Vol 03 Issue 04

Extend Your Family. Enjoy Your Age! Volume 03 | Issue 04 | `60 Heighten Know, Understand & Demand your Happy your rights, with Sugandhi Baliga Hormones of Tata Trusts pg 14 pg 34 Samarth conversation with seniors pg 18 Get magazine issue delivered to doorstep Whatsapp ‘SUBS’ to 8700 677 878

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FROM THE EDITOR Asheesh Gupta “Hello Zindagi Ifind this time of the year very dreamy. There is something about monsoons that is very romantic. It is also a great time to pamper yourself with good food, great company, laughter and happiness. And top of my list in the monsoons is that perfect cup of tea with some crosswords. Head straight to the Mind bender section in the magazine for some fun facts, puzzles, sudoku and other interesting activities to engage with. Bring a smile to the face of the person you care for and recite the poems in this magazine for them in your own style and voice. After all, if aging is inevitable, why not grow old joyfully. Used for everything from music to sport and almost in all parts across the world, ‘Hello’ might be the most overused interjection in our linguistic repertoire. And yet it best describes what we have set out to do with this 12th edition of Samarth magazine. At the outset let me make it clear that with “Hello” we don’t just mean a mere interjection. Instead it's our call to action for all our readers and members of the samarth community. Let us join our voices and say in chorus, “Hello Zindagi”. Let us wear a big smile and embrace aging with open arms. After all, we are standing together shoulder to shoulder, fully aware and fully alive. We have made some interesting and often unconventional choices. Whether it is treading the lesser known trails, turning to our values with pride, being audacious, or embracing success while at the same time opening up about our vulnerabilities, all of this makes the Samarth community, its members and our everyday environment worth every hardship that we have endured. In our five years, we have witnessed (and I would like to think, participated in) seismic shifts in the mindsets of people regarding elder care, from launching care programs to senior citizens helplines, from webinars to media coverages, from a humble beginning to 30000+ members across 110+ cities, and this issue tries to capture all of that. I am happy to re-introduce the all new Samarth theme of Hello Zindagi c , it is focused, inclusive and all about providing family care to our elders in their homes almost like how their own children would like to take care of them. Asheesh Vol 03 | Issue 043 | samarth | 1

FROM THE EDITOR Gaurav Agarwal Chief Operating Officer Geeta Nambisan Care Operations Director Vishal Malik Director Community Development Dipti Sinha Care Delivery Manager Jaswant Rawat Samarth Community Mentor Raman Kapur Care Network Manager Bijendra Sheoran Head – Care Technology Rajiv Dubey- Director - Projects

30,000+ members / 110 cities India's largest community of active seniors. Trusted by the diaspora across 20+ countries to support and care for their elderly parents living in India.

Cover Design: Aarti Uberoi CONTENTS 9 Cover Story SAY HELLO TO LIFE! What is the ideal age to grow old? Never! If you want to live a satisfying, healthy, fulfilling life, we have some advice for you. Health 14 Heighten your Conversations 18 Resilience of happy hormones elders during the pandemic Stories of inspiration, lessons learnt from our conversations Finance 24 Its time you plan Samarth Angels 28 Samarth is and take care of your ‘Me’ elderly parents An interview with our care counsellor In a post covid world Neha Kumar how can we be financially prepared to take care of our parents? 4 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

Hindi Poems 32 Selected Poetry and excerpts Feature 34 Know, Understand EDITORIAL and Demand your Editor: Asheesh Gupta rights, with Sugandhi Associate Editor: Indrajit De Baliga, Head of Contributors: Indrajit De, Geriatric Programme Dr. Pragya Kaushik, (Corporate Social Dr Neelakshi Mahanta, Responsibilty), Mala Shukla, Aarti Uberoi Tata Trusts DESIGN Other Sections Designed by: Aarti Uberoi 01 | From the Editor PRODUCTION & LOGISTICS 06 | News Manager Operations: Rakesh Upadhyay 38 | Community Engagement Manager Logistics: Vijay Menon 47 | Mind Benders Asst Manager Production & Logistics: M.P. Singh Executive: Mohd. Ansari OFFICE ADDRESS Published, Printed and Owned by Samarth Life Management Pvt. Ltd. Published and printed on their behalf by Asheesh Gupta. Published at D-278, Basement, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi. Printed at Tara Art Printers Pvt Ltd., A-46-47, Sector-5, NOIDA, (U.P.) 201301 For any customer queries and assistance please write to [email protected] Please recycle this magazine and remove inserts before recycling Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 5

NEWS AROUND THE WORLD 89 years old from Noida has aSource: Image from www.thebetterindia.com fix a step on the rickshaw. The total cost came simple solution for this everyday Source: All stories sourced from media reportsto Rs 500. problem faced by elders “I took a picture of that rickshaw and shared THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF PEOPLE who it with my friends. They all loved it, and many are working on complex problems across even came forward to provide financial help. different sectors, to come up with solutions that Madhav’s enthusiasm, combined with my will transform lives. But more often than not, we friends’ responses made me confident, and I tend to overlook everyday problems faced by set a far-fetched goal of installing the step in ordinary people. as many rickshaws as possible in Noida,” shares Pasrija. This is where he faced his first setback. RN Pasrija, a retired engineer from Noida, Most of the rickshaw riders he met with did decided to take on one such common issue, that not own the vehicle and feared to make any affects not only the elderly but also children and changes to it, while some thought that Pasrija people with injuries. was out to dupe them. The only way to sit on the rickshaws is to step So, he asked Madhav to help him out and on the platform where the legs rest. Since they speak to them about its benefits. So far, are at a higher level, it is challenging to climb on Pasrija has managed to install the step in five without any support. Pasrija’s solution? Install a rickshaws with Madhav’s help, and donations step below the leg rest! Simple, isn’t it? from his friends and family. After hitting upon the idea, Pasrija decided “Children and senior citizens always need to implement his plan and even managed to help to hop on the rickshaw. Till now, the only get a rickshaw puller named Madhav on board. thing I could do was support them, but not Following this, he approached a local welder to everyone helps. Therefore, this step is definitely an effective solution,” Madhav, who has been riding the cycle rickshaw for the last 20 years, tells TBI (The Better India). Madhav claims that there has been a rise in the number of elderly customers ever since he installed the step on his rickshaw. “My objective is to persuade manufacturers to incorporate the step into the current production models of cycle rickshaws. A more feasible approach would be to persuade an NGO to do this. They can have a contract with the fabricator and send the rickshaws to him. Till someone steps forward, I am happy to continue the mission,” he signs off. 6 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

