THE PUNE DECLARATION 2015 AGE-FRIENDLY SMART CITIES

The signed copy of the Pune Declaration on "Making Smart Cities Age-friendly" was handed over to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Phadnavis, by the Chairman of ILC-I, Shri Jayant Umranikar on the auspicious day of Akshaytritaya, the 21st of April 2015. And the same is being sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

THE PUNE DECLARATION ON ‘MAKING SMART CITIES AGE-FRIENDLY CITIES AND COMMUNITIES IN INDIA’-2015

PREAMBLE:

On the cusp of the commencement of the vision of the ‘100 Smart Cities’ as propounded by Honourable, Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India,

Acknowledging that,  India today has nearly 100 million elderly population over the age of 60 years which by 2050, may grow to  315 million and by the time these Smart Cities become functional,  every fifth citizen of a city and every third voter in the electorate, may be a senior citizen,

We, the representatives of senior citizens’ organizations, NGOs and stakeholders in the cause of population ageing, under the aegis of the International Longevity Centre-India (ILC-I), having met on the 15th of February 2015 in Pune, unanimously declare the following:

Principles of thought and action:

1. Advocating World Health Organization’s concepts of ‘Active Ageing’ and that of an age-friendly city with elder-friendly, barrier-free structures & services encouraging easy accessibility for all senior citizens,
2. Believing in the UN Principles of Older Persons and their emphasis on Independence, Dignity, Self-fulfillment, Participation and Care,
3. Drawing inspiration from the Priority Directions of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, with special focus on ”Ensuring Enabling and Supportive Environments”,

We, the representatives of senior citizens’ organizations, NGOs and stakeholders in the cause of population ageing,

Declare the following areas of intervention that would serve to build the framework for Age-friendly Cities and Communities:

•     Transportation, Outdoor spaces, Buildings &Housing
•     Community Support, Recreation and Health Services
•    Social and Civic Participation of Senior Citizens
•    Safety and Security of Senior Citizens
•   Employment, Communication and Information
•    Development of Affordable Technology and Assistive Devices

 

Dedicate ourselves to: 

1.     Ensuring an enabling environment to make an age-friendly city barrier-free, inclusive, connected and accessible.
2.  Building an elder-friendly social environment having an age-friendly, affordable infrastructure that aids mobility, connectivity and most importantly, independence of the senior citizen as also developing ‘ageing-in-place’ housing facilities, using inclusive innovations.

We, the Undersigned, Pledge ourselves to:

•      Supporting the building and development of safe & inclusive neighbourhoods, including public infrastructure, buildings, roads, pavements, elder-friendly housing, hospitals, retirement homes, residential care & nursing homes.
•     Establishing safe, comfortable and affordable transportation systems that facilitate qualitative mobility, connectivity and easy accessibility of places & services for senior citizens.
•      Ensuring the availability of good quality, affordable health services including preventive, primary, secondary care, rehabilitative and palliatives services, long-term and end of life care.

RESOLVE THAT:

•      The Government, society, community, NGOs and the Senior citizens themselves would work towards making all proposed Smart Cities of the country, “Age-friendly”using inclusive innovations and affordable technology, in the areas of Transportation and Roads, Housing, Infrastructure, Social Environment, Health Services, Safety and Security of the Senior Citizens, Outdoor spaces, Communication and Information.

Pune, 15^th February 2015

Name, Designation and Signed by:

Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, President, International Longevity Centre-India(ILC-I).

Dr. Arun Nigavekar, Vice President, ILC-I

Mr. Jayant Umranikar, Chairman, International Longevity Centre-India (ILC-I).

Mr. D. N. Chapke, President, All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON).

Mr. N. M. Kodolikar, President, Federation of Senior Citizens Organisations of Maharashtra (FESCOM).

Dr. T. N. Wazarkar, President, All Senior Citizens Organisations of Pune(ASCOP).

Dr. Siva Raju, Dean & Professor, School of Development Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences & Hon. Director, ILC-I.

