A group of elderly people at their meeting in one of the city gardens
The Maharashtra government has failed to fully utilise the funds earmarked by the Centre for welfare schemes of senior citizens under the ‘Maintenance and Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens’ Act 2007’. This has been stated in a status note by the Central government for a Planning Commission review meeting to be held soon, says a Sakal News Network report.
The respective states were expected to forward proposals through NGOs to avail of the funds for the welfare schemes like old age homes or health and social security schemes for senior citizens. Maharashtra figures in the list of 16 states which have not implemented the schemes effectively. Only 12 proposals were submitted by the state benefitting a mere 375 persons in 2008-09. In contrast, funds exceeding Rs 4 crore were distributed to states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, covering around 2000 to 6000 senior citizens.
When asked, city experts and NGOs flayed the government laxity in taking the Act ahead. Dr S D Gokhale, honorary president, International Longevity Centre (India) said, “The purpose of the law is to protect senior citizens from being neglected and encourage them to approach the court of law to seek justice. Already the Act has been made applicable in 8 states. In Maharashtra, the Act has been accepted but the rules are yet to be framed. We have urged the CM to take the necessary steps to enable the implementation of measures under the Act. Last year, some NGOs came together to set up a committee led by former bureaucrat B G Deshmukh and prepared a draft policy for the benefit of the government. But there has been no headway on that count also. I am not aware of the reason. Without formulating a policy for senior citizens and creating a machinery, it will be difficult to enforce the law effectively.”
The chairperson of Federation of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra, Madhukar Kulkarni, also expressed regret over the delay in formulating rules under the Act. He said, “We hope that the govt would finalise the rules within a month or two. However, Maharashtra does not lag behind as far as awareness about the issues concerning senior citizens is concerned. Actually, some provisions of the Act, like moving the court to seek maintenance from children, would be rarely used. Parents hardly come forward to lodge a complaint against their children. We have also proposed the establishment of Maharashtra Council for Older Persons, on the lines of National Council for Older Persons. The state government has approved it in principle, though the proposal has been pending for a long time. The NGOs working for senior citizens in the state are quite proactive. Total nine regional councils of our Federation and 1700 senior citizens’ organisations, which have sent a number of proposals to the government, are active in the state.”
The editor of Athashri magazine Dr Vishwas Mehendale said that in a city with around seven lakh population of senior citizens, there were only 140 clubs and 25 old age homes. He rued the poor financial status of the government-run old age homes, and the consequent lack of necessary facilities. Athashri Foundation runs a helpline (No 1091) for senior citizens. It receives average 7-8 calls per month regarding harassment by children.
Dr Vinod G. Shah, Chairman, Janseva Foundation, which has been running an old age home and day care centre for senior citizens, said, “The implementation of the Act will pave the way for several welfare measures like providing medical support for senior citizens, establishment of old age homes and day care centres. Existing old age homes in the state are not up to the mark. Very few of them provide 24 hour medical facility, others send the elderly to govt hospitals. Considering age-related health problems, minimum average expenditure per person per month is around Rs 1500 to 2000. In the draft policy, we have recommended opening day care centres in cities, with adequate medical facilities providing periodic health check ups, physiotherapy and entertainment. Rather than old age homes, we have recommended that older persons should be taken care of at homes. It will help senior citizens, particularly those from the rural areas.
LONELINESS IS JUST A STATE OF MIND
Nandkumar Swadi
Vice President , NRIPO (Non Resident Indians Parents Organisation)
How do you cope with loneliness and ageing problems?
Loneliness, in my view, is a state of mind. At some stage in your life it becomes necessary to accept that your children have their independent lives. That your child is overseas for his academic pursuits or a professional career should bring pride and happiness to the parents. Such parents must learn to take the situation in a positive manner. To mitigate loneliness, they should engage in any constructive activity that would keep their mind and body alert and active. This could be achieved by keeping oneself mentally and physically occupied in pursuing hobbies. Engage in social work, allow the society at large to share your experience, knowledge and expertise which would add to satisfaction and held you tide over the feeling of loneliness.
It is necessary to organise a system through which two members in the social group look after an ailing member during a medical emergency. At NRIPO we have a ‘One by Two’ scheme. An arrangement is made through which such ailing parent is looked after by other members till such time as their children arrive. NRIPO has also initiated two projects — Day Care Centre and Scheme for Assisted Living to provide care and comfort to members.
