Latest news with #HelpAgeIndia
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Ungrowing old: How seniors are tackling loneliness
CHENNAI: Since retiring, N Ramakrishna has turned RK Nagar Park into more than just his morning walk route. It's now his stand-up stage. Every Saturday, notebook in hand, the 83-year-old performs for a small group of seniors, cracking jokes about everything from joint pain to politics. 'My jokes are mostly anecdotal talking about imaginary awkward situations I've been in. I look forward to the open mic all week,' he says, adding that he now looks for a punchline in everything from doctor visits to daily errands. While a recent HelpAge India report says that nearly 50% of elders, especially those above 80 and living alone, cite loneliness as the most common negative feeling associated with ageing, a growing number of seniors in the city, such as Ramakrishna, are refusing to let isolation define their later years, choosing instead to build their own little communities around shared interests. From board games in community halls to pottery studio sessions, they're taking every effort to stay socially and emotionally connected. RK Nagar Park association regularly hosts music sessions, TED-style talks, knowledge-sharing sessions, and informal debates, besides open mic programmes. They also facilitate an alternative community living setup by running daycares that serve as hangout joints for seniors. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai T he Dignity Foundation, an organisation that works for the welfare and care of the elderly, says more elders are signing up for Tai Chi, basket weaving, carrom and pallanguzhi. 'I sign up so I can interact with people my own age. Every evening, I go home looking forward to the next day's meet up,' says Sivagami V, a 74-year old resident of Beach Road who leaves home at 7.30am as part of the foundation's day care pro gramme. 'I live alone, and the loneliness can be over powering at times. But here there's someone to ask me how I am doing, and I'm grateful.' 'We promote intergenerational events as well, like we recently held a fashion show where seniors walked the ramp wearing designs put together by youngsters from the National Institute of Fashion Technology,' says Merita Joseph, chapter head of the Dignity Foundation in Chennai. 'It was ex citing,' says Nir mala Krishnaswamy, one of the models. 'Walking along with my husband on the ramp was such a special moment.' Merita says that when The Dignity Foundation was established 27 years ago, it had a magazine by seniors for seniors where it was mostly health and wellness that was discussed. 'Over the years it has become more about creating spaces for seniors to meet each other and 'hang out' because we realised that was what they needed more, a sense of belonging,' she says. Today, the Foundation's programmes have also been extended to underprivileged communities free of cost. Gated communities are also going the extra mile by creating exclusive seniors' clubs. Alliance Galleria Residences in Pallavaram has more than 500 members in its seniors' club, where elders celebrate observance days and go on trips together. 'My daughter lives overseas and I live alone here,' says Usha Raghothaman, a resident. 'Initially, I felt cooped up as I had no friends to meet and didn't have anyone who could take me outside. Since I've joined the club, I have been to Yelagiri to celebrate Valentine's Day, Kanjeevaram on temple tours, and visits to beaches in the city. This group has become an ex tended family for me,' says the 76-year-old. NUMBERS TALK 1. 73% of elders believe technology can help them connect with youth, but only 13% use digital tools like social media, email, or video calling 2. 87% of youth and 84% of elders said discussing personal matters is their main mode of connection Source: HelpAge India INBO Report 2025
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Experts stress importance of early identification of elder abuse signs
The importance of early identification of signs of elder abuse was stressed during a day-long programme organised by the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jipmer and Help Age India, in connection with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 recently. According to a press note, the 2025 edition of the observance, themed, 'Be Bold: Age with Attitude,' aimed at sensitising the senior citizens, public and caregivers to the growing concern of elder abuse and the importance of prevention, reporting, and offering legal protection. G. Venugopalan, Associate Professor, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jipmer, who elaborated on the forms of elder abuse and risk factors, stressed the need for early identification and timely intervention. Fromsi Lukose, Social Service Officer, focused on various prevention strategies and highlighted the role of families, caregivers, and society in creating a safe and respectful environment for the elderly. She also stressed the importance of empowering older persons to speak up and seek help when needed. Addressing a session on legal aspects and social protection of elders, Venugopal Ramalingam, Director, HelpAge India, Puducherry and Cuddalore, outlined the several legal provisions and support systems available for protection of the elderly and urged stakeholders to utilise them effectively. As part of the programme, educational handouts were distributed to promote awareness on elder abuse prevention and the helpline 14567. The pamphlets illustrated the various ways in which the problem manifests — physical harm, emotional harassment, deprivation, verbal and nonverbal abuse causing mental distress, and financial or sexual forms of abuse. Among the typical signs of elder abuse are unexplained injuries or bruises, changes in behaviour or mood, financial distress, poor hygiene or nutrition and isolation from friends and family. Victims were also urged to report instances of abuse to doctors, social workers, or NGOs. Around 80 elderly people and their caregivers benefited from the event, the press note said.
