AgeWell Foundation

Agewell's Winter Campaign - A Case Study

2012-01-21T01:00:00.003+05:30

“Spread the Warmth” Campaign (2011-2012)

Agewell Foundation have been initiating special campaign “Spread the Warmth” during winters for last couple of years among destitute and elderly people to protect them from chilling cold and save their life.

Last year (2010-2011) Agewell Foundation collected over 100000 pieces of woolens and over 30000 elderly and needy people benefitted through this initiative across Delhi - NCR. Last year campaign was flagged off by Honorable Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dikshit and supported by M3M India Ltd, India Habitat Center, etc.

This year’s campaign “Spread the Warmth” to collect old woolens, wherein we put up collection points across Delhi-NCR at leading clubs, like India Habitat Centre, Delhi Golf Club, etc., leading Malls, Showrooms of leading brands like Lilliput Kids, MB Footwears, prominent schools, Max Hospitals, etc. was started in the first week of December 2011.

Poster of the campaign at collection points at various locations

Major Collaborators

Delhi Golf Club India Habitat Centre Delhi Police The Hindustan Times Creatigies Max India Foundation Lilliput Kids MB Footwear Galaxy Toyota

For this year’s campaign, the Hindustan Times Group has been participating and releasing advertisements for collection of old woolens regularly. Like previous year, Galaxy Toyota has once again supported Collection / Distribution of woolens among destitute and elderly.

Advertisements released during the campaign

a. Hindustan Times 21^st and 23^rd Nov. 2011, 20^th and 22^nd Dec. 2011

b. Hindustan Hindi – 15 and 16^th Dec. 2011

c. Mint – 16^th December 2011

Agewell Foundation has collected over 175000 pieces of woolens so far for distribution amongst the poor and elderly people. This year’s distribution drive was flagged off by Commissioner of Police, Shri B K Gupta on 17^th December 2011 from Delhi Police Headquarters.

Flag off by Commissioner of Police, Delhi, Shri B K Gupta

Distribution of woolens among destitute

Over 80000 destitute and elderly people across Delhi - NCR have already been helped in protecting themselves from the biting cold. In addition to distribution of woolens among elderly people, Agewell Foundation has also distributed woolens to destitute and poor living in slums.

“It was very difficult for me to deal with bone-chilling cold, as I could not afford adequate woolens to protect my family from cold. Now with these woolens, we too can enjoy warmth during this winter. Thanks to Agewell for such kind of timely help.”

- Ramsurat, Madanpur Khadar, Delhi

What Media Says about Agewell Initiatives

- Agewell Foundation

Agewell's Latest Study

2011-12-24T12:49:00.000+05:30

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF MADRID INTERNATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION ON AGEING IN INDIA (2011/2012)

- A NATIONAL STUDY

AGEWELL RESEARCH & ADVOCACY CENTRE

(For Needs & Rights of Older Persons)

BACKGROUND

The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) was adopted at the Second World Assembly on Ageing in April 2002. It marks a turning point in how governments should address ageing issues with a theme “society for all ages”. “Society for all ages” was the theme for the 1999 International Year of Older Persons, contained four dimensions: individual lifelong development; multigenerational relationships; the interrelationship between population ageing and development; and the situation of older persons.

The MIPAA-2002 offers a bold new agenda for handling the issue of ageing in the 21^st century. It focuses on three priority areas: older persons and development; advancing health and well-being into old age; and ensuring enabling and supportive environments. It acts as a resource for policymaking, suggesting ways for governments, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to reorient the ways in which their societies perceive, interact with and care for their senior citizens.

Population ageing is poised to become a serious concern in developing countries like India which are projected to age swiftly in the first half of the 21^st century The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002 calls for changes in attitudes, policies and practices at all levels in all sectors so that the enormous potential of ageing in the twenty-first century may be fulfilled.

The recommendations for action are organized according to three priority directions: older persons and development; advancing health and wellbeing into old age; and ensuring enabling and supportive environments.

MIPAA-2002 Recommendations for Action

Priority direction I: Older persons and development
Issue 1: Active participation in society and development	Objective 1: Recognition of the social, cultural, economic and political contribution of older persons Objective 2: Participation of older persons in decision-making processes at all levels
Issue 2: Work and the ageing labour force	Objective 1: Employment opportunities for all older persons who want to work
Issue 3: Rural development, migration and urbanization	Objective 1: Improvement of living conditions and infrastructure in rural areas Objective 2: Alleviation of the marginalization of older persons in rural areas Objective 3: Integration of older migrants within their new communities
Issue 4: Access to knowledge, education and training	Objective 1: Equality of opportunity throughout life with respect to continuing education, training and retraining as well as vocational guidance and Placement service Objective 2: Full utilization of the potential and expertise of persons of all ages, recognizing the benefits of increased expertise with age
Issue 5: Intergenerational solidarity	Objective 1: Strengthening of solidarity through equity and reciprocity between generations
Issue 6: Eradication of poverty	Objective 1: Reduction of poverty among older persons
Issue 7: Income security, social protection/social security and poverty prevention	Objective 1: Promotion of programmes to enable all workers to acquire basic social protection/social security, including, where applicable, pensions, disability insurance and health benefits Objective 2: Sufficient minimum income for all older persons, paying particular attention to socially and economically disadvantaged groups
Issue 8: Emergency situation	Objective 1: Equal access by older persons to food, shelter and medical care and other services during and after natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies Objective 2: Enhanced contributions of older persons to the reestablishment and reconstruction of communities and the rebuilding of the social fabric following emergencies
Priority Direction-II : Advancing health and wellbeing into old age
Issue 1: Health promotion and well-being throughout life	Objective 1: Reduction of the cumulative effects of factors that increase the risk of disease and consequently potential dependence in older age Objective 2: Development of policies to prevent ill health among older person Objective 3: Access to food and adequate nutrition for all older persons
Issue 2: Universal and equal access to health-care service	Objective 1: Elimination of social and economic inequalities based on age, gender or any other ground, including linguistic barriers, to ensure that older persons have universal and equal access to health care Objective 2: Development and strengthening of primary healthcare services to meet the needs of older persons and promote their inclusion in the process Objective 3: Development of a continuum of health care to meet the needs of older persons Objective 4: Involvement of older persons in the development and strengthening of primary and long-term care services
Issue 3: Older persons and HIV/AIDS	Objective 1: Improvement in the assessment of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the health of older persons, both for those who are infected and for those who are caregivers for infected or surviving family members Objective 2: Provision of adequate information, training in care giving skills, treatment, medical care and social support to older persons living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers Objective 3: Enhancement and recognition of the contribution of older persons to development in their role as caregivers for children with chronic diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and as surrogate parents
Issue 4: Training of care providers and health professionals	Objective 1: Provision of improved information and training for health professionals and paraprofessionals on the needs of older persons
Issue 5: Mental health needs of older persons	Objective 1: Development of comprehensive mental healthcare services ranging from prevention to early intervention, the provision of treatment services and the management of mental health problems in older persons
Issue 6: Older persons and disabilities	Objective 1: Maintenance of maximum functional capacity throughout the life course and promotion of the full participation of older persons with disabilities
Priority direction III: Ensuring enabling and supportive environments
Issue 1: Housing and the living environment	Objective 1: Promotion of “ageing in place” in the community with due regard to individual preferences and affordable housing options for older persons Objective 2: Improvement in housing and environmental design to promote independent living by taking into account the needs of older persons, in particular those with Disabilities Objective 3: Improved availability of accessible and affordable transportation for older persons
Issue 2: Care and support for caregivers	Objective 1: Provision of a continuum of care and services for older persons from various sources and support for caregiver Objective 2: Support for the care-giving role of older persons, particularly older women
Issue 3: Neglect, abuse and violence	Objective 1: Elimination of all forms of neglect, abuse and violence against older person Objective 2: Creation of support services to address elder abuse
Issue 4: Images of ageing	Objective 1: Enhancement of public recognition of the authority, wisdom, productivity and other important contributions of older persons

OVERVIEW

The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing & Indian scenario

Indian population has approximately tripled during the last 50 years, but the number of elderly Indians has increased more than fourfold. The 2001 census has shown that the elderly population (60+) of India accounted for 77 million and census 2011 data indicate that elderly population is projected to cross 100 million mark in 2011. During past decade Indian elderly population has increased at the alarming rate of 39.3%. In coming decades elderly population in India is expected to rise by 45-50%.

It took more than 100 years for the aged population to double in most of the countries in the world, but in India it has doubled in just 20 years. The life expectancy has also gone up to over 70 years today. Better medical facilities, care and liberal family planning policies made the elderly, fastest growing section of society in India.