NEWS Elders with terminal illnesses do stand-up comedy to tell us that life need not be taken seriously Source: All stories collated from www.thebetterindia.com AN ELDERLY WOMAN walks finds those in palliative care On elderly woman notes, on stage. She sits on a stool themselves doing stand-up “These days I put on make-up in front of the microphone and routines about life, and yes, and take a lot of selfies. starts addressing the room. death. Those conducting Who knows? One of those “Good morning everybody. I stand-up in the short three- selfies could be of use for am a ‘Sikh’,” she says, pausing minute video were trained my obituary one day?” One for a bit. “So ‘Sikh’ that I was by professional comedians man jokes about how he got admitted to the Guru Nanak to help land their punchlines a kidney transplant from Hospital.” The crowd bursts and refine their jokes. his wife, calling it a “chota into laughter and applause. recharge.” The video ends In their official website, with a statement from the End of Life Care India, the organisation notes, “In organisation noting the which provides comfort a society like ours, where importance of palliative (medically and otherwise), talking about death is a (end-of-life care) care and to patients with life-limiting taboo, some people who are the role it plays in making illnesses, wants everyone terminally ill, not only accept patients comfortable with the in society to talk about death but also come to terms idea of death, thus putting ageing and death and they with it in the most fascinating them at ease with life. It has are hoping to kick-start the manner – by joking about it.” been widely appreciated conversation by making for thoughtfully broaching people laugh. Through a Through candid a sensitive subject by campaign called Laugh at confessions, the men and thousands across various Death, the organisation women in the video put social media platforms. has released a video that the viewers at ease by laughing at their own lives. Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 7

NEWS The son they never had: Tribute to the little known Padma Shri IAS Source: Image from www.thebetterindia.com Kolkata man feeds 300 hero who transformed rural Nagaland abandoned elders every day! THE LATE IAS OFFICER, OLD AGE HOMES are mushrooming A.M. Gokhale, introduced in Kolkata owing to the children’s the concept of Village apathy towards their parents. The old Development Board, which age homes even take in new residents transformed rural governance based on packages – a cheaper one not just in the state, but the rest perhaps offers less food and smaller of India. His loss due to Covid rooms while an expensive one ensures 19 was felt personally by the wholesome nutrition. people and communities of Nagaland. He joined the IAS in 1973 after his stint in the Indian For around 300 seniors who cannot Navy and was allotted the Nagaland cadre. As the Deputy afford a care home in Kolkata, Deb Commissioner of Phek district, Gokhale pioneered the Kumar Mallick is nothing less than a concept of ‘Village Development Board’ (VDB) — a saviour. Be it scorching summer heat statutory body, functioning under the primary village or torrential rains, they are assured authority known as the Village Council — in Ketsapomi that their ‘son’ will send them lunch village under the district in 1976. and dinner, without fail. Be it a medical Through Nagaland Empowerment of People through emergency or the simple wish to go Energy Development (NEPeD) Gokhale sought to address on a short trip – they know Deb Kumar the problem of rapid soil erosion and deforestation is just a call away. emerging from Jhum cultivation — a form of shifting cultivation. Most farming communities in the hilly areas Some of the people he helps lived of the Northeast practise slash and burn cultivation, called in tattered shacks, spending their ‘JHUM’ in Assamese. The processes of social life of these lonesome days in abject poverty, while tribes are intimately connected to the intricacies of Jhum some resided in their desolate houses, agriculture, and no efforts under various government-led too old to fend for themselves until programmes succeeded in ‘weaning away the farmers’. Deb Kumar discovered their plight and While government agencies did not notice the sparks of decided to stand beside them. innovation or fresh thinking by some farmers here and there Gokhale did. In the 1980s, he went into the villages, His initiative is concentrated within a took photographs of wet rice field cultivation and got radius of 20 kilometres from his home, them published. He captured how certain villages would but he wishes to expand it to other grow the Alder tree alongside their paddy crops. The root parts of Kolkata as well. Deb Kumar nodules improve soil fertility fixing atmospheric nitrogen. is supported by a strong network of To fund this project, Gokhale reached out to foreign 64 dedicated volunteers who assist contributors as they found it difficult to convince the him in delivering the food packages to Planning Commission in the early years. NEPeD remains the elderly, twice a day. Many people active long after the project and has brought together approach Deb Kumar with donations officers involved in the project in a cross-functional way. to aid in his initiative, but he declines all. He wants well-wishers to integrate in his efforts by helping in the chores. 8 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

COVER STORY COVER STORY SAY HELLO TO LIFE! What is the ideal age to grow old? Never! If you want to live a satisfying, healthy, fulfilling life, we have some advice for you. By Samarth staff

