Varishtha Nagarik Mancha (VNM), a federation of senior citizen associations, and Thikana, an NGO and a VNM member, hosted a round of discussions by experts from different fields covering various aspects of old-age related problems at Natyashodh Sansthan in EE Block.

It was the first such awareness programme for the elderly and Salt Lake, being home to an increasing number of senior citizens, was an obvious choice as venue. Similar sessions will take place in other parts of the city and its outskirts in future.

Gerontologist Indrani Chakraborty initiated the talk. “Population ageing is the biggest problem of the 21st century. It’s not the numbers that are alarming but the various inconveniences faced by society’s older members. Breaking of the joint family system has given rise to security issues related to finances, health and legal matters.”

Former general manager, State Bank Group, K.K. Chattopadhyay advised: “We seniors need to first judge how financially literate we are. By answering a few questions, we can determine this. If your passbooks and cheque books are left lying around the house, if you let anyone else use your ATM card and your wife does not know how to use the card, you are financially illiterate. You must also clear your credit card dues and pay the full amount in order to be counted as financially literate.”

He also warned against offers made over telephones. “Please don’t heed telephonic canvassing. Unless you meet the advisor and see whether the papers are in order never accept offers.” He urged everyone to be financially literate in order to avoid financial abuse and dial the Helpage helpline number 18003451253 for any assistance.

Consumer rights activist Alok Mukherjee said: “Senior citizens are a great source of knowledge and they should be respected for that. As the unitary family system is more prevalent nowadays, the elderly are facing neglect in different ways. Many laws have been enforced to protect them like the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 which makes it mandatory for children or legal heirs to provide for their parents or aged relatives.”

Mukherjee suggested that one be aware of one’s rights as seniors and use them — stand in separate queues meant for the elderly, use senior citizens’ seats in public transport, enjoy IT relief and airfare concessions. “You should make small groups of the 60-plus, play cards, go to the library and discuss these issues. This would raise your awareness level.”

“Ever heard of the acronym PICA? It stands for Parents in India Children Abroad. While children get busy enhancing their career prospects abroad, their parents in India suffer from depression due to insecurity and this, along with dementia, is becoming very common among the aging population,” said neurologist N.N. Sarangi. “Whether I’m 78-year-old or 78-year-young, it all depends on one’s perception. I would prescribe regular exercises, right diet and bringing about lifestyle modifications from an early stage in life,” he added.

Former chief general manager, Calcutta Telephones, Samar Chakraborty dealt with assistive technology for the elders. He said: “Sometimes the complexity of the technology prevents its wider application, but gerotechnology aims at bridging this gap so that state-of- the-art gadgets could be used to make lives of senior citizens more secure and comfortable. After 40, the sensors beneath our feet become weaker and our balance reduces escalating the risk of falls. Telephones with sensors that inform you about the perils at your location are going to be introduced soon in India. A device that is available is a band with sensing instruments that can be worn around the wrist which sets off an alarm if the wearer stumbles or falls. Care-givers for senior citizens find such a device useful for tracking their clients.”

Did you know?

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 makes it mandatory for children or legal heirs to provide for their parents or aged relatives

At fingertips

Dial the Helpage helpline 18003451253 for assistance

Be aware of your rights

Stand in separate queues meant for the elderly, use senior citizens’ seats in public transport, enjoy IT relief and airfare concessions. Make small groups of the 60-plus and discuss such issues to raise awareness