"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Elderly

Good News

Project Chetna: Wearable Tech with Heart!

Mumbai-based data engineer, Akshay Ridlan, has given wearable technology a heartwarming twist with "Project Chetna." These innovative pendants feature scannable QR codes, and they're not just any fashion accessory; they're a lifeline, especially for the elderly and those with special needs. "Project Chetna" harnesses cutting-edge QR technology to create wearable pendants that store essential personal, medical, and emergency information. Akshay Ridlan's mission goes beyond mere product creation; it's about fostering awareness and compassion within communities. The inspiration behind "Project Chetna" is deeply personal. Akshay's close friend's father, who had dementia, went missing, leaving their family in anguish. This incident fueled Akshay's determination to make a difference. He emphasizes, "Every year, close to one crore children go missing in India. These are reasons enough for me to create pendants with QR tags." This isn't Akshay's first foray into QR-based pendants; earlier, he introduced QR code tags for street dogs to help feeders keep track of them. The lockdown and digitalization sparked the idea of using QR codes for human safety. The pendants now come with an additional feature. When scanned, registered family members receive a notification with the pendant's scan details, including the IP address of the scanner.  Akshay elaborates, "These pendants are designed to be a lifeline in times of crisis. When scanned, they reveal vital personal details, medical history, and emergency contact information, streamlining the process of reuniting missing individuals with their families." His vision? To build a 'Surakshit Bharat' (Safe India). For now, Akshay charges only the making cost of the lockets, at ₹250. These oval-shaped, QR-coded lockets, not larger than an inch, are encased in a metal frame. "Project Chetna" is not just about technology; it's about bringing safety, compassion, and a touch of humanity to those who need it most. Akshay Ridlan's mission to make a difference in people's lives is a shining example of innovation with a purpose.

10 Oct 2023
Good News

First-of-its-kind Initiative: Karnataka to Witness a Historic Change with Vote from Home Facility

The Election Commission (EC) of India has rolled out a groundbreaking initiative to empower the democratic process and encourage greater participation of the elderly and disabled in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly Elections.  The EC announced the poll dates on Wednesday, last week and introduced the 'Vote for Home' (VFH) facility, which will allow senior citizens aged over 80 and people with disabilities to cast their votes from the comfort of their own homes. This first-of-its-kind initiative will ensure greater participation of these segments of society in the election process, allowing them to exercise their right to vote without having to physically visit a polling station. The initiative comes ahead of the Assembly Elections, which will be held on May 10, with results announced on May 13. The state of Karnataka has a voter base of 5.21 crore people, out of which 12.15 lakh voters are above the age of 80 and little more than 5 lakh voters have some form of disability. Additionally, about 9.17 lakh first-time voters will be eligible to cast their vote for the first time. The EC will deploy polling teams to lakhs of designated homes on pre-informed dates, where they will collect postal ballots from residents who have opted for VFH. This initiative will reduce the rigors of visiting a polling station and ensure the safety and comfort of elderly citizens and people with disabilities. The BBMP officials have taken up a door-to-door campaign to inform residents about the new facility, particularly the elderly, to make the process smooth and hassle-free. The initiative is being hailed as a major step towards making the democratic process more inclusive and accessible for all, regardless of their age or physical abilities.