COVER STORY The question of interest who were born with the type today has turned from “How of attitude that allowed them Life is fluid, cyclical long will I live?” to “If I’m to grow old gracefully and and circular, yet not going to live a long time, how get the most out of life right remoment that we can I be happy?” up to the end. For the rest of walk on earth is a us, however, there are specific ipromise we make From a practical point of actions and habits of mind to ourselves to create new view, it would seem that that we can learn, which, with memories with renewal of growing old portends misery, focus and practice, can help this life. Whether we make not happiness. However, in the process of aging become good memories or bad ones spite of the harsh realities a more positive experience. is a choice all of us have. of aging, we believe that To grow old with a positive Whether one is young or old, old age is worthwhile. After frame of mind, it is important one stays with family or by all how we think about our to learn to take five basic themselves, it is important to day-to-day living shapes actions: stay connected. It is important what it means to be happy. to stay engaged. That is the In psychology terms, this is Mobilize your resources only way to make friends with life. That is the only way to called “positive aging”. To make the most of your celebrate aging, as we grow The idea behind positive resources as you age, it old. is helpful to learn to be More and more people are aging is that there are sources selective, optimize, and living into very old age than of happiness in our later compensate. Older adults ever before. Centenarians years that are inherent in the who are better at adapting are commonplace today. process of growing old. In to the aging process limit Assuming that longevity other words, positive aging their options or life choices in trends hold, most of us can is not how well we are able order to optimize functioning expect to live well into our to dodge our infirmities, but as their faculties decline. eighth or ninth decade. In rather, our ability to focus on As an example, at 80, the fact, if you ask a typical what makes life worthwhile in renowned concert pianist person how long he or she our later years in spite of the Arthur Rubenstein was still expects to live, the likely physical or mental challenges able to maintain a high level answer will be 85 years that may arise. of performance by playing (almost two decades beyond fewer pieces (selectivity), our current average life We all have known people practicing those pieces more expectancy). often (optimization), and masking his loss of motor Life is fluid, speed by learning to slow the cyclical and overall tempo of the piece, circular, yet not allowing him to contrast repeating ever its fast and slow segments (compensation). 10 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

COVER STORY Make affirmative self-improvement or self- embedded in regret, rigidity, lifestyle choices actualization, with an self-absorption, chronic ongoing desire to learn worry, and negativity. The challenge in life is not new things and have new to avoid all bad choices, but experiences. Emphasize the positives to tip the scale of choices in favor of good ones. To Cultivate flexibility Positive aging is a way of increase the frequency of perceiving life that construes good choices and enhance Thinking outside the box is growing old as meaningful your enjoyment of life as not just for youngsters. In and worthwhile regardless you age, it is important to fact, the science of aging of the challenges that old understand what your life has suggested that older age inevitably presents. In goals are and then make adults may do this better a sense, positive aging is decisions based on those than younger individuals can. as much a state of mind as ideals. Other qualities that The cultivation of flexibility it is any specific physical can help you lead a self- involves lifelong strategies of or mental condition. The directed and fulfilling life as thinking and feeling in ways essence of what it means to you age are: that counteract maladaptive be happy and healthy in old • Knowing how to help or patterns of thinking age is to discipline yourself to reframe perceptions and do for others and receive The challenge cultivate positive emotions as help in return. in life is not to you cope with the dilemmas • Honestly appreciating avoid all bad of old age. your place in the world choices, but to and then choosing to tip the scale of Stay intelligently make your contribution, choices in favor engaged however small, in that of good ones. place. As one ages, even if • Knowing how to approach physically impaired, it is best life with the hope of to keep working, either in a job or as a volunteer. Take the example of Ustad Zakir Hussain, Late Pandit Ravi Shankar or our ex-President Late Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. What is common amongst these three personalities? Ok all three of them are famous and known for the great work they have done in their respective fields. However, there is one crucial aspect linking them and enabled Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 11

COVER STORY them to reach where they meaningful activities one will changes in your working have reached. They have require some strategies and schedules during your stayed active and engaged reshifting his/her priorities. workdays: throughout their lives. Each •1 Incorporate reminders one of them had found a Take for example his purpose in his life and stayed holiness, Dalai Lama (age into your work day — true to it. eighty-four). With growing written or verbal age, he offcourse modified •2 Divide large tasks into Too much time spent his work schedules to many smaller tasks and with no purpose is often accommodate age-related take breaks in between associated with unhappiness. slow down, but in the partial intense work shifts So stay busy! However not days when he works, he •3 Request your employer with only busy­work or trivial accomplishes more than most or colleagues to provide pursuits, but with meaningful of his younger counterparts. additional training when activities. Economists have there are workplace coined the term unretirement Many employers including related changes to describe lot of people who Samarth these days allow •4 Keep the workspace retire, realize that they do not senior citizen workers to clutter-free as much as like staying retired, and go modify their schedules in possible and encourage back to work. However we order to continue working. others to do so are not recommending all the If you have read so far, we •5 Reduce the number of elders to go back to work life. have reasons to believe that hours worked per day What we are underscoring is you are partially convinced or week. The idea is not that in order to stay busy with to what we are suggesting. In to sit in office but spend order to implement the same productive time with “They have with better efficiency, try to colleagues stayed active adopt the following smaller •6 If required and if possible and engaged request for changing the throughout their time of working hours lives. Each one of that suits your active them had found period during the day. a purpose in his •7 We also understand life and stayed that for many of our true to it” readers, continuing to work in your job may not be possible after a When the student is ready, the teacher appears and the right teacher, the right believer in a child or an older adult (senior citizen), can tip the balance for that person’s life.

COVER STORY employers may still not be can interact to discuss • Volunteer in a church or willing to hire older workers. what you have learned; locality club However, there are still many learning in isolation can ways to stay actively engaged only go so far in keeping • If you have culinary skills in meaningful work. Few your mind active) then you may also want options are suggested below: • Join (or host) a book to take the help of your • Take an online class such club or current events grandchildren to open a discussion group e.g. cloud kitchen as from Coursera or Khan Toastmasters Academy (but be sure you We at Samarth believe that when the student is ready, the teacher appears and the right teacher, the right believer in a child or an older adult (senior citizen), can tip the balance for that person’s life and help them to overcome life’s obstacles, to get on a track toward happiness and success that will lead them into successful aging. Let us embrace hope and happiness with open arms, let us stay connected and engaged, let us say hello to life. Easy, simple, and practical advice on how to become happier in golden years. The perception and myth about old age may prompt one to believe that happiness is a destination we arrive at. However, happiness is not a distant island we must travel to, happiness is a place we already live in because happiness is found within us. Happiness exists right here, right now. Author and mindfulness teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said it best, “There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way.” So here are eight daily habits of truly happy people. contd. on page 17 . . . Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 13

