity Building and Visibility

a) Training of Caregivers, Para Professionals, Medical professionals  

b) Mandatory Celebration of Days of Senior Citizens : 15th June World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; 21st September World Alzheimer's Day  and 1st October World Elders Day  

c) Training and Sensitization of Senior Citizens Associations towards formation, management, of Trust / Society and various program and schemes of BMC

d) To give visibility to BMC Senior Citizens program and projects through Print, Audio Visual and social media 

e) To strengthen research and documentation in social gerontology

We the Senior Citizens of this City, State and Country are Responsible Citizens; we have wisdom, experience and time, we are asset to the Society, we are always willing to help government and authorities for welfare of society at large, we need Independence, Freedom, Security and Dignity; we can’t be ignored or neglected any more. We expect that we will see the importance of senior citizens and their demands in the election manifesto of your party and your candidates.

JAC Spokespersons for Coordination:

Dr. Rekha Bhatkhande  - Spokespersons

Vijay Aundhe - Spokespersons 

Prakash Borgaonkar - Spokespersons 

Adv. Nirmala Samant Prabhavalkar - Spokesperson

Sailesh Mishra - Coordinator

LIST OF JAC MEMBERS:

1. Adhata Trust

2. All India Bank Retirees Federation  

3. All India Central Government Pensioners Association

4. All India Retired Insurance Employees Federation

5. All India Retired Reserve Bank Employee Association

6. Brihan Mumbai Pensioners Association 

7. Brihan Mumbai Retired Employees Association

8. Center for Life Long Learning , TISS

9. Centre for the Study of Social Change (RRTC Mumbai) 

10. College of Social Work ( Autonomous) Nirmala Niketan

11. Dignity Foundation 

12. Dilasa Kendra of Shushrusha Citizens Cooperative Hospital, Mumbai

13. FESCOM  

14. General Insurance Pensioners, All India Federation  

15. GIC Pensioners Association 

16. Help Age India 

17. Indian Association of Retired persons (IARP) Mumbai 

18. Money Life Foundation

19. MTNL Pensioners Workers Associations

20. Silver Inning Foundation 

21. Sophia College (AUTONOMOUS)

22. The Family Welfare Agency 

Improving Quality of Life of People with Dementia

Meaning of quality of life differs from person to person for some it may be playing guitar for another it may be enjoying traveling to exotic locations or spending quality time in front of beach.  Social relationships, cultural values, financial conditions, physical and mental health are the different factors which defines each person’s quality of life. Despite changes and loss of abilities, people with dementia can still find happiness and experience satisfaction.

Picture courtesy: Silver innings 2015

Caregivers who take care of people with dementia should understand that they enjoy some types of activities and also like to do useful things. Caregivers should add creative, meaningful and fun-filled activities and encourage people with dementia to enjoy what they can still do. With appropriate environment, they can lead productive, happier and satisfying life and are less likely to show disturbed behaviour.

Include Fun-Filled & Meaningful Activities

The idea behind including fun-filled activities is to have fun, don’t force them to be perfect or follow complex set of rules. Do not point out mistakes or seize control of what they are doing. Support them, but do not push them. While selecting an activity, ensure that it is something they will like to do. They may enjoy painting and playing games such as Snakes & Ladders or stacking colored rings.

Person with dementia might feel insignificant and useless due to their reduced abilities as compared to their active life in the past. Explore activities that can make them feel positive and good about themselves. They may lose interest in midway while performing any task or perform the activity at slow pace. Do not except them to do it faster or push them to complete the task. The idea behind this activity is to make them feel useful and happy.

Provide a Relaxed & Safe Environment

Each person finds relaxation in different things depending on their character, likes & dislikes. Some may like listening bhajans, while some might like aromatherapy or some may like spending time with pets for their unconditional love.

Use different types of reality orientation techniques, which can help in reducing confusion among the persons with dementia about the time. Have a suitable communication so that you can understand them and they can understand you. Ensure that they should not get frustrated due to any kind of excess help or changing their daily routine. Provide them with exact amount of help they require, so that they feel capable and independent.

To conclude, people with dementia can still find happiness and experience satisfaction, if we include fun-filled & meaningful activities in their daily routine as well as strive to provide a relaxed and safe environment to them.

Ravi Shet is the writer of this article and Co-founder of www.treatum.com, an online healthcare portal connecting patients with right doctors.

Wedding season nears for senior citizens

The wedding season is upon us. Senior citizens, too, will get a shot at wedded bliss in a December event. by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

It is every person’s dream to find the right partner and settle down in matrimonial bliss. If we cannot find true love, our parents do the job for us! But what happens to those who are in the autumn of their lives? If they are alone and in need of a companion, where can they go find one?

This is where excellent events such as an upcoming ‘wedding and companionship mela’ for seniors comes in. Hosted by Rotary Club of Mumbai, Nariman Point and The Metrognome’s content partners Silver Inning Foundation, the ‘Senior Citizens Jeevan Saathi Sammelan’ is being held to encourage single seniors to find a partner for marriage or for a live-in relationship.

Singles will be encouraged to find a suitable partner and initiate a relationship on the spot. “They can meet at the venue, exchange contact details if they think they want to take things forward. It is up to them to get married in the future, or have a live-in relationship. We are also encouraging people to come find a companion at the Sammelan. Many people come seeking constant companions, not a romantic relationship,” explains Silver Inning founder Sailesh Mishra.