28 Apr 2023
Good News

Star Citizens

Srinagar Tea Seller's Unwavering Love and Care Inspire Many

In a heartwarming tale of love and care, a tea seller in Srinagar has become an inspiration for many with his unwavering dedication to his ailing mother. Farooq Ahmed, a humble tea seller in the Court Road area of Lal Chowk, has been selling tea for the past 17 years, but it is his devotion to his mother that has caught the attention of the community. Despite facing many hardships in his life, including a failed marriage and living with just his elderly mother, Farooq has taken it upon himself to be her sole caregiver. Every day, he brings his mother, who suffers from various health issues, to his tea stall in a wheelchair, where he tends to her needs while serving tea to customers. Regardless of the weather conditions, be it rain or snow during the harsh winters of Srinagar, Farooq ensures his mother's well-being by keeping her close to him. He engages her in conversations, providing comfort and companionship throughout the day. Farooq's dedication doesn't end with his work at the tea stall. At home, he tirelessly prepares meals for both himself and his mother, taking care of all the household chores. His selflessness and love have touched the hearts of all those who witness his acts of devotion. His mother, grateful for his care, praises him as a son who serves and cares for her like a child. Farooq's story has become an inspiration for others, reminding them of the importance of cherishing and supporting their parents in their old age.

12 Sep 2023
Star Citizens

The Dr. of Hope: Transforming Lives with Tiffins and Compassion

Dr. Uday Modi, a compassionate Ayurvedic doctor in Mumbai, has earned the title of "Dr. of Hope" for his unwavering dedication to caring for the impoverished. His profession has granted him profound insight into the harsh realities faced by his patients on a daily basis. Witnessing the precarious conditions endured by countless abandoned elderly individuals across Bhayander, Dr. Modi was deeply moved. "Within my practice, I encounter numerous malnourished elderly individuals who lack even the most basic shelter," he reveals with empathy. Determined to make a difference, Dr. Modi initiated a systematic campaign known as "ONE day ONE service of tiffins." Despite the daunting cost of 3 lakh per month, which he personally covers, 200 tiffins brimming with chapatis, curry, dal, and rice are prepared daily. These nourishing meals are then distributed through vans and the assistance of dedicated volunteers. Beyond his medical prowess, Dr. Modi is also a talented actor. The income derived from his artistic endeavors allows him to subsidize the feeding program. Furthermore, a growing cohort of volunteers collaborates with SEVA on a daily basis, propelling the initiative's expansion. Operating from his own residence, Dr.Modi has established the headquarters of Shravan Tiffin Seva, where he meticulously prepares over 200 tiffins daily for distribution among the elderly living on the streets. Recognizing the unique dietary needs of the elderly, Dr. Modi classifies the food according to prevalent ailments, with separate kitchens for diabetic and hypertensive individuals. Personally sampling each meal before packaging ensures its quality. This labor of love is a relentless 24/7 commitment. There are no breaks, no sick leaves, not even for damaged vehicles. The elderly reliant on the tiffins provided by Dr. Modi's team would go hungry without them. "If the tiffin is missing, the elders in the program go without food all day. We cannot afford to fail them," emphasizes Dr. Modi. Dr. Modi commenced his mission with minimal resources but an indomitable spiritual strength. His initiative has become a beacon of hope for the forsaken elderly and an inspiration for those yearning to contribute to a more compassionate society. With each passing day, Dr. Modi touches the hearts of the underprivileged and, alongside his family, unites more souls in the noble cause of safeguarding Mumbai's abandoned elderly.

29 Jun 2023
Star Citizens

Stories of Joy and Sorrow: How Block-level Clubs in Jharkhand Help the Elderly Deal with Loneliness

Narayan Poddar, a sixty-year-old man, looks upon a group of attentive students. Taking them back sixty years, he begins to tell them stories of his days as a student. His audience is the Jamtara Deputy Commissioner, Faiz Ahmed Mumtaz, who is listening with rapt attention. Mumtaz has been instrumental in setting up block-level clubs in each of Jharkhand’s six blocks. Through these clubs, the elderly can spend time together and share their sorrows and joys. Poddar, the president of the elders club in Narayanpur block, is one of the many who benefit. About 10% of Jharkhand’s population (nine lakh) is over the age of sixty. With these clubs, the elderly can engage in activities like reading, playing board games and watching television, combatting loneliness and sharing stories. Mumtaz’s efforts were recognized and he was awarded The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards. The biennial awards recognize the outstanding work done by District Magistrates, men and women who are regarded as the backbone of the government and who direct change that affects the lives of countless people all over the nation. The cost of renovating each building for the club was 3-3.5 lakhs, with other amenities such as TVs and refrigerators being crowd-sourced. Each of the 25 members at the Narayanpur club takes on the responsibility to maintain the club.  While some people clean, others water the plants, and some people, like Poddar, chat with the occasional visitor. They all have stories to tell, which is something they have in common. Poddar remarks, “I talk to my friend. I try to understand what his faith is. He tries to understand mine.” The block-level clubs in Jharkhand are a gift of togetherness, bringing the elderly out of loneliness and offering them a platform to share their wisdom and experiences.