HEALTH Heighten your happy hormones By Dr. Neelakshi Mahanta Ihave often viewed falling to any one side. A lot of on their desires, which is that having a balanced the yogic sciences are focused what the yearning for a full perception, driven by on maintaining this delicate fledged life is all about. It is some purpose, is the balance in the 4 domains of a constant desire for longing best way to navigate your life. life - physical, intellectual, or seeking something which A balanced view will always emotional and energy or takes you towards it. Whether keep you in equilibrium, calm spiritual levels. Focus, or a a person realizes this ability and composed, allowing you purpose, on the other hand in one’s lifetime or whether it to be stable and thereby apply is enhanced attention or remains dormant is a choice the best choices when it comes concentration to get you which every individual takes. to taking decisions. Balance somewhere. Focus helps us A state of realization has the helps us to negotiate with the to move towards a goal. It ability to draw your attention nuances of life. It is a great requires clarity, concentration towards that focus where you way to make your way through and attention to detail. It is are driven by a purpose, and a variety of circumstances, the innate ability of every thereby gives you clarity and keeping you from tilting or individual to be able to focus direction. It is a destination or 14 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

HEALTH a goal that can be dynamically 5 hydroxytryptamine, it is an levels also boost up our natural evolving and enhancing with important neurotransmitter, immune system. Serotonin time. It can entail taking risks predominantly produced in our is derived from the essential and willing to negotiate while gut and the central nervous amino acid Tryptophan which trying to maintain balance. system. We can greatly can be found in high levels You are willing to learn or enhance serotonin levels by in foods such as eggs, soy evolve to your higher self activities like meditation, protein, salmon, spinach, and be the best version of nature walks, jogging, cycling, pumpkin seeds and walnuts. yourself as you move forward swimming and gardening. in life. One learns to maintain Apart from being a natural The second important happy stability without loosing focus. antidepressant, serotonin hormones are the endogenous So, balance and focus, though Endorphins which generally dynamically opposite, need A state of are the natural pain relievers. to go hand in hand, to steer realization We are naturally bestowed the ship of life. It is akin to a has the ability with these chemicals in our ship sailing in stormy weather to draw your body, provided we know how where the helmsman steers it attention to tap them. Pain by itself may by maintaining both balance towards that not only mean physical pain, as well as focus, so that it does focus where but can also be induced by not tilt to either side and still you are driven psychological and emotional continues to move ahead. by a purpose, surges, which brings about Interestingly our bodies and and thereby the concept of total pain. systems are loaded with apps gives you Fortunately, there are activities or applications which can keep clarity and which can enhance the release us happy, balanced, relaxed, direction. of our natural endorphins focused and enriched with like gardening, exercising, love. We just need to know watching a comedy, or even how to download these apps relishing a chocolate or and apply them in our day to enjoying a delectable dish. day living. The third happy hormone is The first one is Serotonin, which is largely a ‘mood stabilizer’. Stabilizing our mood is one of the first steps of having a more balanced perspective of life. Serotonin helps us to relax and reduce the levels of stress which we unknowingly accumulate in our daily humdrum of life. It is a great leveler. Also known as

HEALTH Oxytocin or the love hormone. favourite music or putting on Once you acquire the skill, Activities like playing with your dancing shoes could all stress is no longer a word in your pet dog, hugging a close help in giving us the high of your dictionary. The beauty family member, playing with a dopamine. Dopamine drives of life is about maintaining baby or giving a compliment us to perform better. These balance without losing your can cause a surge of this ‘feel good hormones’ are a focus, and to be joyful, hormone. great way of boosting our happy, calm and relaxed in lives. The best part is that the process. A motivated Oxytocin is produced they are freely available to all individual will never loose by the hypothalamus and of us. We just need to know focus, and a calm individual released by the posterior how to tap these potentials will never loose balance. We pituitary gland. It plays a major within us. More importantly, need to bring about the best role in uterine contraction and we don’t really need to pop a of both, to navigate through during lactation in females, pill for it. Learning the art of the highs and lows of life. So and is also present in males. tapping our happy hormones go ahead, identify your focus, Research has shown a major at all times, irrespective of be ready to handle the risks role of oxytocin related to the external circumstances, as they come, and soak into human behavioural responses needs immense focus and the beauty of balancing the like love, empathy, trust and a continuous practice till it ride of life. While focus is your compassion. becomes our second nature. destination, your balance is Finally, the fourth happy hormone is Dopamine which is like a reward chemical. It is released when you feel accomplished about something. It could be a small task that you had planned and finally executed. Celebrating small wins, self care activities, treating yourself to a choice dish, listening to your 16 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04 https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=So9ciH0moEM

your journey. Make sure you keep your Happy Hormones at their optimum levels to make the best out of it. So, even if life throws lemons at you, you are sure to make the best lemonade out of it. EIGHT HABITS OF HAPPY PEOPLE Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 17

SAMARTH CONVERSATIONS The old can go through every plague - Albert Camus His lines show us the way of wisdom to take the golden aged population together integrating them through the process of our pains, sorrows, struggle and recoup as we live through this troubled times. By Samarth staff In the last two years, we all endured two waves bring those tales of courage, grit and positivity of the pandemic exactly after 100 years of to the larger community. Spanish flu in 1918. Most of us experienced pain Based on the results of in-depth interviews during this period in one form or other. Some conducted between June and July 2021 with lost their family and friends, some lost health Samarth community members, we summarized and yet a lot many more battled isolation and three lessons on the coping of elders: lack of engagement during the lockdown (i) iiiLead a healthy and active lifestyle. periods. However, many stories of resilience (ii)iiiIncrease your social and community and humanity emerged during this period as iiiiiiiiengagements. well inspiring all of us to brave through the (iii) Adopt technology to make your life easier. challenging times. Samarth team reached out Let us hear from a few of our members who we to its community members and conducted in have spoken to in order to understand the three depth interviews of elders across the country to lessons in little more detail: better understand what kept them going and to 18 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