In India, social security benefits such as health care and old age pensions are restricted to employees in the organized sector. However, about 94% of the labor force works in the unorganized sector, and the large majority of these workers do not have adequate social protection. Various ministries and other government agencies offer social security programs, but benefit coverage is limited and relatively few workers in the unorganized sector or their families are included. These approaches are also uncoordinated and fragmentary. As they do not have adequate access to state mechanisms of social security, the workers in the unorganized sector and their dependents face a heightened threat of poverty resulting from illness, old age, accidents or death.

Realizing the gravity of issues related to ageing, Government of India has formulated policies and initiated several schemes to address these issues. It has also expressed its commitment towards follow up on various international plan of action pertaining to ageing including Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.

MAJOR GOVERNMENTAL POLICIES/PROGRAMS/SCHEMES

FOR OLDER PERSONS IN INDIA

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India

National Policy on Older Persons, 1999

The Government of India had formulated National Policy on Older Persons in the year 1999 covering all aspects concerning older persons. The salient features of the National Policy on Older Persons are as under:

To support financial security, health care and nutrition, shelter, information needs, appropriate concessions and discounts etc. to senior citizens.
Special attention to protect and strengthen their legal rights such as to safeguard their life and property
For implementation plan of action was devised for various ministries and departments.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007

It envisages providing need-based maintenance to the parents/grand-parents from their children. It also contains enabling provisions like protection of life and property of senior citizens, better medical facilities; setting up of old age homes in every district, etc.

Observations

Due to lack of awareness about the Act and implementation failure at various stages, majority of older persons are not in a position to get any benefit out of this act.

Grant-in-Aid Schemes

Scheme of "Integrated Programme for Older Persons", through which financial assistance is provided to NGOs for establishing and maintaining old age homes, day care centres, mobile medicare units and to provide non-institutional services to older persons. Further, several new components like Helplines, Physiotherapy centres, mental healthcare facilities, etc.

Major projects/programs under the scheme:-

Maintenance of Old Age homes
Maintenance of Respite Care Homes and Continuous Care Homes
Running of Multi Service Centres for Older Persons
Maintenance of Mobile Medicare Units
Mental health care and Specialized care for the Older Persons
Help-lines and Counselling Centres for older persons
Training of Caregivers to the older persons
Awareness Generation Programmes for Older Persons and Care Givers
Formation of Senior Citizen Groups/Associations
Any other activity, which is considered suitable to the scheme

Observations

There are over 1000 old age homes in India supported by Central /State governments, with a capacity of approx. 100000 older persons. Thus, in a country of over 100 million older persons, this facility is available for only 0.1% older persons.

Government has no or almost nil awareness generation programs about its schemes for older persons.

Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

Under the on-going Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme for Below Poverty Line (BPL) beneficiaries, the eligibility for pension will now be reduced to 60 years from 65 years at present. The pension amount is raised from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 per month for those who are 80 years and above. The State governments are allowed to contribute over and above this amount.

Observation

Though Old age pension scheme is extended remarkably, still the pension amount is meager in view of fast raising cost of living. Secondly, due to poor government machinery, old people don’t get their old age & other pension amount on regular basis.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India

Setting up Geriatric Centers

Recently, Government of India has approved the National Programme for Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE) to improve health services for the elderly. Geriatric units are proposed to be opened at 100 district hospitals in 21 states, and units will also be created at community and primary health centers.

Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India

Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India has proposals to provide free legal services to senior citizens.

Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India

Smart Identity Cards to Senior Citizens to facilitate access to various government aided schemes.

Ministry of Labor & Employment, Government of India

Insurance cover for BPL senior citizens under RSBY (National Health Insurance Scheme)

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (National Health Insurance Scheme) is a Central Government Scheme launched on October 1, 2007 to provide the insurance cover to below poverty line (BPL). BPL families are entitled medical procedures with a cost of up to Rs. 30,000 per annum for a nominal registration fee of 30 rupees. Pre-existing medical conditions are covered and there is no age limit.

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

The Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare has initiated several efforts to bring hassle free retirement benefits to the pensioners over the years.

Concessions/facilities to Senior Citizens

Various courts

Priority to cases involving older persons and ensure their expeditious disposal

RTI Act (Right to Information Act)
Second appeals filed by senior citizens under the Right to Information Act (RTI) are taken on a high priority basis.

Health Care

(a) There is provision for separate queues for senior citizens at hospitals and health care centres

(b) Some State Governments have set up special clinics for Senior Citizens in some of the government run hospitals.

Finance & Taxation

Special rebate admissible and provisions are allowed for senior citizens.

Banking & Post Office

(a) Higher rate of interest to senior citizens on their savings.

(b) Less banking charges.

Transport

Travel by Indian Railways

(a) Travel is 30% cheaper for all Senior Citizens

(b) 50%concession in fare

Travel by Airlines

(a) 40-50% discount on Economy Class fares on Indian Airlines

(b) Other Airlines also offer discounts to senior citizens

Travel by Roadways (state transport)

(a) Reservation and concessions by various state transport corporations

Status of Major Governmental policies/Programs/schemes for older persons in India
Pre-Madrid Plan up to 2002	Post 2002 programs/schemes
National Policy on Older Persons, 1999	National Policy on Older Persons, 1999
	State Policy on Older Persons in 6-7 states
	The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007
Grant-in-Aid Schemes under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment	Grant-in-Aid Schemes under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) – eligibility age 65	Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) – Eligibility age 60, Pension amount increased
	Setting up Geriatric Centers in some states
	Free legal services to senior citizens in some areas
	Smart Identity Cards to Senior Citizens
	Insurance cover for BPL (below poverty line) senior citizens under National Health Insurance Scheme (RSBY - Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna)
Concessions/facilities to Senior Citizens	Concessions/facilities to Senior Citizens
	Priority to cases involving older persons and ensure their expeditious disposal
	RTI Act (Right to Information Act, 2005)
Separate queues for senior citizens at hospitals and health care centers	Separate queues for senior citizens at hospitals and health care centers
Special clinics for Senior Citizens in some of its hospitals by some States Governments	Special clinics for Senior Citizens in most of its hospitals by some States Governments
Special rebate admissible and provisions for senior citizens by Income Tax Dept.	Special rebate admissible and provisions for senior citizens by Income Tax Dept
Higher rate of interest to senior citizens by Banks/	Higher rate of interest to senior citizens by Banks/ Scheme of Post Office
Less banking charges for Senior Citizens	Less banking charges for Senior Citizens
Travel up to 30% cheaper for Senior Citizens by India Railways	Travel up to 30% cheaper for all Senior Citizens by India Railways
	50%concession in fare by India Railways
	Separate Counters / Queues for Senior Citizens by India Railways
40-50% discount on fares on Indian Airlines	40-50% discount on fares on Indian Airlines & other airlines
Reservation and concessions by various state transport corporations	Reservation and concessions by various state transport corporations

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Research & Advocacy Centre at Agewell Foundation (a consortium of over 1500 NGOs and 6500 volunteers spread across 540 districts of India, committed to initiate better interaction between generations and extend a helping hand) has recently carried out a nationwide survey to assess the impact of The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) 2002 in India.

In view of lack of core policies for older people and fast increasing elderly population, study was also focused to suggest or recommend some specific points to policy makers, planners and decision makers so that Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing could be followed in future and a standard framework could be developed to ensure older persons friendly environment in the country.

Under the survey, it was also attempted to identify responsible factors for poor implementation of policies/ programs/ schemes pertaining to older persons.

METHODOLOGY AND SAMPLE DESIGN

Experienced and qualified volunteers were selected as interviewers and they were provided with proper guidelines, directions, training, etc.

Under the survey campaign, comprehensive interviews were undertaken by managing time-bound schedules to collect information /impressions/views from selected older persons from across the country.

For the survey a representative sample of 100000 older persons (66490 from rural areas and 35510 from urban areas) were interviewed spread across 425 districts of 25 states & Union Territories of India.

Agewell volunteers' network spread across the country worked as interviewers for the survey. The interviews were conducted during the month of December 2011.

Sample Units

The sample units were selected based on random sampling but taken care to incorporate the representative views of the country from six divisions as per following;

*States/UTs*	*No of* *Sample* *districts*	*No of* *respon-* *dents*
Region 1 – Delhi & NCR Delhi & NCR (Parts of Haryana & UP)	15	12000
Region 2 – North India Rest Uttar Pradesh, Rest Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh & Uttarakhand	90	16514
Region 3 – South India Andhra Pradesh , Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka	85	17548
Region 4 – East India West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Mizoram, Tripura & Nagaland	75	15821
Region 5 – West India Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa	80	19450
Region 6 – Central India Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh	80	18457
All India Total	425	100000

Sample Respondents

With objective to assess the impact of an international plan of action in the life of older persons living in various situations and geographical conditions, the populace of 60+ years was randomly selected as per the 4 groups as under;

I. Rural elderly men

II. Rural elderly women

III. Urban elderly men

IV. Urban Elderly women

Age-group, gender wise & area-wise classification of respondents

Since older persons have comparatively longer life span, under the survey older people were divided in three simple age-groups so that more realistic findings could be achieved out of the responses.