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Elderly-focussed health care is a demographic imperative
India stands at a critical demographic crossroads — by 2050, the share of the elderly in the national population will double from 10.1% (2021) to 20.8%, fundamentally reshaping our social fabric and health care needs. This shift will disproportionately affect women and the oldest-old as they form increasingly larger proportions of this population. Our elderly already navigate a health care landscape filled with formidable barriers: Limited access to health care services, shortage of experts in geriatric care, fragmented delivery, inadequate elder-friendly systems, lack of independent financial reserves, and low health-seeking behaviours. For rural seniors, these challenges intensify dramatically. The Longitudinal Age Survey of India (LASI) data reveal that 31% must travel more than 30 kilometres simply to access basic medical attention — an arduous journey for those with limited mobility and resources. One can't ignore the gender dynamics wherein women over 49 find themselves virtually invisible in medical care planning. India must create a comprehensive, dignity-centred, integrated health care ecosystem for the elderly. Over 70% of India's seniors struggle with chronic diseases, with nearly a quarter navigating the complexity of multiple conditions. In the absence of a health care delivery system that is designed to facilitate easy availability, accessibility of treatment and management, the result is a cascade of preventable complications that diminish independence and dignity, while straining already limited health care resources. India's elderly face a health care ecosystem marked by structural gaps. A majority of the health care services are scattered and disjointed, leading to lack of coordination, duplication of services, and poor outcomes. The specialised care gap is particularly indefensible. Rural India faces an even more dire reality, with over 70% of community health centres missing essential specialists. Meanwhile, financial vulnerability transforms health care gaps from challenging to catastrophic. Over 40% of our elderly fall within the poorest wealth quintile, while nearly one-fifth survive without any income whatsoever. A HelpAge India report highlights that approximately 75% of elderly women have no personal financial reserves — a finding that exposes a gendered dimension of ageing. With more than half of these women never having participated in formal employment, we are witnessing the compounded effects of lifetime economic exclusion. This economic precarity directly impacts health outcomes, as regular treatment for non-communicable diseases — often excluded from special schemes or individual insurance coverage — becomes financially unsustainable. Perhaps most troubling is our collective neglect of elderly mental health. The LASI report found that depression rates are 10 times higher than self-reported. The diagnosed cases signify not just an unattended medical need but a profound social one. We have normalised the suffering of our elders, accepting their isolation and despair as inevitable byproducts of ageing rather than addressable health concerns. How can we reconcile our cultural reverence for elders with the harsh realities they face? Our current approach indicates two misconceptions. First, we have cast our elderly as passive recipients of care rather than potential contributors. Second, we have failed to conceptualise a longevity dividend that could benefit both seniors and society. Our policy frameworks — including the National Policy on Older Persons and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act — articulate high aspirations, yet millions of seniors go without regular treatment and essential medicines. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Insurance Scheme for Senior Citizens above 70 represent meaningful steps forward, offering annual health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh to 4.5 crore families regardless of the senior citizen's socio-economic status. However, expanding this coverage to encompass India's diverse elderly population in its entirety, constitutes an urgent policy imperative as the demographic transition accelerates. The stark reality that only 18% among those over 60 have health insurance reveals the vulnerability of our elderly. This coverage gap calls for immediate, comprehensive action. We must prioritise developing multi-tiered health care delivery systems that recognise the unique needs of the ageing population. This means establishing comprehensive networks that integrate specialised care including mental wellbeing with robust preventive and functional-ability-maintaining initiatives. The current reactive approach must give way to a proactive and preventive approach. For rural seniors especially, establishing district-level help desks for the elderly can provide crucial navigation assistance for those with limited mobility, resources, and digital literacy. Enabling telehealth utilisation, online appointment management, and virtual consultations for the elderly can also transform health care for the elderly. Many organisations in India have already piloted successful hybrid approaches that combine digital technology with human support systems. These changes should go hand-in-hand with elevating elderly voices from the margins to the centre of policy discussions. Anupama Datta is head (policy research & advocacy), and Ritu Rana is mission head (health care), HelpAge India. The views expressed are personal
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
HelpAge India calls for age-sensitisation right from school level
A study conducted across the country by HelpAge India has highlighted a concerning emotional disconnect between the youth and the elderly, despite the strength of family ties. Released ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, marked on June 15, the report – 'Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics & Perceptions on Ageing', has surveyed 5,800 respondents across 10 Indian cities, including Hyderabad. According to its findings, a majority of elderly (86%) feel valued, but many also experience emotional distance and exclusion from decision-making within families. As of 2025, people aged 60 and above account for 12% of the population, and it is projected to reach 19% by 2050. The study found that youth perceptions were complex, as many viewed elders as wise (51%) and respected (43%), and others saw them as lonely (56%) and dependent (48%). Both generations, however, agreed on the family's central role in elder care and expressed willingness to bridge divides— particularly through digital inclusion and shared activities. Only 5% of the elderly use services like online banking or health applications, and many cite confusion and fear of making errors. On digital illiteracy, youth also understand elders as disinterested. In the report, HelpAge India calls for age-sensitisation right from school level, digital programmes led by youth groups, and urged for better media responsibility in portraying ageing with dignity.