SAMARTH CONVERSATIONS Samarth: Mam, thank you for talking to a family issue and we all went to her place to stand with her and provide support in whatever Samarth. Can you share your experience during way possible. We are a closely-knit group and the pandemic and isolation due to multiple that helped me sail through the pandemic. lockdowns? How did you deal with it? Samarth: What would be your message to MD: Well, throughout the pandemic and the samarth community of seniors across the lockdown time, we were at home. Safety is country? always the priority at our age. However when the lockdown was eased, my husband and I MD: I believe that at our age we must keep went to the Church to thank our luck and God for his mercy. The entire May, June and July ourselves mentally active. If physical activity of last year, we were homebound. I used the is possible then we must engage in the same. online shopping apps like Grofers, Spencer, Big Connect with different groups and keep in touch basket etc to order items of daily need. I have with family and friends. Be there for each other. been doing online shopping for last 5 years so pandemic and lockdown didn’t surprise me at all. Samarth: Thank you mam. Life went on normally for me. The only activity I missed big time was the annual domestic travel that I loved so much. Online apps also provided me with unmatched bargains. I can compare prices across the apps and order the best one. Most of my days, I played solitaire on laptop, went for long walks and kept myself fit and agile. During the lockdown time however, I kept touch with my friends and family through whatsapp and facebook. We have a separate group of whatsapp for the Kolkata chapter members. We kept sharing inspiring posters and articles for each other. Once one of the members had Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 19

SAMARTH CONVERSATIONS Samarth: Sir thank you for we spent time reading books, an hour of my time daily. So engaging with friends and all I am trying to say here is talking to Samarth. Can you family through social media that if one wants, even during share your experience during and walking. We walked almost the lockdown, one can be the pandemic and isolation 4000 steps daily. I also joined constructively enagaged and due to multiple lockdowns? an online physio class between continue to live life on his/her How did you deal with it? 9 am and 10 am. LinkedIn, own terms. Facebook etc came in handy MG: I am 77 years old and my to reach out to people when Samarth: What would be physical meet ups were not wife is 73. When the pandemic possible. Another interesting your message to the samarth started in 2020 and we activity I engaged in is the community of seniors across educated ourselves with the book club. We used to select the country? do’s and don’ts, immediately one book every week, read the we took precautions and same and discuss the details MG: I want to convey three stayed indoors as much as with fellow members through possible. At that time it was very zoom meetings. It was quite messages to my fellow difficult to ascertain who may fun to stay connected through community members. First be infected and who is not. We meaningful engagements. I am of all, you must find your relied on technology to see us also the President of the DLF passion, a hobby, something through the lockdown period. City Senior Citizen Council. that you really care for. It can We bought a Robo Cleaner One of my role is to engage be gardening, book reading, along with special mops. Using 250+ members through painting, sports or anything the washing machine, the organizing monthly functions of interest. Secondly, develop dishwasher, the robo cleaner through zoom. The role also the habit of positive thinking. we managed our daily cleaning required me to take care of Really, it is a habit and anyone chores. My wife loves to cook multiple correspondences. It is can cultivate it. Finally, never and thank God, she is quite a constructive way of spending feel lonely. It is very easy to fit physically. She took care of my time. I also have around pity oneself into inaction. The the cooking. Since we stopped 80 plants in my house, some need is to find your interest going out altogether, we relied indoor and many outdoor. So and keep working towards on the local shop inside the gardening activities takes up it. Stay connected with your apartment and Amazon for the family and friends and you will daily supplies. Most of the days never feel lonely. after the household works, Samarth: Thank you sir. 20 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

SAMARTH CONVERSATIONS Samarth: Sir thank you for and 45 minutes of focused SS: I would like to stress on walking. In addition, watching talking to Samarth. Can you TV, reading newspaper and the fact that it all depends on share your experience during engaging in religious activities the pandemic and isolation also kept me occupied. you, how you keep yourself due to multiple lockdowns? How did you deal with it? Samarth: Did you depend on occupied constructively. SS: I am 67 years old and live technology in any way during You must take precautions the lockdown period? with my wife and son. I am against infection, idleness fortunate than many in having SS: Even before the pandemic part of my family staying and inactivity. Whatever with me. However, that does hit India, I was using online not mean that the pandemic transactions with ease for happens in our lives happens was easy for me. Mumbai payments, purchases etc. I and Maharashtra were worst have always been tech-savvy. for a reason and happens for affected during the two waves So yes, I relied on technology of pandemic as we all know. I for arranging the daily supplies good. Have faith on God and also had my share of troubles and purchases. however, as soon as it was accept the reality. Acceptance possible, I got fully vaccinated. Samarth: What would be I am on the Board of Lions Club and gratitude are the keys. It and Spreading Smiles trust your message to the samarth and both these engagements community of seniors across is also important that we live kept me busy throughout this the country? time. I am also in charge of the our lives in such a way that it Mumbai chapter of Samarth community connect. I am a brings smile to someone. It passionate photographer and often take long walks in the is a great satisfaction. So be city in search of inspiration and photography subjects. happy! I kept myself active through regular yoga for 1 to 2 hours Samarth: Thank you sir.