Respondents were further categorized in age groups & gender wise to understand the changing trends of old age better.

Age groups / Gender wise	60-70 Years	71-80 Years	81+ Years	Total
Older Men	23406	13174	9501	46081
Older Women	24748	16284	12887	53919
Total	48154	29458	22388	100000

Almost half of representative sample size (Approx. 48%) comprises of young older persons i.e. older persons in the age group of 60-70 years of age

Among elderly respondents 53.9% of them were women, which clearly indicate that life expectancy among elderly women is higher than elderly men.

Age groups Area wise	60-70 Years	71-80 Years	81+ Years	Total
Rural old people	33209	18917	14314	66490
Urban old people	14945	10541	8024	33510
Total	48154	29458	22338	100000

Almost half of the respondents (48.2%) were from age group 60-70 years. This is because population of older persons in this age group is fast increasing and they due to their activeness in comparison to senior older persons they are easily available for surveys.
As expected share of rural elderly respondents was 2/3^rd (i.e. 66.5%) of total respondents.

o Retired older persons

o Non-pensioners/self-employed

o Labourers/farmers

o Housewives

o Professionals/ businessmen

o Literate

o Illiterate

o Financially secure

o BPL (below poverty line) families

Problems faced during the study

Process of locating, persuading and collecting responses from 100 thousands Old People from different districts in different states is not an easy task, particularly in India, because many Old People in rural areas have a reservoir of wisdom but they lack formal education and by default the response collection process becomes much more complicated.

To ensure uniformity in information collected by thousands of volunteers we had to conduct extensive training programs for interviewers across the country.

STUDY REPORT 2011-12

IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS/ SCHEMES ON OLDER PERSONS DURING PAST DECADE

National Policy on Older Persons, 1999 & State Policies on Older Persons

· Only 8.42% older persons were found aware of National Policy on Older Persons, 1999 out of 100 thousands older persons interviewed during the survey.

· 91.58% older persons could not recall or they had never heard about the policy

· Only 1.3% elderly respondents said that they are aware of State Policy on Older Persons of their respective states

· According to 98.7% older persons they have no idea or never heard about State Policy on Older Persons

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007

· According to 11.5% older persons contacted during survey, they are aware of this Act, whereas 88.5% older persons had never heard about this act.

· In urban areas awareness about this act was comparatively higher (17.7%). In rural areas only 8.2% agreed that they have heard about the act.

· Amongst those who are aware only 0.55% older persons accepted that they have benefitted because of this act directly or indirectly. 99.45% older persons said that so far they have not availed benefit of this Act essentially because they do not know how to go about it.

Grant-in-Aid Schemes under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

· 19.55% older persons admitted that they are aware of these schemes, while 80.45% older persons are still unaware of these schemes for the welfare of older persons.

· When asked about whether you have benefitted from these schemes, only 2.46% older persons accepted that they have benefitted or had benefited during past 10 years.

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

· Almost 3/4^th older persons (75.4%) respondents acknowledged Old Age Pension Schemes, but actual beneficiaries were only 9884 i.e. 9.9% older persons have benefitted during past decade.

· Out of actual beneficiaries, 8286 (12.54%) were rural elderly. In urban areas only 2564 (4.7%) older persons were getting old age pension benefits.

Setting up Geriatric Centers in some states

· Only 1.4% older persons, contacted during the survey recognized Special health care centers for older persons.

Free legal services to senior citizens in some areas

· 2.3% older persons acknowledged government sponsored legal services/facilities for older persons.

Smart Identity Cards to Senior Citizens

· 5.5% older persons said that Smart Identity Cards have been beneficial for them in getting access to various aids, facilities and discounts.

Insurance cover for BPL (below poverty line) senior citizens under National Health Insurance Scheme (RSBY)

· Only 7.4% older persons were aware of National Health Insurance Scheme for BPL (below poverty line) older persons.

· Out of them only 2.1% older persons had been assisted under the scheme during past decade.

Concessions/facilities to Senior Citizens

Priority to cases involving older persons and their expeditious disposal

· Only 9.45% respondents have heard about this provision, while 90.55% older persons were unaware of this provision.

· Only 1.24% older persons reportedly got benefitted by this provision.

RTI Act (Right to Information Act, 2005)

· Only 11.87% older persons were found to be aware of this Act, while only 0.99% had used this act to get some benefit.

Special clinics and Separate queues at hospitals and health care centers

· 25.4% older persons were aware of these kinds of services/facilities.

· Only 8.4% older persons could avail benefits out of these facilities/services during past 10 years.

Observation

There are a lot of hurdles in old age to avail benefits from government run healthcare facilities. Non-availability of doctors, health personnel, medicines, inadequate medical equipments, no care-giver, etc. are common problems that older persons have to face.

Special rebate admissible and provisions for Income Tax

· 21.2% older persons were found aware of these provisions while only 3.26% older persons were getting benefits of these provisions.

Higher rate of interest & less charges by Banks/ Scheme of Post Office

· 33.2% older persons said that they know about these schemes

· 7% older persons were in a position to invest in banks/Post offices and avail the benefits

Concessions & other provisions by Indian Railways

· 41.3% older persons were aware of concessions & other provisions by Indian Railways available to older persons

· Only 7.45% older persons agreed that they had received benefits of concessions and other provisions during last decade.

Discount on fares on Indian Airlines & other airlines

· Only 2.1% older persons were found taking advantage of these discounts.

Reservation and concessions by various state transport corporations

· Only 10.65% older persons had ever heard about these services while only 5.5% older persons were found benefitted of these provisions.

· 21% older persons have heard about other facilities/provisions like financial assistance to elderly, Annapurna, etc. for older persons

· 9.78% older persons reportedly received benefits from other facilities/provisions like financial assistance to elderly, Annapurna, etc.

OVERALL IMPACT ON FINANCIAL STATUS OF OLDER PERSONS

Older persons have limited financial resources due to various reasons but in most cases their financial requirements remain the same or in many cases higher.

69.5% elderly persons were found not to be financially independent. 73% rural & 63 % urban elderly persons were dependent on others for their financial needs.
13% of elderly respondents (13.9% in rural areas & 11.8% in urban areas) said that they have no source of income.

34.6% elderly respondents (38.7% in rural areas & 13.3% in urban areas) had monthly income of less than Rs. 1000/-.

Almost 1/3^rd of elderly respondents (35.1%) were found in monthly income group of Rs. 1000 – Rs. 5000. 33.8% rural and 37.8% urban respondents were from this income group.
Only 42.7% of total respondents were found in good income groups (with monthly income of Rs. 5001 & above) to meet their needs in old age.

Only 24.8% older persons accepted that their monthly income has risen during the last decade due to government’s schemes initiated during the same period.

Interviwers’ observations

There is a notable difference in lifestyle of rural & urban elderly people and cost of living in rural area is comparatively less. Therefore elderly living in urban areas face more financial problems than rural elderly people.

However, during past decade, net worth of older persons’ properties has risen substantially due to increase in prices of real estate and capital goods.

Impact on gainful engagement opportunities in Old Age

When asked about gainful occupation in old age, it was found that 34210 elderly persons were involved in gainful activities. Majority of older persons (65.8%) were not gainfully engaged anywhere.

45.76% elderly men & 24.34% elderly women were engaged in gainful activities. Wherein in rural areas they were working in their fields, rearing cattle, general retail shops, sundry crafts, etc, in urban areas older persons were keeping themselves busy with small roadside shops and other jobs.

When older persons, not involved in any gainful activity, were asked about their interest in any gainful work, 40.4% older persons (26576 out of total 65790 elderly people) expressed their desire to work.

61.8% elderly men & 27.3% elderly women said they want to work anywhere to keep themselves gainfully engaged.

According to 22474 older persons i.e. 84.57 % of 26576 older persons (who are unable to find any suitable job for them) there are no opportunities for them to get any gainful engagements in old age. Whereas 4102 older persons (15.43% of 26576 older persons) said that they got some opportunities in old age but available opportunities were not suitable to them.

When asked about government’s efforts undertaken during the past 10 years to keep its senior citizens gainfully engaged, only 5.3% older persons appreciated government’s initiatives.

Interviwers’ observations

In rural areas majority of older people were found working in their fields or other petty jobs like small shops, crafts, etc. to keep themselves engaged, whereas in urban areas majority of older persons were busy in finding suitable job opportunities, even when they manage some small enterprenual persuit to earn money.