Mr. R. H. Belavadi, Hon. Director, ILC-I

Dr. Dilip Satbhai, Hon. Treasurer, ILC-I

Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan, Director, School of Health Sciences, University of Pune & Hon. Director, ILC-I.

Ms. Anjali Raje, Executive Director, International Longevity Centre-India (ILC-I).

Mr. Sailesh Mishra, Founder, Silver Innings, Mumbai.

Mr. Hiren Mehta, Harmony for Silvers Foundation

Mr. Prakash Borgaonkar, Director, HelpAge India

Dr. S. P. Kinjawadekar, Former President, AISCCON

Mr. Jaydeo Naik, Secretary, Viman Nagar JyeshthaNagrik Sangha

Dr. Vinod Shah, President, Janseva Foundation

Mr. Madhukar Pawar, Executive President, ASCOP

Mr. Ramanbhai Shah, Former President, AISCCON

Mr. Avinash Lakare, Central Council member of AISCCON

Dr. Alka Vyas Vice President,AISCCON & Vice President (Women’s Cell),FESCOM.

Mr. Vinayak Bhave, Hon. Advisor (Finance), ILC-I.

 

What Senior Citizens do on Computer , What they need : Online India Senior Citizen Survey Report May 2011

Report of SIF 'Baseline Survey of Online Senior Citizen 2011'

India is a vast country both in terms of area as well as population. It has a total area of 3,288,000 square kilometers. Its Total population as on 2001 was over 1 Billion.

India is gradually undergoing a demographic change. With decline in fertility and mortality rates accompanied by an improvement in child survival and increased life expectancy, a significant feature of demographic change is the progressive increase in the number of elderly persons.The disintegration of the joint family system and the emergence of nuclear families, has affected the care of the aged the most, Elderly today are the most ignored and neglected segment.

The population of aged people above 60 yrs as on 2010 was estimated at 96 million, i.e. around 8% of total population. According to UN the population of 60+ in 2050 will be around 20%.Life expectancy has increased 60% in last 60 years from 42yrs in 1950 to 69yrs in 2009.Today India has 2nd largest number of Elderly.There is sharp increase in population of Young Old 60yrs to 69 yrs and Old old 80+. Due to this demand and needs of various age groups have changed. Now it is time for civil society and government to rethink their strategy to address the needs of Senior Citizens.

This 'Baseline Survey of Online Senior Citizen 2011' is one of the projects of SILVER INNING FOUNDATION (SIF). This online surveyhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif for Senior Citizens will help us to understand their needs and devise much better programme & projects for the overall well being of our Elders.

This survey was conducted by Silver Inning Foundation (SIF) to assess the requirement and need of Senior Citizens from 1ST Feb 2011 to 31st March 2011. It was hosted on the Survey Site www.questionpro.com at the link: http://SIFBaselineSurveyofOnlineSeniorCitizen2011.questionpro.com

The questionnaire was online for about two month. Wide publicity was given to this survey in a large number of web groups, blogs, websites and by email to Senior Citizens associations, Federations etc.

A total of 646 persons viewed the Questionnaire; however only 231 ventured to answer. Four dropped out half way and their responses were ignored. Results below indicate the verdict of remaining 227 persons i.e. 98.27% (who started and completed).Results are given in Five sections and followed by detail report.


Brief is as following , for detail report see the attachment:

Question 1
What is your Age: 42.04% in Age group of 60yrs to 69 Yrs

Question 2
What is your Gender: Male 78.57%

Question 3
What is your Marital Status: Married 80.91%

Question 4
What is your major source of Income: Pension / Social Security 33.53%

Question 5
How much Time you spend in a day on internet/computer: 1hour to 2 hour 31.70%

Question 6
Which are the activity/activities you do on internet: Email 29.38%

Question 7
What is your typical Daily Activity: Reading Newspaper 15.37%

Question 8
What are your Hobbies: Internet/Computer 19.09%

Question 9
What Kind of Problems you often Face: Health 31.64%

Question 10
What kind of Programme/Project you want your club/organization/NGO to organize: Informative programme about health/legal/finance/religious etc 10.81%