SAMARTH CONVERSATIONS Samarth: Sir thank you for our daily essentials through continue to do so. I write Amazon and other apps. down my passwords and rely talking to Samarth. Can you Many evenings, I spent on my Sony Bluetooth device share your experience during watching Netflix as well; it has a lot. the pandemic and isolation some nice documentaries. due to multiple lockdowns? Another great help was Samarth: What would be How did you deal with it? the audio books available. They are a delight to listen your message to the samarth PS: Pandemic off course to. I am a voracious reader community of seniors across and at present I am reading the country? was difficlut but I have never Upanishads and a work of felt the isolation during the Lao Tse. PS: I believe that it is more lockdown because I kept myself engaged and occupied Samarth: It seems that important to understand the with activities. I have a large internal than the external. number of interests; reading, you are quite comfortable In that light, I would like writing memoirs, listening to using online services and to urge all the Samarth western and Indian classical multiple apps. How do you community members to music etc. I did meditation and keep up with ever changing not dread the third stage pranayam twice a day. I used technology? of our lives i.e. Vanaprastha the static cycle to get some (as per Upanishad). Instead, physical exercises regularly. PS: During my service days, I rejoice it. Our golden years Often I also went for morning are a summation of so many and evening walks. I am also always preferred to integrate beautiful moments that we quite tech-savvy. I like to use technology in the daily work have lived and experienced. my kindle and prefer internet to enhance performance. I was Even though the body may banking to physically going always interested and kept get frail but we must keep our to bank and transacting. myself updated with the latest minds sharp. Be a life-long During the lockdown, I also in technology. Post retirement learner. got into the habit of getting also, I have been able to Samarth: Thank you sir. 22 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

SAMARTH CONVERSATIONS Through our Samarth show that the pandemic may that attention to personal conversations, conducted have sown seeds will empower safety, security, hygiene, peer- as a swift response to the elders through personal to-peer collaboration and highly unpredictable situation, efforts. technology usage are essential random mass sampling was for combating the pandemic not possible and the current It is conceivable that while as well as inoculating us with sample may not be adequately some elders may emerge from the resilience needed for representative of the wider the pandemic ‘unscathed’, facing future challenges. population, hence, hampering others may have to endure the generalizability of our the economic sequelae of the findings. pandemic, the stigmatization of being tested positive for the The insights gained on the insidious virus or the anxiety integration of technology in towards another unexpected the lives of senior citizens are outbreak and resulting extremely valuable. Despite dependency on external the sustained socio-political support systems or lack of turmoil and fragmented them. healthcare system across the country, our conversations However, almost all the elders interviewed agreed contd. on page 27 . . .

FINANCE It is time you plan and take care of your elderly parents By Samarth staff In a post covid world how can we be financially prepared to take care of our parents? Read to know more Many of us who better and have resources at your senior citizen parents to work away from their disposal while many go make their life a little more our homes and through financial uncertainty. comfortable and anxiety free. home towns have The rising cost of healthcare parents who are retired and services and unpredictable First, buy senior living on their own. While medical expenses often act as citizens health some of them are financially the alarm that makes us realize insurance for your dependent on us, yet many that there are certain things parents are not for their day-to-day where our parents may need expenses. Some have pensions our help. Like other health insurance and some don’t. Some of In this article, we talk about products, mediclaim for our parents have planned the things that you can do for senior citizens is a simple 24 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

FINANCE contract between insurer expenses. For example, term applicable, before and the policyholder. The for some plans in-patient making the purchase. policyholder pays a premium hospitalisation is to the insurance company, in covered, but there are Restrictions return the insurer pays for the sub limits on doctor on the number medical expenses incurred – fees. Since the number of day-care like hospitalisation, day care, of hospital stays might hospitalisations: post and pre-hospitalisation be higher for a senior etc.- by the insured. However, citizen, it is crucial to There are procedures the premium amount for a look for a senior citizen that can be completed senior citizen mediclaim policy mediclaim that gives in less than 24 hours at is much higher than health you maximum in-patient a hospital. For example, policies meant for a younger hospitalisation coverage. cataract, dialysis, individual. chemotherapy etc. Limitations Though most health Following are the 6 on post insurance for senior things you should hospitalisation citizens does cover day consider while buying expenses: care facilities, some medical insurance for plans restrict that your parents This is the number. For some plans, reimbursement of any the number of day care Coverage for expenses incurred by facilities might be as low in-patient the policyholder after as 8 to 10. Before buying hospitalisation: being discharged from any health plan, ensure the hospital, which are that you are aware of In-patient hospitalisation directly attributable the number of day care coverage is given by the to the illness or injury facilities available under insurer for the medical for which he/she was the policy. expenses incurred by the admitted. Typically, the policyholder when he/ post hospitalisation Terms and she has been admitted eligibility is 60 -90 conditions to the hospital for days. However, for regarding pre- more than 24 hours. It many health insurance existing illness: should cover all hospital for senior citizens, the expenses – nurses post hospitalisation Your parents might have expenditure, doctor and period has been shrunk one or two pre-existing specialist fees, medicine down. There are plans illnesses. So while buying etc. that say, the post a policy, check for the For some senior citizen hospitalisation coverage term and conditions mediclaim policies in would be about 7 to 10 regarding pre-existing the market, there are percent of the claimed illnesses i.e. whether sub-limits for certain amount. Check the certain pre-existing illnesses are covered, Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 25

FINANCE waiting period for each waiting period goes much a policyholder can of them, co-payment down, the portion of claim for a particular clauses etc. co-payment will go up. expense/procedure. Make sure to read what Several senior citizen • Waiting Period: It is the policy says about mediclaim policies come the waiting period and with certain sublimits. a kind of a hibernation co-payment clause. For For example, cataract period during which no senior citizen mediclaim, surgery might have a claims will be admissible. the percentage of specific sub-limit per This clause is applicable co-payment for the eye. if you have any pre- policyholder is between existing illness. Normally, 10 to 30 percent. Compare premium for any health insurance amount versus the policy the waiting period • Exclusions: Similarly, benefits offered: is between two and four years. For medical many medical insurance For health insurance insurance for senior for senior citizens come for senior citizens, citizens, many insurance with exclusion – medical the premium amount companies, however, conditions or healthcare is much higher than have brought down the expenses that are not policies meant for a waiting period to as low covered by your health younger individual. So as one year. plan. Again read the while comparing health fine print of the policy insurance for senior • Co-payment to understand which citizens, do not look clause: Co-payment is diseases are excluded for the policy that is from the policy. offered to you at the a clause where you have lowest premium, but to pay for a share of the • Sub-limits: A sub the policy that provides claim from your own most benefit for a low pocket. While buying limit is a cap of how health insurance for senior citizens, there are two things to ponder about this clause. First, most senior citizen mediclaims come with a co-payment clause. Second, the co-payment clause is related to the waiting period offered in the plan. Of course, there is nothing called a free lunch. If the 26 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