Impact on housing in old age

40.9% older persons were found living in joint families.
In urban areas 49.7% eldelrly persons live in nuclear/small family. In rural areas 29% older persons were found living in nuclear/small families.
Percentage of older persons living alone or with their spouses only is higher in urban areas (29.8%) in comparision to rural eldely persons (19.8%)
When asked about their most preferred living place in old age, almost 2/3 older persons voted for family living, whereas 25.1% older persons said that independent living is good in old age.
Conept of Old Age homes/ institutions were supported by only 4.1% elderly respondents.

When information was being collected on issues concerning housing in old age, it was analysed that only 12.65% older persons were living in older persons-friendly houses.

Older persons’ friendly houses

No awareness or willingness even amongst family members to do anything about it. Most are not ever aware about steps to do it.

According to 95% older persons no arrangements had been done at the governmental level in the direction of older persons’ friendly housing facilities during the past decade. There is no infromation or guidance is available about what should be done by individual families about it.

Interviwers’ observation

So far as housing in old age is concerned, in rural areas, it seems no big issue for older persons, but in urban areas, due to heavy migration from rural to urban areas, housing has become a big problem for them. Urban houses are not old people friendly. Additionlly, there are hundreds of such cases, where older persons own properties but are being harrassed only due to their possesion of houses in urban areas.

Modern Technology and older persons

According to 82.5% older persons they have no or negligible knowledge of modern day-to-day equiptments which can be useful in old age i.e. mobile phones, computers, etc.

Only 5.65% older persons were found well-verged with modern equipments, where as 10% older persons said that they have average knowledge of these equipments.

78% older persons, having no /negligible knowledge of modern technogical equipments, agreed upon that they feel marginalised due to this.

· Only 5.5% older persons acknowledged that awareness about modern technology among older persons has increased directly or indirectly through governmental schemes initiated during the past decade, viz. follow up on liberal policies in telecommunication sector, computerisation of various administrative system, etc.

Interviwers’ observation

Majority of older persons are still conservative in nature towards modern technology. Therefore awareness level about modern technogical equipments is less among them. They simply reject these saying ‘those are not made for us’. Most seem to have a mental block for modern technology and they do not even try to attempt its usage.

Status of Healthcare conditions of older persons

For older persons health is a major concern, particularly in later old age.

44.87% of older persons surveyed during the survey were found in poor health condition due to various reasons.

In young older persons’ age group (60-70 years) only 50% older persons were in good health condition. In 71-80 & 81+ years age group 14% & 9% respondents respectively said that they are happy with their health conditions.

Chronic illness, disability and unhygienic living conditions were major factor for poor health condition in old age.

Causes of poor health in old age in the opinion of respondents	Nos. of old persons suffering	% of old persons suffering
Inadequate or mal-nutritious food	3254	7.25
Non-availability of medicines/medical help	5416	12.07
Chronic illness/disability	12458	27.77
Unhygienic living conditions	12333	27.49
Any other like old related other problems	11405	25.42
Total affected older persons	44866

According to only 35% older persons, significant changes have been seen during past decade, while 65% older persons did not agree with the view that healthcare facilities /services have improved significantly.

So far as involvement of older persons in health care facilities is concerned, only 2.3% older persons agreed that they are actively involved in the health care sector.

Only 32.3% older persons admit that they are aware about HIV/AIDS. Among them only 72.1% people have knowledge about its causes and symptoms.
Only 1.48% older persons agreed that HIV/AIDS awareness program was conducted in their area during the last 10 years.

Only 20.1% older persons said that old age healthcare providers/cagegivers are well trained in India.

When asked about, if there is a need of psychological assistance to them? Approximately 87.2% said that in old age psychological assistance, if available would be good. (Most of them were found to be bottle ups emotionally with no one to share whatever isi going on in their mind.)

Only 19.9% older persons said that there are mental health care faciliteis available in their area. Accordinlgy to 80.1% older persons either no mental health care facility was available in their locality or they were not aware of any such service, available in their area.

59.6% older persons need caregivers / occassional assistance providers to look after their health or assist them in leading a healthy life in old age.

· Only 14.1% older persons, who are in need of caregivers, said that caregivers are easily available in their area.

Interviewers’ Observations

Most of the eldelry persons were being looked after by their family members & relatives in old age and they don’t want to depend upon outsider caregivers, even in critical health conditoins. In India even today outside the family caregiver is considered a taboo because the social customs demand caregiving by family members.

Dignity in old age

At family level, 62.4% older persons had opined that their family members respect them. At community level, far below from family level, 45.3% older persons accepted that they are respected.

At national level, only 33.1% older persons think that government cares for their right to be respected as senior citizens.

Interviewers’ observation

Though as a community, older persons are well-respected section of society in India. Due to poor awarenes level among older persons, many have no idea about their status at national level.

Elder Abuse

61.2% older persons were reportedly facing harrassment in old age. 58422 (approx. 58.2%) said that they are being neglected by their family members/relatives or /and society.

Approx. 32.1% older persons admitted that they are being abused frequently or had been abused in past. They complained about negligence, mental harrassment, silence, cold attitude, unreasonable behaviour and rage of younger people in old age.

12.5% older persons were found facing physical violence in their silver years.

Changing socio-economic conditions is major reason for elder abuse, 31.77% older persons interviewed, held this factor accountable for rising crime against elderly.

According to 56% older persons respondents, interviewed during the survey, admitted that they faced one or more form of elder abuse, during the past decade.

Participation in socio-economic activities

22.2% older persons said that there are adequate opportunities to participate in socio-economic activities in India for older persons.

At family level 65.8% older persons said that their family members listen to them or take their opinion in family matters. At community level 54.2% agreed that they have a say in community matters whereas at national level, only 21.5% older persons think that senior citizens groups get an opportunity and participate in policy making process at national level.

Rights of older perosns and Legal Justice in old age

For 49.3% older persons even protection of their life and property from criminals and others has become major concern.

Almost 85.5% respondents shared their views and said that they occasionally face age-discrimination and even elder abuse.

Representative statements from older persons

“I have been arthritis patient for last 15 years, I could not afford medical expenses of treatment of arthritis. This has turned my life into hell, I can’t even visit my friends and relatives. For small things I have to depend on my family members and neighbours. There is no governmental medical facility where I could get treated for my illness free or at discounted rate.”

- Shambhunath Verma, a 71-year-old man, Meerut, UP.

“My children have settled in Mumbai, we (me & my wife) have to take care of ourselves. We started getting old age pension recently. But still it is very tough for us to survive on meager old age pension. We want some comfortable work to earn some money to meet our expenses, but unable to find it. Now we are not able to work anymore in the fields.”

- Ramdeen Mishra & Bachchi Devi (71 & 67 respectively), Katihar, Bihar

“I have been continuously harassed and even threatened of dire consequences by my son, daughter-in-law & her family members over my self-made house property. They want me to vacate this house and live in a small flat to avoid day-to-day tense atmosphere at home. I decided to sell my house but they threaten me. When I reported this to Police, they said it’s our family matter, we can’t interfere. At the age of 83, I am confined to live in a torture home.”

- Prabhat Shankar Patil, 83, Nagpur, Maharashtra

“After retirement I tried my best to find any suitable job for myself, so that I could remain active and busy. But despite all efforts, I failed. There were few jobs, but more of them are very far from my house. Few years back when Metro came to our locality, it was like a boon for me. I joined a job at a distant place. Due to modern transportation facility in my old age I have become more active and healthy”

- Satish Malpani, a retired engineer, Dwarka, Delhi

“After death of my husband, there is no one to take care of me. My children and grand-children have left village long ago. They visit me only once in a while. I cannot go with them at this age. I am totally dependent on my neighbours.”

- Damyanti Devi, an 85-year-old widow, Mangalore, Karnataka,

OBSERVATIONS

Population of older persons in India is increasing rapidly but elder-friendly environment is hardly seen in the country. Resultantly majority of older persons are confined to remain marginalized, isolated and neglected as well.

Government has formulated several well-intentioned policies and laws but there is no effective implementation mechanism and most of the policies and provisions are on paper only.

There is a hidden angst among older persons, particularly younger older persons (60-70 years) about the current old age scenario in the society. They blatantly decline the traditional concepts about old age and want old age to be redefined as per their terms.

During the past 10 years, demographic and socio-economic scenario has changed remarkably, especially in terms of population of older persons and old age support system. During the past decade elderly population registered 39.3% increase, raising its share in national population from 6.9% in 2001 to 8.3% in 2011.

In changed scenario, profile of older persons also has changed. They seem to be more active, healthy, energetic and even wiser. That’s why majority of them like independence at all level instead of compromising with situations.

There is an urgent need of creating gainful engagement opportunities for older persons at all levels, to that their active participation in the society, their dignity in old age and health well being could be ensured.