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
HelpAge India's national report on intergenerational dynamics highlights need for better bonds, more digital literacy
A national report, released by NGO HelpAge India on Friday, June 13, 2025, ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is marked on June 15, has revealed the need to improve intergenerational bonding between young and old people, for digital literacy among the elderly, and for increased awareness about available government schemes. The report, 'Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics & Perceptions on Ageing', is the result of a survey of over 5,700 respondents (70% youth in the 18 to 30 age group and 30% elderly in the above 60 age group) from 10 cities across India. Among the key findings was that while daily interaction levels were high -- two-thirds of those surveyed reported interactions at home; the frequency being higher in joint families and non-metro cities. Similarly, young persons and the elderly in non-metro cities reported stronger traditional values and intergenerational bonds, but also greater fears about ageing and a wider perceived generation gap. Interestingly, cultural norms of multi-generational co-residence still exist -- 88% of young people expected to live with family and 83% of seniors currently lived with or planned to move in with family. While children/grandchildren are still expected primary caregivers for the elderly, young people showed a higher inclination towards paid caregiving and assisted living, indicating a growing acceptance of non-familial support. Also, youth living in close proximity to elders reported higher 'stereotype negative bias' scores compared to those living further away, suggesting that frequent exposure doesn't automatically reduce traditional biases, the report noted. Fears were similar about old age amongst both generations: poor health and financial insecurity. Digital literacy and financial independence The survey found 71% of elderly persons using basic mobile phones, but only 41% owned a smartphone and just 13% used computers and the internet. Many found digital tools confusing. Lack of interest and insufficient instruction were found to be significant barriers. Nearly half of elders (45%) are financially independent, but a substantial 38% are partially dependent and 15% are fully dependent. This dependency is higher among older elders, women, and those with less education, the report stated. Awareness of schemes and healthcare Awareness of government Schemes is mixed: Elderly citizens show high awareness of monthly pensions (68%) and housing / ration schemes (63%), but significantly lower awareness of legal protection (35%), digital training (31%), and emergency helplines (31%), as per the report. A majority of elders (43%) described their health as 'fair,' 'poor,' or 'very poor.' Mobility problems (74%) and chronic pain (73%) were the most prevalent health issues. Significant assistance is needed for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) like transportation (74%) and managing money (70%), the report stated. Recommendations Among the recommendations by HelpAge India are public education and empathy workshops, including ageing sensitisation curricula in schools and colleges to foster practical empathy; youth-led 'digital buddy' programmes for one-on-one digital literacy, strengthening care infrastructure in communities and intergenerational programmes to enhance bonding. Panel discussion At a panel discussion held in Chennai during the launch of the report, Edwin Babu, director, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, HelpAge India, pointed out that with lifespans increasing, people in India were living longer, but not with necessarily better quality of lives. Money, he said, was a major concern, with an increasing number of young stating that they would not be able to financially support elderly members of the family. This, he added, was the primary reason for abandonment as well. V. Umadevi, joint director, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, T.N., spoke of the need to inculcate bonds between the young and the old from an early age and urged the youth to stay rooted to their families. She also noted that the government ran both old age homes and day-care centres for the elderly. G. Vanitha, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women and Children, Greater Chennai Police, cited cases of attacks on elderly citizens living alone and highlighted the importance of checking in on senior relatives, not leaving them unattended and teaching them to use emergency services including the Kaaval Uthavi App and the Bandhan helpline. David Sundar Singh, advocate, Madras High Court Legal Services Committee and M. Annadurai, president, Probus Club of Chennai also participated.
