To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15th June 2008, Silver Innings has taken the responsibility to address the issue of Elder Abuse by various programmes and this On Line Petition is one of the medium to create Awareness and Petition the Central and State Government and the Society at Large with the problem and recommendation.
This Petition is part of one month programme during June 2008 (1st June to 30th June) and a Initiative of Silver Innings, a organisation dedicated for Senior Citizens and their family members And promoted by INPEA (International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse), Indian Chapter; The Family Welfare Agency, Mumbai, ARDSI (Alzheimer’s Related Disorder Society of India), Mumbai Chapter, Society for Serving Seniors, Hyderabad, Shree Manav Seva Sangh, Mumbai, and AISCCON (All India Senior Citizens' Confederation).
We request you to sign this Online Petition and help us to STOP Elder Abuse – Click on the link or copy paste this link on the Address bar: http://silverinnings.com/wead%20petition.asp or visit www.silverinnings.com
Last date to sign this petition is 13th June 2008, so hurry and the sign the Petition. This petition will be presented to government on 14th June 2008.
Forward this mail to your friends, colleagues and family members and ask them to sign this Petition.
Thanks.
Warm Regards,Sailesh Mishra
Founder - Silver Innings,A dedicated Organisation for Elders and their Family MembersFounder – ARDSI, Greater Mumbai Support GroupAdvisor - Society for Serving SeniorsManaging Committee Member - ARDSI, Mumbai ChapterWebsite : www.silverinnings.com Blog: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot.com/
Join Silver Innings - Free: http://silverinnings.com/primary%20individual%20form.asp
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Silver Innings website 2nd Update
Silver Innings 2nd Update : 15thth May 2008
Dear Friends,
It’s our pleasure to bring to you the 2nd update of your website Silver Innings. Below are new articles recently posted on various sections. To read more you need to visit particular menu on the website http://www.silverinnings.com/ .Hope you enjoy this and send us your feedback at info@silverinnings.com .
We also invite articles of interest, inspiring short stories, jokes, reviews, etc. Please note publication is sole decision of web master and as per rules laid down by Silver Innings.
Ageing:
International
AGEING IN ASIA: A RAPID APPRAISAL
Worldwide, the emphasis of efforts aimed at helping older people is shifting. It is moving away from a welfare approach to a development approach that makes the elderly active participants in programs to help them live less poverty stricken, healthier and more socially supported lives.
HelpAge International targets 2005-2010
This paper sets out HelpAge International’s ambitions for 2005-2010. It is organised in eight ‘themes’ to provide a structure for HelpAge International to organise and monitor its work.
India
AGEING IN INDIA IN THE 21ST CENTURY: By Harmony
Ageing in India in the 21st Century: A Research Agenda is a country-specific report with special focus on priority areas and methodological issues.
List of MP’s in Rajya Sabha above 60 years
Successful Ageing
With age comes happiness
The study also found that baby boomers are not as content as other generations, African Americans are less happy than whites, men are less happy than women, happiness can rise and fall between eras, and that, with age the differences narrow.
What is successful ageing and who should define it?
A forward looking policy for older age would be a programme to promote successful ageing from middle age onwards, rather than simply aiming to support elderly people with chronic conditions.
Health/ Fitness
Physical
Arthritis - Info-Sheet for Seniors
There are many forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form and the most frequent joint disorder in seniors. It is also one of the major reasons why seniors limit their activities.
Joint pain should be controlled not ignored
Many of us assume that joint pain is a normal part of aging and therefore, the pain is likely here to stay. Nothing could be further from the truth, say medical professionals, especially with the advancement in treatment options that include exercise, foods, and alternative dietary supplements.
Mental
Are Your Loved one’s Memory Lapses Merely Awkward? Or Are They More Serious?
For the first time ever, your mother forgot your birthday. Back from a recent vacation, your father can’t recall what sites he visited.
Hard to achieve retirement peace and quiet
Apart from health issues, isn't anxiety supposed to diminish after retirement? Well, perhaps it does, or maybe it merely shifts focus.
Dementia & Alzheimer’s
8 Ways to Preserve Family Memories While You Can if Your Parent Has Alzheimer's
An often-overlooked reality of Alzheimer's is that your parent's memories and knowledge of family history will eventually disappear along with her personality. Fortunately this doesn't happen instantly.