In general human life has become extremely competitive and everyone seems to be self-centered and do not seem to care for their elders. While elder abuse has become a norm, but it needs to be determined as to how many are abusing their elders knowingly are and how many do it unknowingly.

Though the number of old people is increasing at a very fast pace, no educational curriculum teaches children /adolescents or young people about needs of old people. This ignorance about old age related issues is making the younger generation even more arrogant in their dealings with old people.

CONCLUSION

In India issues concerning old age are turning into bigger challenges due to government’s poor focus and policy implementation initiatives & lack of timely interventions.

Decennial growth of around 40% in any particular section of society can not be healthy for any economy. Our history witnessees our narrow-minded approach towards our family planning policies. Population explosion has remained headache for our policy planners. Now there is a situation of population explosion in terms of population of older persons in India. In coming decades India will witness 50% decennial increase in eldelry population.

During the recent years, it seems that our central and state government have started taking older persons into consideration, but majority of older persons are still at the receiving end.

This is high time, when our policy planners should start visualising for tomorrow, and plan accordingly. Old age management should be included as top priority in the agenda of the government.

Social security and healthcare in old age, which need greater attention, are still in pathatic condition. Most people are not assured about fulfillment of their basic needs & rights in old age.

It is even more shocking because most of the political leadership in India is in the hands of old people but hardly any older pesons friendly initiatives are there. May be because old people are still not considered a vote bank in India as yet.

***

Press Release

2011-12-15T18:40:00.000+05:30

“Spread the Warmth” Agewell’s Campaign for Destitute

Commissioner of Police, Delhi will flag off on 17^th December 2011

New Delhi, 15^th December, 2011: Mr. B K Gupta, Commissioner of Police, Delhi will flag off distribution drive of Agewell Foundation’s special winter campaign for destitute and elderly people living in Delhi & NCR on 17^th December 2011 at 11 a.m. from Delhi Police Headquarters, ITO, New Delhi.

Agewell Foundation has been conducting a special campaign “Spread the Warmth” during winters for last couple of years amongst destitute elderly to protect them from chilling cold and save their life. This year, Agewell Foundation has targeted to benefit over 100,000 older persons of Delhi & NCR through this initiative. Last year over 30000 destitute old persons had benefitted across Delhi & NCR. So far Agewell Foundation has collected over 50000 pieces of woolens through its collection points spread across Delhi & NCR and distributed them amongst 15000 needy people.

In its endeavour to protect all underprivileged old people living in Delhi & NCR from severe cold conditions ahead, this year Agewell Foundation appeals to all citizens and educational, religious, cultural, social & business organizations to come forward and collect woolens from home, neighbors, family friend, relatives, etc. and distribute them among destitute people to protect them from bone-chilling cold. If it’s not practical for them, they can give their old/unused/spare woolens to Agewell Foundation for distribution amongst older persons.

Speaking about the initiative, Himanshu Rath, Chairman of the Agewell Foundation said, “It’s our social responsibility to take care of destitute elderly, who are forced to live in inhuman conditions and face cruelty of nature. Warmth is the most wanted thing for them during winters.”

At this stage, Agewell Foundation also appeals to organizations, involved in manufacturing/marketing of old age related products, health nutrients, medicines, etc. to extend their support for destitute older persons to keep them warm and healthy. They can deliver donated goods/products at our office for further distribution among needy older persons through our volunteers.

About Agewell Foundation

Agewell Foundation is a not-for-profit NGO which has been working for the welfare and empowerment of older persons since 1999.Agewell has set up a two-tier network of over 6500 primary and 75000 secondary volunteers spread across 540 districts of India besides successfully operating its on-going programs i.e. Agewell Helpline for Older Persons, Employment Exchange for Older Persons, Centre for Research & Advocacy for Needs & Rights of Older Persons, etc. Presently Agewell interacts with over 25000 older persons and other concerned people on daily basis through its volunteers’ network. Recognizing the work being done by Agewell, Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) has granted Special Consultative Status to Agewell Foundation at United Nations.

“Spread the Warmth” Campaign - 2011-2012

2011-12-02T17:27:00.000+05:30

Press Release

“Spread the Warmth”

(Agewell’s Special Winter Campaign for destitute old people)

For most of us in India winter may be a season to rejoice. But for older persons it’s the worst season of the year as hard weather conditions affect their health negatively. It’s ironic that many destitute older persons in northern India succumb to cold and cold related diseases during winters.

Since in old age people eat & drink less and take medicines, body becomes less able to respond to long exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures. During harsh winter they may develop hypothermia due to their exposure to cold, which causes loosing heat faster than it can be replaced. Studies reveal that winter is fatal to older persons particularly who those suffer from chronic health problems like heart disease, respiratory problems, renal disease, diabetes, anemia or any disease that weakens the body's immune system. Even common colds and Influenza can result in serious complications, such as pneumonia, respiratory problems which could be fatal for older persons.

So far Agewell Foundation has collected over 50000 pieces of woolens through its collection points spread across Delhi & NCR and distributed them amongst 15000 needy people.

About Agewell Foundation

Agewell Foundation is a not-for-profit NGO which has been working for the welfare and empowerment of older persons since 1999. It endeavours to bring about a change in our perceptions of old age while ensuring better interaction between the generations. Agewell has set up a two-tier network of over 6500 primary and 75000 secondary volunteers spread across 540 districts of India besides successfully operating its on-going programs i.e. Agewell Helpline for Older Persons, Employment Exchange for Older Persons, Centre for Research & Advocacy for Needs & Rights of Older Persons, etc. Presently Agewell interacts with over 25000 older persons and other concerned people on daily basis through its volunteers’ network. Recognizing the work being done by Agewell, United Nations Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) has granted Special Consultative Status to Agewell Foundation.

SPREAD THE WARMTH - COLLECTION POINTS

2011-11-22T11:57:00.000+05:30

SPREAD THE WARMTH CAMPAIGN

WOOLENS COLLECTION POINTS

LOCATION	ADDRESS
LAJPAT NAGAR	AGEWELL FOUNDATION, M-8A, LAJPAT NAGAR, 2ND FLOOR, NEW DELHI-110024
INDIA HABITAT CENTRE	INFORMATION CENTRE, INDIA HABITAT CENTRE, LODI ROAD, NEW DELHI-110003
SOUTH EXT WORLD-NEW	F-40, SOUTH EXTENSION PART-1, NEW DELHI-110049
MAHIPALPUR	RITINJALI, K 99 I FIRST STREET, MAHIPALPUR I NEW DELHI 110037
KIRTI NAGAR	SHOP NO:- 26A, GROUND FLOOR, MOMENTS MALL, NAJAFGARH ROAD, KIRTI NAGAR, NEW DELHI
RAJA GARDEN WORLD	SHOP NO:-UG-06A & FF-06A, CITY SQUARE MALL, RAJOURI GARDEN, NEW DELHI-27
NOIDA, GIP WORLD,	LILLIPUT KIDS, THE GREAT INDIA PLACE, GROUND FLOOR , UNIT NO 30, PLOT NO A2, SECTOR 38A, NOIDA
GURGAON, SAHARA MALL,	LILLIPUT KIDS , SAHARA MALL, DLF CITY PHASE IV, GURGAON
INDIRAPURAM , SHIPRA MALL WORLD	SHOP NO-17,LEVEL-II, GROUND FLOOR, SHIPRA MALL, , GHAZIABAD, UP
GHAZIABAD , EDM BAZAAR	SHOP NO. - 40 & 41,FIRST FLOOR, EDM MALL,GHAZIABAD,U.P.

Mind Your Brain

2011-10-28T17:18:00.000+05:30

Health Advisory for Senior Citizens

Aging is not a reason to lose brain ability. The brain does not age like the body. The brain starts to get older when you stop using it. Remember if you don't use it, youll loose it!!! At Agewell we recommend to our senior citizens that they incorporate small changes into their daily lives to exercise and stimulate the braiin.

Some healthy activities to exercise the brain are:

Play word and number games several times a week
Switch things up - try different games or try new foods
Walk along differnt paths - see new sights and hear new sounds
Exercise regularly
Exercise your concentration - dont sleep with the tv on
Add brain healthy foods to your diet
Read as often as possible
Explore more positive emotions

The brain can continue to grown and improve throughout your entire life if we exercise it . We want you to understand that overall brain fitness can be achieved by maintaining a variety of brain activities that stimulate it.

“Let’s Spread Joy & Happiness among elderly this festive season”

2011-10-18T17:47:00.000+05:30

An Appeal from Agewell Foundation

The season of festivities is now. Giving and receiving gifts signifies that we care. But for thousands of older persons in Delhi & NCR, season of festivities is no reason to cheer about, as there is no one to care for them.