7 Feb 2023
Star Citizens

Global News

80 and Fearless: The Incredible Story of Two Women on a World Tour

Against all odds and despite their age, Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby are fearlessly embarking on a thrilling mission to inspire elderly people worldwide to live life to the fullest by staying active and having fun, no matter their age. The two women are traveling the world, visiting 18 countries and all seven continents and wonders of the world in just 80 days! Hazelip, a physician, and Hamby, a documentary photographer, met 20 years ago in Zambia and had already enjoyed several trips together before embarking on this epic adventure. Their motto is to always smile and never get upset, and they hope their trip will inspire others to have a swan song trip like them rather than waste away in a chair.  Despite having had knee replacements, they have already enjoyed highlights such as seeing the world from a plane above Mount Everest, putting their foot down on Antarctica, and seeing the northern lights above Lapland. Hazelip and Hamby travel in economy class and are known for their adventurous spirit. Hazelip jokes that if a potential travel companion has well-manicured hands, they are not a good fit for their trip. Hamby said that her daughter is not worried about her safety, saying as she is happy to see her living the life she wants to live. This inspiring journey is a reminder that age is just a number, and that it's never too late to see the world and have fun. Hazelip and Hamby are proof that staying active and having a positive outlook on life can lead to incredible adventures and experiences, no matter how old you are.

10 Mar 2023
Global News

Positive Reads

Compassion for the elderly

We are living in a fast-paced, technology driven world where social media rules and leaves us with very little time for self-introspection as well as caring for our loved ones. The most adversely affected seem to be the elderly who are not adept at technology and the use of smartphones. Mumbai-based gerontologist, Amruta Lovekar says that most seniors just need someone who will listen to them, chat with them and validate their  accomplishments in life. It is a pity that instead of spending time with their parents, most people come home to start work on their laptops or drown themselves in social media with the help of their mobile phones. To make an elderly person happy is the noblest act a young person can ever do, yet more and more senior citizens are becoming victims of abandonment. According to Prakash Borganonkar, Director of Helpage India, five years ago, one out of five elderly would admit to be abandoned, but now one out of two elderly say they were abandoned by their own children. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parentsand Senior citizens Act passed by the centre in 2007 promises social security, health security and security of life and property to any senior citizen approaching a state tribunal specially set up under this Act. Unfortunately niether have the state governments set up tribunals at district levels nor have formulated any rules required by the Act. As cases of abandonment of the elderly is on the rise, this dormant Act needs to be given life so that proper rules are framed that will enable them to live with dignity and honour. This issue has also given rise to a new profession of paid companions who spend time with the senior citizens and give them a new lease of life, from listening to their stories to teaching them how to install apps on their smart phones and use them.  There are many people above 80 who have learnt to use tabs and created facebook pages, thanks to these paid companions who bring enthusiasm, curiosity and cheer into their otherwise dull lives. They also teach them to shop online and take them out for the much needed stroll and fresh air.  Nowadays, there are many such organizations that offer such companions for hire. Startups like Mumbai based Aaji Care also offer trained women care companions at monthly packages. Having written that, let me remind you that by not giving time to our elders it is we who stand to lose on their immense wisdom and love. After all, it is said that the best people are the good old wrinkled people with a sparkle in their eye, a wink when you walk by or a toothless smile saying you are doing just fine.  

6 Jun 2017
Positive Reads

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