Question B
Top 5 Activities of Senior Citizens on Computer:
1. Email
2. Search
3. Facebook
4. You tube
5. Chatting

Question C
Top 5 Daily activities of Senior Citizens:
1) Reading Newspaper
2) Watch TV
3) Sit on Computer/Internet
4) Exercise /Fitness
5) Interact with friends

Question D
Top 5 Problems of Senior Citizens:
1. Health
2. Isolation/Loneliness
3. Monetary
4. Memory Loss
5. Neglect

Question E
Top 5 Programme Senior Citizens wants from NGO’s / Organisation:
1. Informative programme about health/legal/finance/religious etchttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
2. Volunteering Opportunity
3. Workshop / Seminar
4. Entertainment event
5. One Day Picnic


For detail report please write to us at: silverinnings@gmail.com


We Thank all the Senior Citizens and organization specially ‘Society for Serving Seniors (SSS Global)’ working for elderly for their participation and success of this Online National survey. We are confident this report will help Ngo’s, Senior Citizens Associations/Organisation, civil society and government to address the issues of Elderly.


The survey report was compiled by Sailesh Mishra, Founder President Silver Inning Foundation , NGO working with Elderly in India.



About Silver Inning Foundation (SIF):
SIF is part of Social Enterprise Silver Innings which hosts one of the most comprehensive and dedicated website for elderly &their family www.silverinnigs.com . The vision, mission and goals of SIF are centered on creating and implementing services and programmes that are holistic in nature and address the need to acknowledge the much needed supportive environment that the elderly deserve. It looks at reintegrating the elderly into mainstream society and lives with dignity. Silver Innings is working towards creating Elder Friendly World where Ageing becomes a Positive and Rewarding Experience.



Contact:
Website : www.silverinnings.com ; www.silverinningfoundation.org
Blogs: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot.com/ ; http://ardsigreatermumbai.blogspot.com/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_jz2xKhz1E
Pictures : http://www.flickr.com/photos/sailesh2000_2000/
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sailesh2000
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sailesh.mishra
Mobile: 0091 9987104233 / 9029000091

Take : Baseline Survey of Online Senior Citizen 2011

This 'Baseline Survey of Online Senior Citizen 2011' is one of the projects of SILVER INNING FOUNDATION (SIF). This online survey for Senior Citizens will help us to understand their needs and devise much better programme & projects for the overall well being of our Elders.

Silver Inning Foundation is an NGO (not for profit) working with Senior Citizens. SIF is part of Social Enterprise Silver Innings which hosts one of the most comprehensive and dedicated website for elderly &their family www.silverinnings.com . The vision, mission and goals of SIF are centered on creating and implementing services and programmes that are holistic in nature and address the need to acknowledge the much needed supportive environment that the elderly deserve. It looks at reintegrating the elderly into mainstream society and lives with dignity. Silver Innings is working towards creating Elder Friendly World where Ageing becomes a Positive and Rewarding Experience.

Anyone above 50yrs of age and Children on behalf of their parents/grandparents too can take this survey.

Take the Survey:
http://sifbaselinesurveyofonlineseniorcitizen2011.questionpro.com/

We would appreciate your feedback in our online survey. All responses will remain confidential and secure. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights. Your input will be used to ensure that we continue to meet your needs. We appreciate your trust and look forward to serving you in the future.

We have contracted with QuestionPro, an independent research firm, to field your confidential survey responses.

31st Jan 2011

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

Cognitive Disability and Impact of Wireless Innovation

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


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

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

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


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


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

New 24 x7 Senior Citizens Helpline to be launched in Mumbai

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

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

‘Silver Market’ a new sunrise industry:holistic approach needed to address the needs of Silver Population

India is gradually undergoing a demographic change. With decline in fertility and mortality rates accompanied by an improvement in child survival, good medical care, improved lifestyle and increased life expectancy, a significant feature of demographic change is the progressive increase in the number of elderly persons.