Ironically, many of the elderly in our society are forced to lead a marginalized and deprived life due to changed socio-economic conditions and various other factors. They have sacrificed all their comforts and happiness for the sake of their children & society, but today they are hopeless & helpless and thus lack spirit of festivity. Even during much celebrated festive season of Diwali, no one visits them, a few have forgotten the year when they heard “Happy Diwali” last time.

This festive season Agewell Foundation, an NGO working for the welfare & empowerment of older persons is trying to reach out to older persons, living in slums & Jhuggi colonies, wish them “Happy Diwali” and offer them complementary gifts while bringing smile of togetherness in their otherwise dull life.

Complementary gifts include walking sticks, specs, wheelchairs, hearing aid, regular medicines for needy old people, blanket/jaipur quilts, etc. to bring warmth in the coming winter, nutritious food, Chyavanprash etc. and even token cash in desperate situations.

In its much-circulated letter, Agewell Foundation appeals that this Diwali, when you are buying or receiving gifts you must remember the elders in your family. In Delhi & NCR, there are thousands of elderly people who have no one to look after them. People have been invited to share love & concern for those elderly through Agewell by giving away their unused/spare gift articles (No Perishable) to destitute old people. Agewell would continue distribution of gifts even after Diwali till 6^th Nov. 2011.

Launching the Agewell initiative “Let’s Spread Joy & Happiness among Elderly” Himanshu Rath, Chairman, Agewell Foundation said, “It would be a very kind gesture to present a sparkle of joy in the lives of elderly. Of course, it would also be our tribute to our senior citizens, living in distress conditions! In turn we receive blessings of older persons for joy and happiness forever.”

Interested contributors can deposit their gifts or mail contributions to Agewell’s office at M-8A, Lajpat Nagar, Part-II, New Delhi-110024 or donate online at www.agewellfoundation.org (Contributions to Agewell Foundation are tax exempted u/s 80G of Income Tax Act).

For more info please call : 011-29836486/29840484

Latest Media Reports on Agewell Foundation's Initiative

2011-10-03T11:06:00.000+05:30

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/PM-urged-to-sketch-welfare-plan-for-aged/articleshow/10201235.cms

http://www.timescrest.com/society/the-bad-old-days-6330

http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=11&edlabel=CAP&mydateHid=21-08-2011&pubname=&edname=&articleid=Ar01100&format=&publabel=TOI

Agewell Foundation’s appeal to the PM & NAC

2011-09-30T16:43:00.000+05:30

“Initiate older persons-friendly projects to address growing needs of older persons”

On the occasion of International Day for Older Persons (1^st Oct. 2011), Agewell Foundation*, an NGO working for the welfare and empowerment of older persons across India, on behalf of over 100 million older persons of the country has appealed to the Prime Minister of India and Chairperson, National Advisory Committee to initiate and implement some unique projects in the country. These recommendations are based upon several surveys & research studies conducted by Agewell Foundation from time to time over the years.

In its representations sent to the PM and Chairperson, NAC, Agewell Foundation has requested to do the following to address the growing needs of ever increasing older persons of India

· Establishment of a National Institute for Aged on the lines of AIIMS for treatment and research in age related ailments.

· Setting up of National Fund for the Aged (on the lines of National Fund for Rural Development).

· Issue of Special identity-cum-credit cards for the Older Persons (credit could be linked to the amount deposited or pension dues.)

· Setting up of National Commission for the Aged. (on the lines of NHRC to advice various ministries/departments on Older Persons friendly policies and protect the interests of the aged)

· Prime Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme for the aged.

· Setting up of a National Institute for Promotion of Entrepreneurship amongst the Aged.

· Setting up of Foundation for revitalization of traditions and oral knowledge.

· Enactment of Older Persons’ Justice Act.

· A scheme for establishing Aged Women’s Hostel on the lines of working women Hostels in each district.

· Arrangement for Temporary shelters for the aged in each district.

Simultaneously, Agewell Foundation appeals to NGOs, Individuals and concerned stakeholders involved in welfare activities for older persons to join Agewell Foundation’s first-ever consortium of NGOs & Stakeholders across SAARC countries, which has been set up to advocate for the needs & rights of 160 million older persons from this region, in the international arena.

For more details about Agewell Foundation, you may visit our website www.agewellfoundation.org

*In Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC, United Nations

Include Old Age Pension under Time-bound Services

2011-09-17T17:52:00.001+05:30

Agewell Foundation appeals to the CM and Delhi Govt.

Agewell Foundation appeals to the Chief Minister and Government of NCT of Delhi to cover process of Old Age Pension in the list of time-bound services currently covered under E-SLA Project, launched by the Government under The Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound Delivery of Services) Act, 2011 recently.

It is to be noted that, in Delhi there are thousands of destitute and poor older persons, who are eligible for old age pension and other social assistance services, but due to non-availability of specific instructions to concerned authorities and non-cooperation from government departments they could not avail benefit of the scheme. Many older persons could not even apply for old age pension because of lack of awareness & lengthy follow up process. Many older persons who have finally succeeded in filing their applications have no idea about the status of their applications for old age pension. Agewell Helpline for older persons receives daily 10-15 such requests/complaints regarding old age pension.

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Estimated Population of older persons in Delhi - 1509685
9.01% of total population of Delhi
Older Women population in Delhi -793490
% of older women in elderly population -52.56%
Older men population in Delhi -716195
% of older women in elderly population - 47.44%
Number of working elderly in Delhi - 338169
% of working older persons - 22.4 %

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In view of ever increasing cost of living and particularly high cost of medication, older persons in large number need social and governmental support to meet their expenses. Needless to say it is the older persons, who find it most difficult to follow up with various governmental departments for their respective applications/complaints lying with governmental offices. It is a well-known fact that population of older persons is increasing vary fast in comparison to younger generations, especially in urbanized areas like Delhi. Hence, there is an urgent need to give special attention to this section of society “senior citizens” & destitute and needy older persons should be given priority in every social development schemes.

While welcoming the initiative of Government of Delhi under E-SLA Project, on behalf of over 1.5 million older persons of Delhi, Agewell Foundation appeals to Government of Delhi to include process of Old Age Pension under the project. This would help needy older persons and their family members in getting financial assistance.

To know more about Agewell Foundation, visit website www.agewellfoundation.org

News appeared in the Hindustan Times dtd. 19.09.2011

http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/PUBLICATIONS/HT/HD/2011/09/19/ArticleHtmls/CITIZEN-CENTRIC-Include-pension-under-e-SLA-say-19092011005004.shtml?Mode=1

Views of Older Persons

2011-09-16T14:54:00.000+05:30

Isolation: The worst enemy of old age

“At the age of 75, when I need family support, I am forced to live alone. My sons are settled in towns but they have no place for their parent.”

- Ashok Kumar Bhadoria (75 years), Jhansi, UP

“Neighbors and relatives often visit me, but I hardly could share my loneliness with them.”

- Bimla Devi, a 80 year-old-widow, Gaya, Bihar

“In a big family of 7 members, there is no one to whom I can share few moments. They are busy with their businesses and I am busy with my loneliness.”

- Mohd. Hanif Khan, a 69-year-old person from Mumbai

“After demise of my wife, my life is filled with sound of silence and color of darkness”

- Abinash Biswas, 74-year-old person from Burdwan, West Bengal

“I had worked hard for the welfare of my children, but now they have no time for me, instead they treat me as a burden on their family.”

- Rukmani P Iyer, 85-year-old widow from Chennai

“ I am quite happy with my isolation. I can live with my own state of affairs not on conditions set by others for me”

- Pran Kapoor, 69-year-old person, New Delhi

Views of Older Persons

2011-09-14T12:28:00.000+05:30

Older Persons: Often ignored by Political class

“Politicians have no sensitivity towards older persons. Even when they themselves become old, they don’t want to extend a helping hand towards other older persons, because they do not consider them as important voters.”

-Vibhuti Narayan Pandey, 87, Rohtas, Bihar

“Although older people regularly vote and their numbers are also very high but they are not considered a vote bank because they are not looked at as a group.”

- Mohd. Irfan Khan, 61, Retired University Professor, Aligarh, UP

“Who has ever heard any politician ever talking about old people in the parliament?”

- Dr. Sushila Patnaik, 66, Rourkela, Orissa

“If my children have no job or sufficient income, do you think we will let our grandchildren suffer because we need maintenance?”

- Suman Kaushik, 70, Udaipur, Rajasthan

“Which Indian would ever force his daughter or son-in-law to provide for him?” we won’t even have a drop of water in our married daughter’s house, how can we force them to provide for us?” what kind of law is this & for whom?