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES AFFECTING SENIOR CITIZENS?
There are certain macro level issues like visa formalities, claims with insurance companies regarding overseas insurance, discriminatory treatment at certain airports, natural calamities faced by their children, and economic slowdown.
- Rupkamal Sarma
YOU ARE AS YOUNG AS YOU TAKE YOURSELF TO BE, THEY BELIEVE
B F Khilnani,
Artist, 87 years
“I have never considered myself a senior citizen even though I am 87. Even today, I can travel by plane all by myself. Well, this is because I have never compromised with my health all these years. I wake up by 5 am, go for my daily walk, say my prayers and then continue with my work which includes playing on the harmonium and also writing down my thoughts. This city doesn’t have any arrangements for the benefit of the elderly. There are old age homes but they are not located near the city. You will find them mostly on the outskirts, so it becomes difficult for the elderly to go there. A lot of times elderly people get assaulted on roads with no one to protect them.”
DADA J P VASWANI
Spiritual Guru, 91 years
“I think I am more active today than I was 25 years ago. The energy is not mine. The energy flows into me from a source that, for want of a better word, we call God. All we have to do is to be in tune with the Higher Centre. One way of doing so is: practice of daily silence. Everyday, preferrably at the same time and at the same place, go and sit in silence and do your spiritual thinking. A stage will come when thoughts will cease and energy will start flowing into you. Another way is: doing selfless service. I do not move in the company of senior citizens and therefore know very little of their difficulties. I regard myself still as a teenager. You are as young as you take yourself to be.”
JAGANNATH SHETTY
Owner, Vaishali restaurant, 74 years
“Since I have been working from a very early age, keeping myself active comes naturally. Going to my restaurant has become a habit. I visit it daily like I used to earlier and never consider myself old to work. It's just that I don't go to Vaishali for money anymore. It's mainly to supervise and maintain the standard of the restaurant. Apart from that, I practise yoga and meditation everyday. I also play golf. As far as the issues of senior citizens in the city are concerned, I think there should be some facility for us in the queues for electricity bills, hospitals and other places.
HUSSAIN DALAL
Retired Computer Consultant, 78 years
I surf the net, cook and write poetry to keep myself active. I keep myself busy by reading articles on various topics and writing on them. If I come across something interesting and informative, I like to forward it to people in order to spread awareness and keep them updated. As for maintaining health, going for walks in the evening helps me keep fit. But the issue that each one of us, the senior citizens, faces is loneliness. I wish we had more senior citizen groups in the city. Also, lack of sufficient footpaths in the city makes it troublesome to walk on the roads, not to mention the erratic traffic. [rc]
With inputs by Akshata Shetty and Arwa Janjali
Sakaal Media Group © 2008
August 19, 2009
INDIA: Left in the Lurch
.
PUNE, Maharashtra / Sakaal Times / City Speak / August 19, 2009
By Supriya Shelar
A group of elderly people at their meeting in one of the city gardens
The Maharashtra government has failed to fully utilise the funds earmarked by the Centre for welfare schemes of senior citizens under the ‘Maintenance and Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens’ Act 2007’. This has been stated in a status note by the Central government for a Planning Commission review meeting to be held soon, says a Sakal News Network report.
The respective states were expected to forward proposals through NGOs to avail of the funds for the welfare schemes like old age homes or health and social security schemes for senior citizens. Maharashtra figures in the list of 16 states which have not implemented the schemes effectively. Only 12 proposals were submitted by the state benefitting a mere 375 persons in 2008-09. In contrast, funds exceeding Rs 4 crore were distributed to states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, covering around 2000 to 6000 senior citizens.
When asked, city experts and NGOs flayed the government laxity in taking the Act ahead. Dr S D Gokhale, honorary president, International Longevity Centre (India) said, “The purpose of the law is to protect senior citizens from being neglected and encourage them to approach the court of law to seek justice. Already the Act has been made applicable in 8 states. In Maharashtra, the Act has been accepted but the rules are yet to be framed. We have urged the CM to take the necessary steps to enable the implementation of measures under the Act. Last year, some NGOs came together to set up a committee led by former bureaucrat B G Deshmukh and prepared a draft policy for the benefit of the government. But there has been no headway on that count also. I am not aware of the reason. Without formulating a policy for senior citizens and creating a machinery, it will be difficult to enforce the law effectively.”