FINANCE premium amount. other benefits offered. contingency fund will help Further, some insurers you meet such sudden have also started a Second, build a medical expenses. monthly mode of contingency fund premium payment, to take care of Instead of keeping which lessens the emergencies for your contingency funds idle in burden of making a huge parents savings bank accounts, you payment at one go. can keep this money in liquid As the name suggests, a funds, which provides slightly Bottomline: contingency fund is money higher returns than savings kept aside for emergency bank account. These funds To choose the best use. And, to take care of are extremely low risk and health plan for your emergencies, like sudden through instant redemption parents, you can centre medical needs or any other facility, you can get the your research around needs, of your elderly money instantly 24×7. these six points. parents, you should build a There are other crucial contingency fund to meet Our parents have been factors to consider while such expenses. the biggest support for most buying a health policy of our lives, but the time like room rent allowance, For example, there might will come when you may enhancing sum insured, be a sudden requirement have to step in to ensure OPD expenses etc. for certain medical tests/ that they continue to live However, for buying check-ups, nursing care/ independently. And, guiding health plans for the physiotherapy for a specific them financially in their time elderly, these 5 factors time for your parents, etc. of need is one of the best are most essential. Once These are not covered by gifts that you can give your these five points are health insurance unless parents. covered, then you can the insurer is admitted prioritize on the basis of to the hospital. Having a contd. on page 30 . . . Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 27

SAMARTH ANGELS Samarth is ‘Me’: An interview with our care counsellor, Neha Kumar By Samarth staff C ontinuing to reflect on 5 years of my education, I joined Nestle and worked for 7 serving seniors and their families, years as culinary consultant. Then worked some Samarth shines the spotlight on more years with Aviva as Assistant Manager in Neha Kumar, a caregiver in our their training line, before my marriage. I took community. In this interview with Samarth 2 years break post that and raised my family Editor Asheesh Gupta, Neha discusses how during that period. she was inspired to become a caregiver for the seniors and how this is more than just a part AG: How long have you been a care counsellor? time job for her. NK: It was in 2018, when I first got in touch with AG: Neha please tell our readers a little bit Ms. Raman Kapur at Samarth. She was the one who explained to me what Samarth stands for about yourself. and what care counselling is all about. I have been a care counsellor for 2 years now. NK: I come from a joint middle class family AG: What inspired you to become a care where I have seen how my parents have taken care of their parents and extended family counsellor and join Samarth? members. The values that they have inculcated in me, guide me in whatever I do. I did my Post NK: I was working in the corporate sector for 9 Graduation from PGI Chandigarh in Dietetics and Hospital Food Services. During my 9 years. Then my marriage and child took up my months internship with the hospital, I decided time. After two full years of break I was looking that working at the hospital is not my cup of for meaningful engagement in my spare time. tea but care giving always interested me. Post Care giving is something that I have always learnt from my parents and when the opportunity 28 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

SAMARTH ANGELS came to use the skills as a profession, I joined NK: The first elder I worked for, as a care Samarth. I met Raman and she explained to me the philosophy behind the work that Samarth counsellor was a severe case of Dementia. does, the plight of children who have to move Over a span of 6 to 7 months, her condition abroad because of their job requirements and deteriorated from being a stable person taking how parents are left behind either because they care of her daily activities to someone non- chose not to move out or their health doesn’t communicative and dependent on caregiver. allow them. She explained to me the importance Throughout that period of her struggle, I was of care counselor in the lives of elders we serve. a constant witness. It was very hard for me to That echoed with my values and I decided to accept her condition. However, being able to pursue it with full passion. add some value to her life was worth all the efforts. Throughout that period, Raman kept AG:: Are there any significant challenges you talking to me and supporting me in all ways possible. I realized that care counsellors are had to overcome to get to where you are now? also human beings and caregiving is much more than just a part time job. Samarth became my NK: In the last two years, I lost my mother-in- second family and Samarth became ‘Me’. law, braved through two waves of pandemic, AG: What is the most rewarding thing about raised a child and continued to work with Samarth. I am fortunate to have a supporting being a caregiver? family. I am very close to my mother-in-law and losing her was not easy to deal with. It is the NK: I think being able to create value in support that I got from my colleagues and the blessings of the elders I take care of, that saw someone’s life is most rewarding for me. I am me through life so far. taking care of an elderly uncle in Hauz Khas, Delhi. When the vaccination drive was in its AG: Are there any particular story/incident peak, the elderly uncle refused to go to the vaccination centre for almost a month and a that you have experienced in your line of work? half. The fear of infection, lack of trust all played How did it change your understanding of care their parts. However, when I offered to go with counselling? him to the centre, he agreed. The feeling of gaining the trust and confidence of someone in his golden years, cannot be simply explained in words. That in itself is a rewarding experience for any caregiver. Another incident that I can share is about an elderly aunty in Sainik farms. I was filling in for another caregiver for a few days, when aunty had a stroke. This resulted in her short-term memory loss. However, when I went back to see her again, she instantly recognized me and complimented on my kantha embroidered dupatta. That was incredible given what she had gone through. Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 29