- Uday Shankar Manik Rao Kane, 64, Pune, Maharashtra

Source : Agewell Research & Advocacy Centre

You Can Beat Loneliness

2011-08-12T13:02:00.000+05:30

You Can Beat Loneliness

Agewell Foundation at UN Conference as a Panelist

2011-07-27T12:05:00.000+05:30

Second Working Session of

Open Ended Working Group on Ageing

Mr. Himanshu Rath, Chairman of Agewell Foundation has been invited by United Nations, ECOSOC to participate as a Panelist. In the Second Session of the Open-ended Working Group on strengthening the protection of the human rights of older persons, which is scheduled to take place in New York from 1 to 4 August 2011.

AGEWELL STUDY ON HUMAN RIGHTS & STATUS OF OLDER WOMEN IN INDIA

2011-07-23T17:39:00.000+05:30

A NATIONAL STUDY (JULY 2011)

BY AGEWELL RESEARCH & ADVOCACY CENTRE

(For Needs & Rights of Older Persons)

INTRODUCTION

India has a population of approx. 60 million older women (60+). Traditionally, in India women have had a respectable place among almost all communities, but contemporary ground realities vary from this fact. Even human rights of older women are at stake today.

Today old women have restricted social interaction, limited earning possibilities, several medical complications, emotional isolation (in large number of cases even from their own children), very limited knowledge or awareness of their legal rights and natural reluctance to seek justice.

In many Indian communities women are treated as second class citizens. They have been lagging behind in almost all walks of life for centuries. They have never been financially independent. Due to less social interaction they even don’t know about their rights and powers. They are always dependent on male members of the family for their basis needs, even for day-to-day requirements.

Older women have more critical problem than older men. Due to social and traditional family structure they are forced to live with several restrictions. Hence they find themselves marginalized and isolated all the time. As women live longer than men, most of them have to live a life of a widow in their silver years.

Although there are many social organizations and activists working for empowering women through various media and laws have also been made for protection and empowerment of women, older women lead a marginalized life and many of them live a neglected and miserable life.

OVERVIEW

Till few decades the percentage of older persons was negligible in overall population of India. With population aging and fast changing socio-economic circumstances, status of older persons particularly older women in their respective families / societies has changed. Conditions of older women are getting worse day by day.

Almost all elderly women face more or less the same problems - health, financial, emotional, elder abuse, discrimination and crime. Females in India have been facing serious discrimination with respect to rights and are overburdened with family responsibilities.

In Old Age, elderly women face an emotional void in their life. This is because of their leading a family-centric life since their childhood. Their world revolved around their families; and when they get old they get sidelined by the same family because it no longer requires their services or they are not fit enough to serve family interests.

For the empowerment of women, many programs/schemes have been initiated at governmental level, but they hardly focus on old age issues of old women.

Research & Advocacy Centre at Agewell Foundation (a consortium of over 1500 NGOs and 6500 volunteers spread across 540 districts of India, committed to initiate better interaction between generations and extend a helping hand) has carried out a nationwide survey to study the status of Older Women including their human rights in India.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Agewell Research & Advocacy Centre has conducted a survey to assess the status of older women in India with the following objectives

- To identify responsible factors of miserable living conditions and violation of human rights of older women in India

- To create awareness among the concerned stakeholder keeping in mind greater challenge ahead

- To suggest or recommend some specific points to policy makers, planners and decision makers so that issues concerning elderly women could be given due importance in future

METHODOLOGY AND SAMPLE DESIGN

Experienced and qualified volunteers were selected as interviewers and they were provided with proper guidelines, directions, training, etc.

Under the survey campaign, comprehensive interviews were undertaken by managing time-bound schedules to collect information /impression/views from selected older persons from across the country

For the survey a representative sample of 10000 older women was interviewed spread across 200 districts of 25 states & Union Territories of India.

Agewell volunteers' network spread across the country worked as interviewers for the survey. The interviews were conducted during the month of July 2011.

Age-group & Area wise classification of respondents

Older women have comparatively longer life span. Under the survey older women were divided in three simple age-groups.

Categories	Rural	Urban	Total
60 – 70 Years	3691	1391	5082
71 – 80 Years	2517	851	3368
81+ Years	1160	390	1550
Total	7368	2632	10000

Elderly women in India have different lifestyle in various parts of the country. With objective to assess the status of older women living in various situations and geographical conditions, sample size was randomly selected as per the following;

I. Rural elderly women

II. Urban Elderly women

In each group the target was to include every section of the society, specifically

o Housewives (60+)

o Labourers/farmers

o Widows

o Retired older women

o Non-pensioners/self-employed old women

o Literate old women

o Illiterate old women

o Financially secure old women

o Old women from BPL (below poverty line) Families

MAJOR FINDINGS

- Since education plays an important role in determining of living conditions of any individual, educational abilities of older women were also ascertained under the survey.

o 62.13% older women were found illiterate, 20.79% just literate and only 17.08% older women said that they are educated.

o Obviously, in the age group of 60-70 years highest 23.22% women were found educated in comparison to 12.86% in the age group of 71-80. In the age group of most senior women (81+) only 1 in every 15 older women was educated.

o Out of 10000 older women interviewed 6213 older women were found illiterate.

Interviewers’ Observation

On the study of observations collected by interviewers, it was also noticed that in rural areas status of literacy level among older women was more critical. In several areas even 100% illiteracy was reported among elderly women.

Ever-changing family set up of older women

· 21.2% older women were living alone in their houses. Most of them were widow and their children were living at distance places far from them.

· 17.7% older women were found living with their aged husbands only.

· 57% older women were found living in small/nuclear families. In most cases, they were living with their any close relative like son’s wife & children, daughter, etc.

· Only 4.3% older women admitted that they belong to traditional Indian joint families.

Interviewers’ Observation

Indian traditional joint family system seems to be getting vanished not only from urban areas but even from rural areas.

Marital status in Old Age among elderly women

· Ironically 42.8% of elderly women approached were reportedly widowed.

· Only half of the older women (50.9%) were leading a life of married women.

· Cases of unmarried older women, divorce and remarriage among older women were negligible. Only 2.5% older women had re-married after divorce.

Interviewers’ Observation

It was observed during the survey that in India for women married life matters most in their life even in old age. Death of their husbands brings sea of sorrows for them. Average Indian woman wanted to die before her husband’s death; she wanted to lead a married life throughout her life. A widow is called ‘unfortunate’ (Abhaagan) in Indian society.

· Average period of widowhood was found around 11 years among respondents.

· Out of 4283 elderly widows older women widowed, almost one third (35% elderly widows) said that they have been in their widowhood for 10-20 years. 24% elderly widows lost their husbands within past 5 years and 30.3% elderly widows have been living without their husbands for 5-10 years.

· 10.7% elderly widow women have been widow for more than 20 years.

Status of older women in Family

· More than a half (52%) older women are being marginalised from their families/societies or not getting proper respect from other people, even from their family members.

· Out of 10000 older women interviewed, 2043 old women said that they are head of their respective families, that’s why they were generally respected in their families.

· 27.5% elderly women agreed that they receive due respect and regard from most of their family members.

Interviewers’ Observation

In male dominated Indian society women hardly head their families. However, in their old age many women found themselves as head of their families.

Due to longer life span in comparision to older men, old women are senior most in many families, but they always depend upon other members in family matters, as they lack financial intelligence or independence.

Relationship of older women with their family members

· Almost 2/3^rd (65%) Older women living with their son/s said that their relationship with son/s is affectionate. Only 27.7% older women were not happy with their relationship with them.

· 45% of older women admitted that their relationship with their daughter/s-in-law was not so affectionate, 40% were found enjoying good relationship with their daughter/s-in law.

· More than 3/4^th elderly women living in any kind of family set up, liked their relationship with their grandchildren.

Interviewers’ Observation

It was observed that elderly women’s interpersonal relationship with younger women were not so affectionate in comparison to other family members. Relationship with remote family members were found full of warmth. Older women value their relationship with their remote family friends or relatives instead those family members, who are living with them.

Financial status of older women

· 28% older women had no source of monthly income. Out of 10000 old women 2797 older women said that they didn’t earn money.

· 31% older women were found living in the very moderate monthly income group of Rs.1000–Rs. 5000.

· Only 3% elderly women earn a monthly income of Rs. 10000 or above.

· When net-worth value of older women was assessed, it was found that 1/3^rd older women had no land/house property titles in their names.

· 1/4^th older women have net worth value upto Rs. 1 Lac only.

· Only 6.8% older women were found in possession of land/house and other property worth Rs. 25 lakh or above.

Physical Status of older women

· 33.7% older women were found in good health even at old age.

· 48.2% older women were suffering from various health related problems.

· It also emerged from the survey that 8.3% older women were in bedridden condition, whereas 9.8% older women were disabled physically/psychologically.

· When data obtained from the survey was analysed, it was found that there were 31% older women who had not been admitted in any hospital for treatment so far in their old age.

· 47% older women got admitted from 1-5 times and 22% old women needed to get admitted more than 6 times out of them 7% older women got admitted at various hospitals for more than 10 times.