End-Stage Dementia Patients Deserve Palliative Care
"We must act now to stop people with dementia from suffering from protracted, potentially uncomfortable and undignified deaths" says Jan Draper, Professor of Nursing for The Open University, UK.
Alzheimer's Disease: Tips for Maintaining a Normal Life
Living with Alzheimer's disease is a challenge for anyone.
Diet
Nutritional Recommendations For Seniors
Numerous benefits of a healthy diet and proper nutrition include: increased mental acuteness; resistance to illness and disease; higher energy levels; a more robust immune system; faster recuperation times, and; better management of chronic health problems.
Lifestyle
Transportation Options for Older Adults
Have you ever thought about what would happen if the transportation you use is no longer an option? How would you continue to maintain your independence so that you could continue with your daily routines?
When making a move might improve your life
As people age, and especially if they have chronic health conditions, at some point they’re likely to find that their current home no longer suits their lifestyle or their needs.
LIVING ON THE EDGE
We humans are always waiting for something to happen in our life and then we decide to make ourselves feel happy. Happiness is a state of mind which we can choose to have all the time. By Dr.Swaati Dhawan.
Finance:
Plan &Act
You’ve reached age 60, but are you financially ready to retire in the next 2 to 6 years? If not, you are not alone. A growing number of people will work well beyond retirement age, not because they want to, but because they have to in order to meet living expenses.
Elder Law:
International
Age Related Policies: A Global Review on Age Discrimination Legislation
Age discrimination is an important issue for older people as it can result in unequal treatment or service.
India
GRAY MATTERS: ELDER SUPPORT IN INDIA AND THE U.S.
This is International Team Project – India: Northwestern University School of Law, USA, Spring 2008.Also see comments of Sailesh Mishra, Founder of Silver Innings
Relationship
Parents and Grandparents
Facing Loneliness As You Get Older
Human beings are social by nature--they thrive on meaningful social interactions with others.
Parent Connection
When it comes to contentment we have a lot to learn from seniors. As I was growing up in a rural community, spending time with grandparents was a greater blessing than I then realized.
EMOTIONAL ISSUES AT RETIREMENT AND HOW TO TACKLE THE SAME
With one elderly in every twelve, India is poised to become the second largest hub of seniors in the world. By Gerontologist Amruta Lovekar, Silver Innings Team
Directory
Eyes Banks in Mumbai
Organisation working for Elderly in Asia – Pacific
Hobbies and Activities
Activities
Live & Learn
As a matter of personality and lifestyle, I never do what I’m told. So far, so good. I’m sure I’ll screw it up one of these days.
Thanks for giving your valuable time, see you soon with next update.
Team Silver Innings
http://www.silverinnings.com/
Do visit Blog: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot.com/
Did you join Silver Innings, Ask your friends to Join – its Free: http://silverinnings.com/primary%20individual%20form.asp
Team Silver Innings
http://www.silverinnings.com/
Do visit Blog: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot.com/
Did you join Silver Innings, Ask your friends to Join – its Free: http://silverinnings.com/primary%20individual%20form.asp
Sunday, May 18, 2008
83-year-old to get Masters Degree from IGNOU
At 83, Delhi's Dinesh Chandra Gupta has completed his post graduation in Hindi and is set to be awarded a degree shortly.
He is one of the oldest students of the open university, IGNOU's students registration and evaluation division Registrar Dr Srikant Mohapatra said today.
Mr Gupta, who has authored 10 books, would be awarded the Masters Degree at the forthcoming convocation of the university.
His book "Budhaapa Kitna Khatta Kitna Meetha" has been sent to old age homes by the centre.
The author-cum-journalist has organised several eye donation camps and at present is the president of a charitable educational trust.
UNI
He is one of the oldest students of the open university, IGNOU's students registration and evaluation division Registrar Dr Srikant Mohapatra said today.
Mr Gupta, who has authored 10 books, would be awarded the Masters Degree at the forthcoming convocation of the university.
His book "Budhaapa Kitna Khatta Kitna Meetha" has been sent to old age homes by the centre.
The author-cum-journalist has organised several eye donation camps and at present is the president of a charitable educational trust.
UNI
Indian Insurance cos calculate running age for premium
Senior citizens, who are already grappling with steep premium rate hikes, have yet another reason to be miffed with the controversial health insurance sector.
In what could perhaps be a first instance of its kind, last year, a public sector insurer started calculating and charging premium on the basis of an insurance applicant’s running age, against the normal practice of completed age.