The chairperson of Federation of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra, Madhukar Kulkarni, also expressed regret over the delay in formulating rules under the Act. He said, “We hope that the govt would finalise the rules within a month or two. However, Maharashtra does not lag behind as far as awareness about the issues concerning senior citizens is concerned. Actually, some provisions of the Act, like moving the court to seek maintenance from children, would be rarely used. Parents hardly come forward to lodge a complaint against their children. We have also proposed the establishment of Maharashtra Council for Older Persons, on the lines of National Council for Older Persons. The state government has approved it in principle, though the proposal has been pending for a long time. The NGOs working for senior citizens in the state are quite proactive. Total nine regional councils of our Federation and 1700 senior citizens’ organisations, which have sent a number of proposals to the government, are active in the state.”
The editor of Athashri magazine Dr Vishwas Mehendale said that in a city with around seven lakh population of senior citizens, there were only 140 clubs and 25 old age homes. He rued the poor financial status of the government-run old age homes, and the consequent lack of necessary facilities. Athashri Foundation runs a helpline (No 1091) for senior citizens. It receives average 7-8 calls per month regarding harassment by children.
Dr Vinod G. Shah, Chairman, Janseva Foundation, which has been running an old age home and day care centre for senior citizens, said, “The implementation of the Act will pave the way for several welfare measures like providing medical support for senior citizens, establishment of old age homes and day care centres. Existing old age homes in the state are not up to the mark. Very few of them provide 24 hour medical facility, others send the elderly to govt hospitals. Considering age-related health problems, minimum average expenditure per person per month is around Rs 1500 to 2000. In the draft policy, we have recommended opening day care centres in cities, with adequate medical facilities providing periodic health check ups, physiotherapy and entertainment. Rather than old age homes, we have recommended that older persons should be taken care of at homes. It will help senior citizens, particularly those from the rural areas.
LONELINESS IS JUST A STATE OF MIND
Nandkumar Swadi
Vice President , NRIPO (Non Resident Indians Parents Organisation)
How do you cope with loneliness and ageing problems?
Loneliness, in my view, is a state of mind. At some stage in your life it becomes necessary to accept that your children have their independent lives. That your child is overseas for his academic pursuits or a professional career should bring pride and happiness to the parents. Such parents must learn to take the situation in a positive manner. To mitigate loneliness, they should engage in any constructive activity that would keep their mind and body alert and active. This could be achieved by keeping oneself mentally and physically occupied in pursuing hobbies. Engage in social work, allow the society at large to share your experience, knowledge and expertise which would add to satisfaction and held you tide over the feeling of loneliness.
It is necessary to organise a system through which two members in the social group look after an ailing member during a medical emergency. At NRIPO we have a ‘One by Two’ scheme. An arrangement is made through which such ailing parent is looked after by other members till such time as their children arrive. NRIPO has also initiated two projects — Day Care Centre and Scheme for Assisted Living to provide care and comfort to members.
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES AFFECTING SENIOR CITIZENS?
There are certain macro level issues like visa formalities, claims with insurance companies regarding overseas insurance, discriminatory treatment at certain airports, natural calamities faced by their children, and economic slowdown.
- Rupkamal Sarma
YOU ARE AS YOUNG AS YOU TAKE YOURSELF TO BE, THEY BELIEVE
B F Khilnani,
Artist, 87 years
“I have never considered myself a senior citizen even though I am 87. Even today, I can travel by plane all by myself. Well, this is because I have never compromised with my health all these years. I wake up by 5 am, go for my daily walk, say my prayers and then continue with my work which includes playing on the harmonium and also writing down my thoughts. This city doesn’t have any arrangements for the benefit of the elderly. There are old age homes but they are not located near the city. You will find them mostly on the outskirts, so it becomes difficult for the elderly to go there. A lot of times elderly people get assaulted on roads with no one to protect them.”
DADA J P VASWANI
Spiritual Guru, 91 years
“I think I am more active today than I was 25 years ago. The energy is not mine. The energy flows into me from a source that, for want of a better word, we call God. All we have to do is to be in tune with the Higher Centre. One way of doing so is: practice of daily silence. Everyday, preferrably at the same time and at the same place, go and sit in silence and do your spiritual thinking. A stage will come when thoughts will cease and energy will start flowing into you. Another way is: doing selfless service. I do not move in the company of senior citizens and therefore know very little of their difficulties. I regard myself still as a teenager. You are as young as you take yourself to be.”
