My Lilfe After Retirement by Anil K Saxena

First of all when one is alive and active how can there be retirement in life ? We disengage from one career and engage in different profession to start SECOND INNING.

Picture courtesy: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/portfolio/avoid-aggressive-equity-trading-after-retirement/article2932243.ece

I have achieved most of my professional ambitions and having my children well settled I have drawn a line of contentment and decided to pursue a different life style after convincing my family This is response to my inner voice calling to do something different somewhat different for some years now. It took nearly a years to plan to choose a different life style I have chosen a different life style engaging myself with some social organization like HELPAGE INDIA (Coordinator) AND INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY and promoting awareness programme for senior citizens, so that they can live with dignity, and  engage them within  their present environment , so that they do not feel lonely and neglected within home and society. Analyzing what i am going to miss or loose and what I stand to gain after choosing a different life style the gain features scored over loss. Let me narrate what they are.

WHAT I STAND TO MISS?

It is more of miss rather than a loose

I miss my colleagues and Bank customers and lot of contacts, the government officials very dearly. The get together, reminiscences of good old days, healthy discussion, helping hand under difficult situations will remain green in my memory.

I am fully aware that whatever I miss can never be regained. I have pondered over these points for a long time. The longer the time I took, the picture emerged clear that I will be experiencing the same benefits and contacts much like my earlier years. I am always reminded the golden words of LORD BUDDHA that human birth is as rare as a morning star. After great contemplation I have decided to seek a different life style wherein I will be able to answer my inner voice. Now it is time for me to draw a line of contentment regarding professional life. l

WHAT I HAVE GAINED?
1] TIME
a] Time for myself


The most valuable gain is the time for myself. I am free to choose what I want to do rather than what I have to do. I am free to alter my schedule to suit my other engagements, programme etc even at the last minute. I am only answerable to my inner voice. Daily wakeup time, bed time may be changed to suit my engagements. I am able to spend time for my school time hobby to collect stamps (Philately),  participated in district level and state level exhibitions, apart from winning medals, earn name and fame, broad coverage was given by print and electronic media. There is more than enough time to remain in solitude, introspect with, conscious breath. to remain in solitude is indeed is a great boon for seniors like us wherein we realize our shortcomings, egoism. Silence in solitude motivates us to become compassionate with love and empathy. I am able to express my opinion on social issues, written more than 300 critics, which are published in State  and National level newspapers , and it is continuing.  Two Appreciation letter, for best letter writing was given by the leading news paper of eastern India PRABHAT KHABAR. Got a chance to work as moderator in SBIAPA Bengal circle, and able solve many queries raised by the fellow pensioners.

 

 

MY published article:

Second Inning Magazine, SBI Central Office, Mumbai on many issues.

Annual Magazine TARPAN, published by Govt of Bihar on the occasion of Pitripaksh.

Monthly Magazine KENDRA BHARATI, published by Vivekananda Kendra –MY article almost every month.

INDIAN RAILWAY  – Monthly magazine by Indian Railways.

Patliputra News Letter quarterly magazine published by SBI Patna LHO

Letter to editor; Critics published in Hindustan times, Prabhat Khbar, Business standard Hindi (Almost Daily),Telegraph etc.

And there are so many small articles in news papers and various Blogs/face book etc.

Many senior citizens whom I meet  gives me food for thought, while rejuvenating my spirit and self belief. I have ample time for leisurely reading various magazines Another most valuable asset is that I have established contact with citizens/ pensioners with different life style people ,retired from various department, to whom I got a chance to serve during my service period. It is really soul satisfying to meet people with alternate interest and learn from them and exchange views . I have been fortunate to become a member of HELPAGE INDIA AND INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY, Association of Senior citizens associations of Bihar, SBI Pensioners association etc:

THE ART OF LISTENING:

The value of this art I have realized only after retirement. Listening to various people, they are happy after having expressed their sufferings opinion in their own words and develop confidence in me . I am also able to understand their character, behaviOr, temperament etc. I am also becoming more mature and influences me to develop compassion, and care.
Quite likely the lingering I ego in me will be got rid of soon. I have learn a lot and still learning .Slowly I have become to respect others opinion and views and not trying to contradict them

STRESS FREE LIFE:

For a Banker  there was always a stress. Now I don’t worry when cell phone or the front door bell rings. In fact I sleep better undisturbed and wake up fresh. I have leisurely meals enjoying every bite of it as such my digestion and bowel habits are at ease.

Over the last 40 years of professional carrier I have developed wide circle. To maintain the rapport and the confidence of my grateful friends continue to hear them and try to help as an when needed. I am happy for them.

 

About Author

ANIL K SAXENA

 RETIRED BRANCH MANAGER, STATE BANK OF INDIA, SHREE RADHA SADAN, HOUSE 273, A.P. COLONY, GAYA – 823001 

MOB 9431272010 

Email saxenaak273@yahoo.co.in

'Ageing is not the problem. Our failure to adapt is'

Putting the care of our elderly in private hands is a touchy subject. But Paul Hogan believes that the State alone can’t cope with a demographic timebomb, he tells Paul O’Donoghue.

Caring for an elderly grandmother inspired Paul Hogan’s business idea

Although many social campaigners would argue that everyone should be well cared for by the State in old age, the founder of Home Instead Senior Care (HISC) takes a more pragmatic view.

