Agewell Foundation

In Celebration of   International Day for Older Persons, 1 st October On the occasion of International Day for Older Persons, 1 st October, 2010, Agewell has conducted a survey on fast changing needs of older persons of the county, with an objective to bring about a perceptual change in society about changing trends of old age. In today’s fast paced life, nothing is permanent but change. Change has become acceptable to population of all ages. Even older persons, who are known for famous adage - “Old Habits Die Hard ” are talking about change, they are all set to change their old habits of adjusting or adapting themselves in whatever environment is given to them till few years back. In most of the societies, older persons usually lived a marginalized life, though with respect from society members. But today, in completely changed socio-economic scenario they also want to remain in mainstream of the society. The survey was conducted during the 3 rd week of Septembe...

By AGEWELL RESEARCH & ADVOCACY CENTRE  (For Needs & Rights of Older Persons)     BACKGROUND In India, population of older persons which has crossed 100 million mark recently and is expected to increase rapidly for another 3-4 decades, has become a huge challenge for policy planners. Till few years back issues concerning older persons were considered as peripheral issues only. But now government at various levels has started including issues concerning older persons in its central agenda. During the last decade, socio-economic and demographic scenario of the country has changed remarkably. With expansion of modern social norms, popularity of nuclear families, rapid urbanization, industrialization and above all, consistent increase in percentage of older persons in country’s population has changed profile of older persons dramatically. Now they include more educated older persons, they are comparatively healthy and active due to advancement of medical s...