Mumbai’s B K Shah, himself a medical practitioner, discovered this when he applied for his Mediclaim policy renewal. “In a nutshell,’’ says Shah, “when I went for renewal at the New India Assurance Company in October, the policy showed up my age as 74, although it should have been 73... I was told that they had introduced a ‘running age’ concept.’’
Shah says he thus had to shell out a higher loading (increase) on the premium than if his actual age were taken into account. He paid Rs 700 extra. “With this additional amount, my renewal premium rose to a total of Rs 23,052 last year from Rs 11,053 in 2006.’’
Subsequently, Shah made a right to information (RTI) application, which confirmed the company had shifted to this structure since August 16, 2007, “as a corporate decision’’. Bimalendu Chakrabarti, CMD at New India Assurance, corroborates this development.
The RTI document assured that as and when the policy was due for renewal, policyholders would be intimated along with premium calculation. Shah denies receiving any such intimation. The document also mentioned that “the product" was approved by the sectoral watchdog, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda). Shah now approached the Irda to verify the claim.
“I received a ridiculous reply that the method of calculating age is an internal underwriting issue to be decided by the concerned insurer.’’ In the absence of Irda chairman C S Rao, who retired earlier this week, a detailed discussion on the subject was not possible.
However, an Irda official admits that the regulator has not issued specific instructions in this regard. “Most companies follow (the concept of) completed age and one follows running age... Companies’ policies are disclosed in their documents.’’ Another official adds, “In a detariffed market, the premium has to be decided by the insurance company.’’
The ombudsman’s office too washes its hands of the issue. “This is not an area of dispute. We don’t look at issues such as age. We come into the picture only when a claim is denied,’’ says an official. Blaming this laxity for the situation, K S (Kaka) Samant, general secretary at the General Insurance Pensioners’ Association, Western Zone, says: “Since the Irda has not taken any objection, it is taken as a sign of approval.’’
The consumer organisations TOI spoke to said this was a case of commercial considerations overriding logic. As Mumbai activist Jehangir Gai asks, “Would someone who is 17 and running 18 be allowed to vote?’’
Shah also made RTI requests to other public sector general insurers, Oriental Insurance Company, United India Insurance Company and National Insurance Company. They charge premium according to the applicant’s actual age.
Courtesy: www.timesofindia.com
In what could perhaps be a first instance of its kind, last year, a public sector insurer started calculating and charging premium on the basis of an insurance applicant’s running age, against the normal practice of completed age.
Mumbai’s B K Shah, himself a medical practitioner, discovered this when he applied for his Mediclaim policy renewal. “In a nutshell,’’ says Shah, “when I went for renewal at the New India Assurance Company in October, the policy showed up my age as 74, although it should have been 73... I was told that they had introduced a ‘running age’ concept.’’
Shah says he thus had to shell out a higher loading (increase) on the premium than if his actual age were taken into account. He paid Rs 700 extra. “With this additional amount, my renewal premium rose to a total of Rs 23,052 last year from Rs 11,053 in 2006.’’
Subsequently, Shah made a right to information (RTI) application, which confirmed the company had shifted to this structure since August 16, 2007, “as a corporate decision’’. Bimalendu Chakrabarti, CMD at New India Assurance, corroborates this development.
The RTI document assured that as and when the policy was due for renewal, policyholders would be intimated along with premium calculation. Shah denies receiving any such intimation. The document also mentioned that “the product" was approved by the sectoral watchdog, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda). Shah now approached the Irda to verify the claim.
“I received a ridiculous reply that the method of calculating age is an internal underwriting issue to be decided by the concerned insurer.’’ In the absence of Irda chairman C S Rao, who retired earlier this week, a detailed discussion on the subject was not possible.
However, an Irda official admits that the regulator has not issued specific instructions in this regard. “Most companies follow (the concept of) completed age and one follows running age... Companies’ policies are disclosed in their documents.’’ Another official adds, “In a detariffed market, the premium has to be decided by the insurance company.’’
The ombudsman’s office too washes its hands of the issue. “This is not an area of dispute. We don’t look at issues such as age. We come into the picture only when a claim is denied,’’ says an official. Blaming this laxity for the situation, K S (Kaka) Samant, general secretary at the General Insurance Pensioners’ Association, Western Zone, says: “Since the Irda has not taken any objection, it is taken as a sign of approval.’’
The consumer organisations TOI spoke to said this was a case of commercial considerations overriding logic. As Mumbai activist Jehangir Gai asks, “Would someone who is 17 and running 18 be allowed to vote?’’