JAGANNATH SHETTY
Owner, Vaishali restaurant, 74 years
“Since I have been working from a very early age, keeping myself active comes naturally. Going to my restaurant has become a habit. I visit it daily like I used to earlier and never consider myself old to work. It's just that I don't go to Vaishali for money anymore. It's mainly to supervise and maintain the standard of the restaurant. Apart from that, I practise yoga and meditation everyday. I also play golf. As far as the issues of senior citizens in the city are concerned, I think there should be some facility for us in the queues for electricity bills, hospitals and other places.
HUSSAIN DALAL
Retired Computer Consultant, 78 years
I surf the net, cook and write poetry to keep myself active. I keep myself busy by reading articles on various topics and writing on them. If I come across something interesting and informative, I like to forward it to people in order to spread awareness and keep them updated. As for maintaining health, going for walks in the evening helps me keep fit. But the issue that each one of us, the senior citizens, faces is loneliness. I wish we had more senior citizen groups in the city. Also, lack of sufficient footpaths in the city makes it troublesome to walk on the roads, not to mention the erratic traffic. [rc]
With inputs by Akshata Shetty and Arwa Janjali
Sakaal Media Group © 2008
A group of elderly people at their meeting in one of the city gardens
The Maharashtra government has failed to fully utilise the funds earmarked by the Centre for welfare schemes of senior citizens under the ‘Maintenance and Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens’ Act 2007’. This has been stated in a status note by the Central government for a Planning Commission review meeting to be held soon, says a Sakal News Network report.
The respective states were expected to forward proposals through NGOs to avail of the funds for the welfare schemes like old age homes or health and social security schemes for senior citizens. Maharashtra figures in the list of 16 states which have not implemented the schemes effectively. Only 12 proposals were submitted by the state benefitting a mere 375 persons in 2008-09. In contrast, funds exceeding Rs 4 crore were distributed to states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, covering around 2000 to 6000 senior citizens.
When asked, city experts and NGOs flayed the government laxity in taking the Act ahead. Dr S D Gokhale, honorary president, International Longevity Centre (India) said, “The purpose of the law is to protect senior citizens from being neglected and encourage them to approach the court of law to seek justice. Already the Act has been made applicable in 8 states. In Maharashtra, the Act has been accepted but the rules are yet to be framed. We have urged the CM to take the necessary steps to enable the implementation of measures under the Act. Last year, some NGOs came together to set up a committee led by former bureaucrat B G Deshmukh and prepared a draft policy for the benefit of the government. But there has been no headway on that count also. I am not aware of the reason. Without formulating a policy for senior citizens and creating a machinery, it will be difficult to enforce the law effectively.”
The chairperson of Federation of Senior Citizens of Maharashtra, Madhukar Kulkarni, also expressed regret over the delay in formulating rules under the Act. He said, “We hope that the govt would finalise the rules within a month or two. However, Maharashtra does not lag behind as far as awareness about the issues concerning senior citizens is concerned. Actually, some provisions of the Act, like moving the court to seek maintenance from children, would be rarely used. Parents hardly come forward to lodge a complaint against their children. We have also proposed the establishment of Maharashtra Council for Older Persons, on the lines of National Council for Older Persons. The state government has approved it in principle, though the proposal has been pending for a long time. The NGOs working for senior citizens in the state are quite proactive. Total nine regional councils of our Federation and 1700 senior citizens’ organisations, which have sent a number of proposals to the government, are active in the state.”
The editor of Athashri magazine Dr Vishwas Mehendale said that in a city with around seven lakh population of senior citizens, there were only 140 clubs and 25 old age homes. He rued the poor financial status of the government-run old age homes, and the consequent lack of necessary facilities. Athashri Foundation runs a helpline (No 1091) for senior citizens. It receives average 7-8 calls per month regarding harassment by children.
