INDIA: Business Chamber Hosts Session For Seniors

Senior citizens learn new lessons on life: Outreach programme was a mix of information regarding various issues, entertainment, health camps MUMBAI (Indian Express), November 26, 2007: ‘Life starts at 60’ they say, but starting anything automatically means having to face new problems. Many give in to these problems blaming it on physical complications. At an outreach programme organised by Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday, many agreed that problems due to old-age were more a mental challenge than a physical one. “Health issues are not directly related to ageing. I have heart patients who are just getting into their 30s. Although the immune system does get weaker as one ages, I believe that 70 per cent of diseases are generated in the mind,” said Dr Pushkar Shikarkhane who addressed a crowd of more than 200 senior citizens. The day-long programme was a mix of information regarding various issues— finance, health and nutrition, social, and psychological—coupled with entertainment and health checkup camps. Many senior citizens narrated their problems at the forum while others learnt of ways to tackle boredom and bridge the generation gap. “As elders we always expect everything to go our way at home. We expect complete obedience from our children and grandchildren, and when we don’t it we end up feeling dejected. The thumb rule is not to expect anyone to cater to us, and instead mingle with the younger generation and feel young in return,” said 65-year-old Sunita Gore, a participant. Various issues being faced by families, especially at a financial level, were openly discussed. Experts gave a talks on investments and made the audience aware of various financial concessions available to senior citizens. Discussing investment options Manoj Gajendragadkar said, “If a senior citizen wants to be self reliant, the best would be for them to apply for ‘reverse mortgage loan’ where every month the bank will pay the candidate an amount and the loan will be repaid to the bank on the borrower’s death or on their permanent movement, through sale of property.” Apart from financial and legal issues, health problems were also brought to the fore by practising doctors. “Including personal exercises in their everyday routine and social involvement is a must,” said Dr Harsha Purav who spoke on fitness. “Apart from addressing financial needs of senior citizens, governments should also think of geriatric health care as senior citizens are not covered under any health insurance scheme. There should also be an emergency helpline in case of any emergency situation arising and there is no one at home,” said Keshav Kulkarni (83), from Senior Citizens Association, of Mulund, northeast Mumbai. Also present at the event was actress Sonali Kulkarni with her parents. She told the audience of experiences she had had with her aging parents. © 2007 Indian Express Newspapers (Mumbai) Ltd.