Today India has 2^nd largest number of Elderly. In 2010 there are more than 90 million ‘Senior Citizens’ i.e. people above 60 years of age of the total population. According to UN by 2050, nearly 20% of India’s population will comprise of people over the age of 60 years. UN also estimates urban population in India to increase from 30 % in 2010 to more than 50 % by 2045. Life expectancy has also increased by 60% from 42 yrs in 1951 to 68.6 yrs in 2008.According to UNICEF Life expectancy in India is expected to be 75 years in 2045-2050.

There has been also Drastic change in 3 segment: Young Old(60- 70 yrs), Old Old ( 71 – 80yrs ) Very Old ( 81+ yrs).

The elderly although a resource of wisdom and valuable experience are perhaps the most marginalised community in India. The now fading joint family system and the Indian cultural values that preached reverence and service towards the elders had served a protective and secure net for the elderly. The advent of nuclear families and other factors like children migrating to cities or abroad for better career opportunities have brought out a range of issues like insecurity, loneliness and lack of companionship leaving the elders more vulnerable in their twilight years. Geriatric Care and Gerontology work is almost non-existent in India. The problems of the elderly don’t end here. Due to their inability to “perform faster” they are often rejected and abused socially, sadly more by their offspring than others, depriving them of a life of dignity and self worth.

But since 1990’s there has been wave of globalization and situation has changed. Elderly are looking for service and products for their long and dignified life. People above 50+ age group have max purchasing power.

Although many social organizations have taken up measures for senior’s well-being, corporate sector in India still not fully sure about the opportunities this segment can offer. There is huge demand now for Elder Friendly products and services.

By providing innovative products and services we are going to open new employment opportunities for all ages. Especially youngsters can be involved in providing services to elderly which will be good in long term to fill gap of intergeneration issues.

Government can promote and encourage business and social entrepreneur by proving Tax Holiday and subsidy to this new sunrise industry.

Participation of corporate sector in providing products and service, will also help funding of NGO’s by CSR to one of the most neglected and ignored segment, the elderly.

Following are some areas of opportunities that can be addressed by civil society and government either singly or by public private partnership. A holistic approach is needed to address the needs of growing and demanding silver population.

Product & Services classified broadly in Six segments:

1).Accommodation and shelter

a) Emergency services

b) Security systems

c) Retirement Township / Village

d) Dementia Home

e) Long Term Care

f) Second home

2). Consumer Durables:

a) Refrigerators, ovens, microwave ovens, geysers, washing machines, air conditioners, water purifiers etc

b) ICT products and services

3) .Personal care-related products and services:

a) General maintenance & care cosmetics

b) Skin care

c) Anti-ageing cosmetics, color cosmetics and other anti ageing Products

d) Beauty parlors, spas and saunas

e) Adult Diapers

f) Brain games

g) Assisted devices

4) .Wellness products & Health-related products and services:

a) Diet Foods

b) Protein related intakes

c) Nutrition enhancing supplements

d) Gyms and fitness centers

e) Centers of alternative therapies and treatments

f) Gadgets and equipments related to health monitoring

g) Fall prevention

h) Geriatric Management Services

5).Financial sector

a) Wealth management

b) Income generation

c) Mediclaim / Medicare

d) Insurance

e) Reverse Mortgage

f) Pension schemes

g) Micro Finance / SHG

h) Second Career

6) .Elder Services

a) Spirituality services

b) Care taker bureaus

c) Nursing Bureaus

d) Utility Services

e) Meal Services

f) Training and Development

g) Life Long Learning

h) Hobbies and Activity

i) Pre retirement training

j) Matrimonial

k) Gerontological Services – psycho – social

l) Day care centers

m) Support Groups

n) Recreation services

o) Tours and Travel

p) Cremation services

q) Legal Aid

r) Financial Aid

s) Mobile clinics

t) Elder Designs & Architecture

u) E@ services

v) Respite Care

w) Consultancy

We at Silver Innings are working towards creating Elder Friendly World where Ageing becomes a Positive and Rewarding Experience. Hope we will have many new enterprising people and organisations working towards this goal.