Silver Innings had hosted a similar event in 2013, to stupendous success. “We had people coming from interior parts of Maharashtra, and there was a huge crowd at the gates. We insist on a proper registration process and the application form is pretty detailed. Applicants must also give supporting documents when they mention their status: divorcees must submit a copy of the divorce certificate, for example,” Sailesh says.

His learning from the previous event was that women participants are more careful about choosing their prospective partner, and that they look for financial security. “The women mostly wanted marriage, while the men wanted live-in relationships,” Sailesh says.

The Sammelan will be held on December 13, 2015 at Dadar. Watch this space for more details on how to register.

(Picture courtesy www.mid-day.com. Image is used for representational purpose only)

Courtesy: http://www.themetrognome.in/grey-space/wedding-season-nears-for-senior-citizen

Cultures That Celebrate Aging And Respect Their Elders: China

Chinese children care for their parents in old age. 

As in Korea, Chinese families traditionally view filial piety and respect for one's elders as the highest virtue, deriving from the Confucian tradition. Although westernization has lessened the power of these values in some cities and communities, adult children are still generally expected to care for their parents in their old age.

"Placing your parents in retirement homes will see you labeled as uncaring or a bad son," Beijing resident Zhou Rui told China.org. "To abandon one's family is considered deeply dishonorable."

However, this tradition is beginning to break down in China, due to the country's one-child policy, rising life expectancy and an aging population. Nursing homes are beginning to become a more socially acceptable option for elderly care.

Courtesy: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/25/what-other-cultures-can-teach_n_4834228.html?ir=India 

Towards an Age-friendly World, WHO guidelines

A key strategy to facilitate the inclusion of older persons is to make our world more age-friendly. An age-friendly world enables people of all ages to actively participate in community activities and treats everyone with respect, regardless of their age. It is a place that makes it easy for older people to stay connected to people that are important to them. And it helps people stay healthy and active even at the oldest ages and provides appropriate support to those who can no longer look after themselves.

Many cities and communities are already taking active steps towards becoming more age-friendly. A new dedicated website, Age-friendly World, supports them in this endeavor by providing a one-stop-shop on age-friendly action at the local level: guides and tools, age-friendly practices and information on hundreds of city and community initiatives around the world. Browse the web site to learn more about what can be done to make your city or communities more age-friendly.


Check this exclusive Age-friendly website:  http://agefriendlyworld.org/en/


View the map of cities which have joined the Age-friendly network: 
https://extranet.who.int/sree/Reports?op=vs&path=/WHO_HQ_Reports/G21/PROD/EXT/GNAFCC%202 


Take this WHO Survey and Contribute your inputs:  http://apps.who.int/datacol/survey.asp?survey_id=600
 

Application form to join WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly cities: http://www.who.int/ageing/application_form/en/


Issued in public interest by #Silverinnings

World Elders Day 2012 : Towards Healthy Aging

On occasion of International Day of Older Person (IDOP) 2012 , Silver Inning Foundation an NGO working with Senior Citizens and their Family members in association with it Networking Partner’s is Honored to presents various events in its 5^th Edition of World Elders Day.

Date: Sunday 30^th Sep 2012:

‘Free General Medical Camp for Senior Citizens’ at Pimpripada, Kurar village, Malad East , Mumbai ; Organized by Silver Inning Foundation & YWCA in association with Mahavir clinic (Malad) ,Thatikonda Vatsala Ramchandra Foundation & Students of Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Nirmala Niketan College of Social Science.

Venue: Queen's Mary school, Pimpripada

Time: 10am to 1pm

Date: Monday 1^st Oct 2012:

‘Entertainment Program & ‘UMNAG’  Talent Show’ Organized by Dept of Human Development & Students of SVT College of Home Science, SNDT University , Juhu , Mumbai in association with Silver Inning Foundation for Residents of Kisangaopal Rajpuria Vanprasathasram (Old Age Home).

Venue: Kisangaopal Rajpuria Vanprasathasram (Old Age Home), Uttan , Bhayandar West , Near Mumbai 

Time: 10.30am to 12.30 pm

Sunday 7^th Oct 2012:

On the occasion of World Elders Day & WHO ‘Active & Healthy Ageing Theme’ for year 2012, ‘Sanjeevni’ an NGO promoted by MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik in association with ‘Silver Inning Foundation’ organizes ‘A Stage Talent Show program for Senior Citizens’. As there are not enough opportunity for elderly to show their talent, the main purpose of this program is to provide a platform for Elderly to display their talents. Every Year since 2008 , Silver Inning Foundation, a dedicated NGO for Elders, celebrates ‘World Elders Day’ by presenting ‘UMANG’ , A Senior Citizens Stage Talent Show.

Venue: Banquet Hall , Maxus Mall , Bhayandar west , Near Mumbai

Time: 3pm to 6m

For more Information Contact: silverinnings@gmail.com

Tel: 9987104233

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

Website: www.silverinningfoundation.org

Many Thanks to our Networking Partners :

YWCA , Mahavir clinic (Malad) & Students of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Nirmala Niketan College of Social Science , Dept of Human Development & Students of SVT College of Home Science (SNDT University) , Kisangaopal Rajpuria Vanprasathasram (Old Age Home),Sanjeevni & Thatikonda Vatsala Ramchandra Foundation