Shah also made RTI requests to other public sector general insurers, Oriental Insurance Company, United India Insurance Company and National Insurance Company. They charge premium according to the applicant’s actual age.
Courtesy: www.timesofindia.com
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Importance of Counseling for Caregivers
Caregivers are in a unique position to provide care for the physical, mental and spiritual needs of parents and other loved ones. However, who cares for the caregiver’s needs? Caregiving is a mentally and physically demanding task (and often thankless) that takes its toll, not only in aching muscles and bones, but also in the psyche and spirit. Understanding the need for counseling, when necessary, helps caregivers to maintain quality of care and positive outlooks when charged with another's care.
The Necessity of Counseling
Many caregivers go through periods of stress, depression, and frustration. These are normal human responses. Feeling them does not in any way mean that a caregiver is inadequate. Most caregivers pour their heart and soul into their task, and the emotional toll can sometimes be quite devastating.
When asked about signs of caregiver "burnout" or stress, Shawn Hertz, of the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center says, "They become more resentful… there are quite a few red flags, and they cut across medical symptoms, physical symptoms, psychological symptoms and social symptoms. That's the important thing to remember about stress: it doesn't just affect one aspect of our lives. It affects all the major aspects of our lives that make us a whole person."
Caregivers who receive regular emotional support are much more apt to be able to handle difficult decisions, situations, and to help clarify needs of care receivers. Whether such emotional support is personal, through one-on-one contact with a supervisor, counselor, religious member of the community, or group support, the availability of counseling may prove invaluable to maintaining high-quality care.
Caring for loved ones often brings caregivers a great sense of accomplishment, but at times, overwhelming demands may affect a caregiver's physical condition, in addition to many other aspects of their life. It is not uncommon for caregivers to occasionally feel anger, frustration, and then grow anxious or guilty for those feelings.
One of the most devastating effects of the demands of caregiving, however, is depression. The Family Caregiver Alliance has estimated that nearly 20 percent of family caregivers suffer from some form of depression, and that over 40 percent of caregivers of Alzheimer's patients suffer from mild to moderate stages of depression during and after extended periods of care.
Of course, not all caregivers will suffer from depression, anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy, but for those who do, learning how to understand and address those feelings is one of the greatest benefits of counseling.
Read More here: http://www.agingcare.com/Featured-Stories/126208/The-Importance-of-Counseling-for-Caregivers.htm
The Necessity of Counseling
Many caregivers go through periods of stress, depression, and frustration. These are normal human responses. Feeling them does not in any way mean that a caregiver is inadequate. Most caregivers pour their heart and soul into their task, and the emotional toll can sometimes be quite devastating.
When asked about signs of caregiver "burnout" or stress, Shawn Hertz, of the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center says, "They become more resentful… there are quite a few red flags, and they cut across medical symptoms, physical symptoms, psychological symptoms and social symptoms. That's the important thing to remember about stress: it doesn't just affect one aspect of our lives. It affects all the major aspects of our lives that make us a whole person."
Caregivers who receive regular emotional support are much more apt to be able to handle difficult decisions, situations, and to help clarify needs of care receivers. Whether such emotional support is personal, through one-on-one contact with a supervisor, counselor, religious member of the community, or group support, the availability of counseling may prove invaluable to maintaining high-quality care.
Caring for loved ones often brings caregivers a great sense of accomplishment, but at times, overwhelming demands may affect a caregiver's physical condition, in addition to many other aspects of their life. It is not uncommon for caregivers to occasionally feel anger, frustration, and then grow anxious or guilty for those feelings.
One of the most devastating effects of the demands of caregiving, however, is depression. The Family Caregiver Alliance has estimated that nearly 20 percent of family caregivers suffer from some form of depression, and that over 40 percent of caregivers of Alzheimer's patients suffer from mild to moderate stages of depression during and after extended periods of care.
Of course, not all caregivers will suffer from depression, anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy, but for those who do, learning how to understand and address those feelings is one of the greatest benefits of counseling.
Read More here: http://www.agingcare.com/Featured-Stories/126208/The-Importance-of-Counseling-for-Caregivers.htm
Silver Innings Invites Essay on Elder Abuse: Last date 20th May
Dear Friends,
SILVER INNINGS ''www.silverinnings.com'' Invites an Essay of 500 words only, with regards to following topic.The Last date for submission is by midnight of 20th May 2008. Mail your essay on or before 20th May 2008 to info@silverinnings.com
"What is perception of society regarding Elder Abuse and what are your recommendation to Stop It".