"I don't think that there is anything wrong with the ideology that people shouldn't be left behind, but ideology has to catch up to reality."

He points out the ageing population in many countries, with Ireland being a prime example. Barely a week goes by without some variation of the so-called elderly "financial timebomb" story: the estimated spiralling cost of caring for our ever-increasing number of elderly citizens.

A forecast from the Central Statistics Office in 2013 estimated that over the next three decades the number of over-65s could almost triple to 1.4 million.

By 2046 there could be up to 560,000 more older people than under-14s compared to 2011 when there 976,600 young people compared to 531,600 older. This phenomenon is not unique to Ireland: Western populations are aging as workers who retire are living longer and an ever-shrinking pool of younger workers is coming through to replace them.

"Government can't possibly keep up with the need. There's just not enough social funding," said Hogan. "But it has opened up huge opportunities for the private sector. We need to adapt. Ageing is not the problem, our failure to adapt is the problem."

His answer was HISC, a multinational network of franchises that provides non-medical in home care for the elderly with the aim of letting them live at home for as long as possible. After starting in the US a little over 20 years ago, HISC has built up a worldwide network with more than 1,000 franchise outlets.

In Ireland the firm employs about 300 full-time staff across more than 20 outlets. It also has about 3,500 employees who work an average of 15 hours a week and is now celebrating its tenth year on our shores.

As he touts HISC as a practical solution to a practical problem, the natural assumption would be that Paul would have started the chain after seeing a gap in the market and seizing on it. However, he said that the genesis of the company came about when his family had to care for his 88-year-old grandmother.

"She was living down the street and started getting so weak that she couldn't get out of her own chair any more. She was in a state where she looked like she was very near the end," he said.

"My mom and her siblings got together and decided on two things: one, that there would be no nursing home. It was sort of a promise, that you raised us in a home, we're gonna make it possible for you to age in yours. The second thing we decided was that my mom would bring her home and we would all chip in and keep her comfortable at home."

He said that when she moved into their home, the family thought that she might live for another year or so.

A decade later and she was still in the house.

"That one year turned into 11 years. She regained her strength [and] her independence. We saw first hand that you didn't have to be a doctor or a nurse to have a huge impact on someone's health," he says. "We saw it first hand that it worked: she got a whole other decade of life and regained her will to live. So we set out to do for others what my family did for my grandmother." Paul and his wife Lori started HISC several years later from their home in Nebraska.

Paul had already worked at a Merry Maids residential cleaning outlet; a subsidiary of one of the world's largest service networks the ServiceMaster Company, and so had some previous franchising experience. After first proving that the business was viable with a location in Omaha, the couple then awarded Lori's uncle the first franchise licence for the business one year later.

"I also had two of my college roommates who were very interested in the business and several Merry Maids franchise owners approached me. The business concept and the idea of serving senior citizens attracted attention sort of organically, [so] we expanded a bit more through a handful of those people and then it went on from there and inquiries started coming in from all across the country," Hogan said.

The franchise now has well over 500 locations in the US alone, has a presence in 16 countries and generates almost $1bn in revenue. Hogan said that one of the key differences between the Irish and US markets is the fact that it is possible to claim tax relief on the cost of employing a carer, up to a maximum amount of €75,000 which he says makes the service more affordable.

"We don't have that in the US. I'd like to see it in the US to provide some release for families who are paying for this type of care because we know from our research that better care at home leads to lower medical expenses," he said.

In regards to international measures that could benefit Ireland, Paul said the Government should look at introducing measures that would allow seniors to decide for themselves how best to spend necessary funds.

"Australia has implemented a programme where the government doesn't tell seniors what they need, they give them resources to spend on their own care and they decide how to spend it," he said.

"Sometimes the family needs the funds for medication, sometimes for homecare and they can choose which measure best fits them. There is not that degree of choice in Ireland."

The issue of cost is one that comes up frequently when discussing home care for elderly people. Earlier this week the charity Alone, which provides services for older people in need, said that over one third of older people in long-term nursing homes have low or medium dependency needs, saying that funding for home help has been cut by €1.6m since 2011.

However, Paul is convinced that State funding is not the answer despite saying that an average customer of HISC would spend "about €1,400-€1,800 a month".

When it is put to him that the cost could be a barrier to some senior citizens, he conceded: "Sure, this is a stretch for many seniors, but for many of our clients it is the family working together to make this happen.

"Sometimes we have a senior who can afford to pay for it themselves and sometimes there is a family member who says that they will pay for it.

"Maybe a couple of family members will pool their money to get enough care for some respite [because] we don't replace the family, we supplement the family."

Despite the cost Paul is convinced that private care for the elderly is a viable part of the solution to aging populations. So much so that he plans on availing of it himself.

When asked if he will use senior home care when he hits old age he leans forward with a grin and asks "Why do you think I started the company?

"Home is where it's at. We cannot underestimate the value of familiar surroundings. I may not be able to remember that I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich today, but I know where I can find the bread. That's the value of familiar surroundings."

Indo Business

Source: http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/ageing-is-not-the-problem-our-failure-to-adapt-is-31326908.html 

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

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

‘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.