· Out of 6631 older women suffering from any / more kinds of health problems, 3691 older women (56%) were ill/unheallthy for less than 5 years.

Interviewers’ Observation

Since in sample size number of older women in the age group of 60-70 is higher, overall health conditions of older women were found not so critical.

Financial Status of older women

· 44.3% older women depended on pensions of their husbands or their own pension

· 16.3% poor old women were getting old age /widow pension.

· To meet their expenses 37% older women were found involved in household chores. 17% older women said that they go out for work, most of them worked in their fields.

· 30.84% older women were not found engaged in any kind of work as majority of them were not able to work.

· 35.7% elderly women admitted that they had no work /opportunities to do, hence they sit idle at their home.

· 31.1% older women said that they kept themselve busy with religious activities.

Importance of Family members in their life

· 74.9% older women expressed their dedication towards their family and family members.

· Only 26.5% older women admitted that they would like to put their self-interest before others’ interests.

· Even 63.3% older women said that if required, they could give up their happiness for sake of their kids, even in old age.

Interviewers’ Observation

Since almost 99% Indian elderly women lived as housewives througout their younger age, they learnt values of love, compassion and sacrifice towards their home and children.

Life in Old Age

· 73.5% older women opined that in their old age they felt that they were not satisfied with their lives or not satisfied with events that are happenig in their old age. Major reasons of their dissatisfaction were found as under

· Ancestral Property land/building, etc

· Supremacy in family

· Interpersonal relationship

· Pending Legal cases

· Chronic illness

· Acute financial problem

· Unsuccessful children/grandchildren

· No family support in need

Emotional Attachments towards life

· Only 3/4^th older women (76%) were found emotionally detached towards their life. Majority of older women have detachted themselves from their household things, which belong to them.

· Out of them 28% older women said that they have left their belongings by their own desire, whereas 72% older women reportedly forced to detatch their things and interests by other people or circumstances.

Financial dependency in old age

· Only 21% older women were found self-dependent or dependent on their husbands only, so far as their financial needs are concerned.

· More than a half (51%) older women said that they are dependent on their son/s for their financial requirements.

· 20% older women were dependent on their daughter/s for financial requirements.

Interviewers’ Observation

With changed socio-economic scenario, breaking up joint family system and ever-increasing life span in old age, financial needs of older women have increased dramatically. In absence of all-inclusive social security schemes, older women are facing severe financial crisis in old age.

Most common problem/s of older women

When asked about most common problems, they have been facing in old age, older women illustrated the followign as their major problems;

1. Marginalization/neglect

2. Financial problems

3. Mobility restricted

4. No/ not easy access to medicine/healthcare

5. No say in family matters

6. No /less respect

7. No/less food

8. Confined to bed

9. Safety & Security

10. No work/ jobs available

· 1548 older women gave first priority to their probblem related to marginalisation/isolation in old age. 1259 older women mentioned financial problems in old age as their first priority. 1248 older women said that their restricted mobility due to old age/disability is their No. 1 problem.

· When second priority given by older women were analysed it was found that most of the elderly women (1248) mentioned their medical problems as their second most critical probem.

Human Rights of Older Women

· 87.2% older women reportedly have faced age related discrimination in their life.

· When questions were asked about harrassment/elder abuse and mistreatment with older women, every 2 in 3 older women (66%) agreed that they were harrased/ abused or were being harrassed/ abused in old age.

· Ironically, 61.7% of elder abuse cases were due to their own family members.

· 90% older women have virtually no knowledge of women rights, due to illiteracy or lack of exposure to outer world.

· 81% older women, who had to face harrassment/elder abuse in old age, never reported their complaint or raised voice against elder abuse/harrassement.

Interviewers’ Observation

Indian women have always been introvert by nature, that’s why they are vulnerable and soft target of wrong doers. It has been observed that for sake of peace of their home and stability in their life they hardly complain for anything.

Due to Illiteracy, poverty, lack of awareness about their rights, less exposure to mainstream of society and their social/family background their rights, even basic human rights are violated from time to time.

· As per observations collected by survey teammembers, it was found that 43.9% older women were living in inhuman conditions currently.

(During the survey, interviewers were also directed to observe living conditions of respondents. To determine the living conditions of older women their clothes, living place, surroundings, food, health condition, behaviour with interviwer, other people’s attitude towards her, etc. were observed or informal questios pertaining to these things were also asked.)

Majority of cases of Human Rights violation were observed due to poverty of older women.

Core poverty due to deprivation of

o Proper/Nutritional food

o Clean potable water

o Shelter

o Sanitation

o Clothing

o Health/medical care

Relative poverty due to deprivation of

o Literacy – Information

o Equal livelihood -

o Leisure/recreation – family/society

o Access to rights – individual/ community

o Savings – personal/ family

o Dignity – Respect in family/Society

Representative statements from older persons

“My son & daughter-in-law, both are working. I have to look after my grown-up grandchildren all the time. My son & his wife don’t allow me to go out of home, even when they are at home. After death of my husband I am being marginalized in my own house. Sometimes it seems that I am not the owner of the house, but a care-taker. ”.

Premwati Verma, 75-year-old widow, Kanpur,

“My sons work in factories at Jaipur. They hardly visit us. They always express their inability to meet our expenses. We get old age pension but I have to work in nearby fields to keep me and my ailing husband alive. We are living in abject poverty for years due to our limited income.

Bhura Devi, 66, Kishangarh, Rajasthan

I have been fed up of mistreatment by my daughter-in-law with me. She treats me like with a servant and abuses me verbally. I left my home for many occasions but every time I returned for my sons and grandchildren. I suffer a lot in old age only for sake of my sons & grandchildren.

Noor Bano Begum, 77, Ahmadnager, Maharashtra

“I have been left alone by my sons due to house property made up by my husband. They wanted me to distribute my property among them equally. In old age my only my house in only source of my income as my husband was not in government job. I fear if I distribute my house among my sons, they could throw me out of my own house. In that condition, no one can help me.”

Pushpa Kapoor, 65, Amritsar, Punjab

STUDY OBSERVATIONS

· Marginalization/isolation or alienation in old age is among the most common issues that are affecting older women constantly. Older women, who are still living with their sons/daughters and grand-children are also suffering from emotional alienation.

· Older women, who live in cities, are prone to social alienation/marginalization in comparison to older women of villages. Joint family system is still alive in rural areas. Older women, who live in semi urban situations/industrial townships also find it difficult to cope with old age, particularly after their children have grown up and husbands retire.

· With increased life span of older women in old age, their financial needs are emerging as major concerns in old age. However, today many older women have property/money but they cannot possibly use the money or take financial decisions on their own. Social traditions don’t allow them to use their ancestral property / money for their own welfare. They may be rich or poor; they always have to act according to others’ directives.

· In old age most of the older women face family problems like uncomfortable relations with daughters-in-law, limited interaction with children, grand-children. Their daughters-in-law don’t like their interference in family matters, children are busy with their jobs, and their husbands invariably have mood swings after retirement and mostly restrict their free movements.

· Due to negligence, lack of awareness, financial support and religious mindset of women, older women often have to face acute health problems.

· Most old women are self conscious. Due to their home-bound lifestyle they don’t attain confidence even in their young life. Changes in appearance in old age, dependence on spectacles, hearing aids, receding hairline, wrinkled skin… everything makes them more and more self-conscious.

· Human rights of older women are not defined specifically, but their rights are more sensitive than other individuals as in most of the cases they cannot protect their rights on their own.

· In old age women turn towards religion. Most women turn to religious activities (like Satsang, Pravachan) pilgrimage, etc. after loosing their life-partner or any other family members. Some are from orthodox/religious background and have been following religious lifestyle since childhood.

· In today’s fast paced modern life younger generations hardly find few moments to share with their elders. It has been realized that ever-widening communication gap between the generations is also responsible for miserable condition of older women. Because women remained sensitive throughout their life.

CONCLUSION

In India, women have never found themselves at the centre stage. They have always been marginalized from the mainstream of the society. Living as second class citizen for centuries, their mindset has also developed accordingly and never enjoyed privileges of development.

They worked very hard throughout their life, they dedicated every moment of her life for the sake of her children and husband, and they poured love, compassion and empathy on her family and remained ready for any kind of sacrifice. But when she becomes old and need family support from her family members, children and others, they left her alone physically, socially, psychologically.

Today, we need to focus on issues concerning older women in order to ensure a respectful, more comfortable and healthy environment for them to live in. all concerned stakeholders need to work together in direction of -

· Bringing perceptual change towards old age in general society

· Sensitizing younger generations towards elderly women

· Empowering younger women to develop them as strong older women

· Spreading awareness older women about their rights & powers

· Bringing attitudinal changes in girls towards their life

· Initiating the process of strengthening human rights of older women

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