Pls note best Three (3) essay will be published in Website www.silverinnings.com and Blogs: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot.com/ .
Also note that all the essay will be used by Silver Innings as database/paper presentation for our strategy to Tackle Elder Abuse.The verdict of Founder and Webmaster will be final for the selection of best three(3) essay and for publication.
The winner will be Announced after 31st May 2008.
Warm Regards,Sailesh Mishra
Founder - Silver Innings,A dedicated Website for Elders and their Family Members
Join Silver Innings - Free: http://silverinnings.com/primary%20individual%20form.asp
SILVER INNINGS ''www.silverinnings.com'' Invites an Essay of 500 words only, with regards to following topic.The Last date for submission is by midnight of 20th May 2008. Mail your essay on or before 20th May 2008 to info@silverinnings.com
"What is perception of society regarding Elder Abuse and what are your recommendation to Stop It".
Pls note best Three (3) essay will be published in Website www.silverinnings.com and Blogs: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot.com/ .
Also note that all the essay will be used by Silver Innings as database/paper presentation for our strategy to Tackle Elder Abuse.The verdict of Founder and Webmaster will be final for the selection of best three(3) essay and for publication.
The winner will be Announced after 31st May 2008.
Warm Regards,Sailesh Mishra
Founder - Silver Innings,A dedicated Website for Elders and their Family Members
Join Silver Innings - Free: http://silverinnings.com/primary%20individual%20form.asp
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Common drugs may lead to physical slowdown in elderly
Elderly people who took anticholinergics, a commonly prescribed group of drugs for incontinence, allergy or high blood pressure may experience slowdown in their daily physical activities, said a U.S. study as quoted by media reports Sunday.
The elderly who took anticholinergic drugs that block acetylcholine functioned less well than their peers, said researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine Medicine in North Carolina.
Anticholinergic drugs work by stopping acetylcholine, a chemical that enhances communication between nerve cells in the brain, from binding to its receptors in nerve cells.
"These results were true even in older adults who have normal memory and thinking abilities," said study author Dr. Kaycee M. Sink in a prepared statement.
"The effect is essentially that of a three- to four-year increase in age. So someone who is 75 in our study and taking at least one moderately anticholinergic medication is at a similar functional level to a 78 to 79-year-old," Sink said in an e-mail.
Common anticholinergic medicines cited in the study included the blood pressure medication nifedipine (Adalat or Procardia), the stomach antacid ranitidine (Zantac) and the incontinence medication tolterodine (Detrol).
The reseach, presented at American Geriatrics Society Meeting in Washington, studied 3,000 people of whom 40 percent were taking more than one anticholinergic drug.
The latest findings support Sink's earlier study this month in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in which she found that older nursing home residents who took drugs for dementia and incontinence at the same time had a 50 percent faster decline in function than those treated only for dementia.
The two studies suggest that physicians should carefully consider the implications when prescribing anticholingeric medications to older adults.
Source : http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/04/content_8097809.htm
The elderly who took anticholinergic drugs that block acetylcholine functioned less well than their peers, said researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine Medicine in North Carolina.
Anticholinergic drugs work by stopping acetylcholine, a chemical that enhances communication between nerve cells in the brain, from binding to its receptors in nerve cells.
"These results were true even in older adults who have normal memory and thinking abilities," said study author Dr. Kaycee M. Sink in a prepared statement.
"The effect is essentially that of a three- to four-year increase in age. So someone who is 75 in our study and taking at least one moderately anticholinergic medication is at a similar functional level to a 78 to 79-year-old," Sink said in an e-mail.
Common anticholinergic medicines cited in the study included the blood pressure medication nifedipine (Adalat or Procardia), the stomach antacid ranitidine (Zantac) and the incontinence medication tolterodine (Detrol).
The reseach, presented at American Geriatrics Society Meeting in Washington, studied 3,000 people of whom 40 percent were taking more than one anticholinergic drug.
The latest findings support Sink's earlier study this month in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in which she found that older nursing home residents who took drugs for dementia and incontinence at the same time had a 50 percent faster decline in function than those treated only for dementia.
The two studies suggest that physicians should carefully consider the implications when prescribing anticholingeric medications to older adults.
Source : http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/04/content_8097809.htm
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