Dr Vinod G. Shah, Chairman, Janseva Foundation, which has been running an old age home and day care centre for senior citizens, said, “The implementation of the Act will pave the way for several welfare measures like providing medical support for senior citizens, establishment of old age homes and day care centres. Existing old age homes in the state are not up to the mark. Very few of them provide 24 hour medical facility, others send the elderly to govt hospitals. Considering age-related health problems, minimum average expenditure per person per month is around Rs 1500 to 2000. In the draft policy, we have recommended opening day care centres in cities, with adequate medical facilities providing periodic health check ups, physiotherapy and entertainment. Rather than old age homes, we have recommended that older persons should be taken care of at homes. It will help senior citizens, particularly those from the rural areas.
LONELINESS IS JUST A STATE OF MIND
Nandkumar Swadi
Vice President , NRIPO (Non Resident Indians Parents Organisation)
How do you cope with loneliness and ageing problems?
Loneliness, in my view, is a state of mind. At some stage in your life it becomes necessary to accept that your children have their independent lives. That your child is overseas for his academic pursuits or a professional career should bring pride and happiness to the parents. Such parents must learn to take the situation in a positive manner. To mitigate loneliness, they should engage in any constructive activity that would keep their mind and body alert and active. This could be achieved by keeping oneself mentally and physically occupied in pursuing hobbies. Engage in social work, allow the society at large to share your experience, knowledge and expertise which would add to satisfaction and held you tide over the feeling of loneliness.
It is necessary to organise a system through which two members in the social group look after an ailing member during a medical emergency. At NRIPO we have a ‘One by Two’ scheme. An arrangement is made through which such ailing parent is looked after by other members till such time as their children arrive. NRIPO has also initiated two projects — Day Care Centre and Scheme for Assisted Living to provide care and comfort to members.
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES AFFECTING SENIOR CITIZENS?
There are certain macro level issues like visa formalities, claims with insurance companies regarding overseas insurance, discriminatory treatment at certain airports, natural calamities faced by their children, and economic slowdown.
- Rupkamal Sarma
YOU ARE AS YOUNG AS YOU TAKE YOURSELF TO BE, THEY BELIEVE
B F Khilnani,
Artist, 87 years
“I have never considered myself a senior citizen even though I am 87. Even today, I can travel by plane all by myself. Well, this is because I have never compromised with my health all these years. I wake up by 5 am, go for my daily walk, say my prayers and then continue with my work which includes playing on the harmonium and also writing down my thoughts. This city doesn’t have any arrangements for the benefit of the elderly. There are old age homes but they are not located near the city. You will find them mostly on the outskirts, so it becomes difficult for the elderly to go there. A lot of times elderly people get assaulted on roads with no one to protect them.”
DADA J P VASWANI
Spiritual Guru, 91 years
“I think I am more active today than I was 25 years ago. The energy is not mine. The energy flows into me from a source that, for want of a better word, we call God. All we have to do is to be in tune with the Higher Centre. One way of doing so is: practice of daily silence. Everyday, preferrably at the same time and at the same place, go and sit in silence and do your spiritual thinking. A stage will come when thoughts will cease and energy will start flowing into you. Another way is: doing selfless service. I do not move in the company of senior citizens and therefore know very little of their difficulties. I regard myself still as a teenager. You are as young as you take yourself to be.”
JAGANNATH SHETTY
Owner, Vaishali restaurant, 74 years
“Since I have been working from a very early age, keeping myself active comes naturally. Going to my restaurant has become a habit. I visit it daily like I used to earlier and never consider myself old to work. It's just that I don't go to Vaishali for money anymore. It's mainly to supervise and maintain the standard of the restaurant. Apart from that, I practise yoga and meditation everyday. I also play golf. As far as the issues of senior citizens in the city are concerned, I think there should be some facility for us in the queues for electricity bills, hospitals and other places.
HUSSAIN DALAL
Retired Computer Consultant, 78 years
I surf the net, cook and write poetry to keep myself active. I keep myself busy by reading articles on various topics and writing on them. If I come across something interesting and informative, I like to forward it to people in order to spread awareness and keep them updated. As for maintaining health, going for walks in the evening helps me keep fit. But the issue that each one of us, the senior citizens, faces is loneliness. I wish we had more senior citizen groups in the city. Also, lack of sufficient footpaths in the city makes it troublesome to walk on the roads, not to mention the erratic traffic. [rc]
With inputs by Akshata Shetty and Arwa Janjali
Sakaal Media Group © 2008