SAMARTH ANGELS These are connections made for life and I value easy to say yes to all because you want to get them a lot. out there and help someone else. However saying ‘No’ is equally important for maintaining AG: What is the most challenging thing about quality in caregiving. I have a supporting family and I match my schedules with that of my family being a caregiver apart from the emotional to balance both. However not everyone may aspect of work? have that privilege. NK: Probably keeping my schedule under AG: What advice would you offer to someone control. I want to say yes to so many people. looking to become a caregiver? However, it is important to acknowledge that caregivers need to be in their best state of NK: You just need to have that connection, that mental health for optimum performance. It is love for what you do and that empathy with which you do your work. Contrary to what many may believe, care counselling or care giving is not at all dependent on whether you are extrovert or introvert. It depends on making the work your passion, something that you really care about and care for. AG: Thank you Neha for sharing your journey with our readers and believing that Samarth is ‘you’. NK: Thank you. 30 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

Protect against UV rays • Wearing sunglasses with UV blockers to protect your eyes against ultraviolet rays, cancerous growth and diseases. Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 31

म���ु ���कान She is the treasurer of Lion-Lioness club International. Her hobby is reading books and listening to music. She likes to spend time in social service. 32 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

यादे़ Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 33

FEATURE “ Know your rights, understand your rights, demand your rights” Head of Geriatric Programme (Corporate Social Responsibility), Tata Trusts Recipient of the prestigious V-WA 50 is playing in reforming the state of eldercare award 2021, Ms. Sugandhi Baliga, in India Head of Geriatric programme (CSR) at Tata Trusts, has worked for almost Samarth: Congratulations on a very 3 decades providing visionary leadership to social development programme. Driven by well deserved V-WA 50 award 2021. It is a passion and compassion, she has led many testimony to the great work you have been pioneering social innovation projects with both doing in the social sector for so many years. national and international NGOs. An alumna of Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies SB: Thank you so much for the wishes and (JBIMS), a teacher and mentor by passion, Ms. Baliga has facilitated many organizational encouragement. All the accomplishments changes and evolved development programs are largely a collective effort, teamwork. with multi-stakeholders including the However, I must say that the pandemic and the government on issues related to Migration multiple lockdowns did push the stakeholders and Urban Livelihoods, Human Rights, Natural into taking prompt actions and adopt our Resources Management, Health and Geriatrics. suggestions regarding the re-drafting of She is instrumental in setting up the Monitoring ‘Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and & Evaluation function in Tata Trusts. Senior Citizens Act, 2007’. In an exclusive interview with Samarth team, Ms. Sugandhi Baliga shares her experience Samarth: Some blessings in disguise, one and insights on the pioneering role Tata Trust must say. Can you tell us, what led you to eldercare in the first place and then to head Geriatric programme at Tata Trust? SB: My professional career started in the 34 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

FEATURE corporate sector 30 years back. Within 7 to families were not cared for and this is true 8 years, I started working in the development even today across the country. Coming back sector. However, it was around 2008 when to your question, I joined Tata Trust in 2003 my personal experiences with the caregiver and due to my father’s falling health, I quit in agencies made me think about the eldercare 2008 only to rejoin in 2014 with the drive to situation in the country. My father fell ill in make systemic changes in the way elders are 2002 and between 2008 and 2010, his age cared for in India. I found a great support in related complications increased quite a bit. my colleague, Saraswati and together we set Every attempt to get a reliable and efficient up the Geriatric programme at Tata Trusts. caregiver failed and I was duped by the agencies on multiple occasions. It was then Samarth: Interesting journey you have had, that I decided to fight it out and do something about the failing state of eldercare. Luckily, fueled by personal experiences you took I was also pursuing Research Methodology professional initiatives resulting in exemplary course during that time and as part of the outcomes. Can you tell us about some of focused dissertation, I decided to understand the strategies that Tata Trust has adopted the situation of care giving in Mumbai. I to ensure the success of its many programs/ initiatives? focused my research on the Mill workers in the city who were 90+ years old then. The SB: Before I go into the many strategies that British-era mill workers were finding it hard to sustain themselves. Living in very small we have adopted in these many years let me crowded spaces, the elders in those families stress on the fact that for any initiative at were not getting the attention they should Tata Trusts to succeed, it is very important have. Getting insights in such spaces were to have a pathway for exit in the project. not easy and I had to spent lot many hours One is expected to design new initiatives, trying to speak to different members of the make mistakes, learn from the mistakes and families viz, daughters, daughter-in-laws, adapt, pilot the ideas, overcome failures, sons, son-in-laws etc. Anyways the study nudge partners to take action, go back to the cemented my hypothesis that unless there is a funders and promoters and fight for what one transactional relation, elders in most of those believes in, so that the funding is sustained and continued. It is true that India is a young nation, with about 372 million children below the age of 14 and only 100 million above 60 but as the decades pass swiftly, that ratio is going to reverse. Several demographic studies for India have projected that the number of senior citizens in the country will cross 300 million by 2050. In the last 5 to 7 years, the entrepreneurial space opened up in eldercare however, most of the startups serving this demography is in the urban towns. Whereas, nearly 70% of the 60+ population is in rural India with negligible to no support. Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 35

FEATURE Keeping the urgency in mind, between center’s running. So, for the first time in India, 2014 and 2017, along with Saraswati, I piloted paying a monthly fees of INR 500, thirty to many projects at Tata Trusts, gained valuable forty elders were regularly using the facility insights and changed many prevalent before pandemic. assumptions in the market regarding multinational corporations and their intentions We have been tweaking this urban model for supporting sustainable social change. for rural regions. The concept of a rural recreation space for elders is alien to India A significant part of the Tata Trusts’ because the rural elderly have no retirement; geriatric programme involves advocacy typically, they continue working until they and engagement with the Ministry of Social are too frail or ill. We are working with village Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry councils to start activity centres that can be of Health and Family Welfare. The Trusts’ run by government-appointed workers or programme is aptly named Elder Spring. The volunteers (we now have 42 such centres in interventions and strategies are based on Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana). The making ageing healthier and less stressful. elderly come for two-three hours a day and Before the pandemic, we took three key participate in different group activities. The initiatives; strengthening healthcare systems vision is that every village should have one in rural India; enabling systems for happy such space, funded by the local council. We positive and active ageing; and a toll-free also introduced health card at PHC level. Helpline for seniors. During the pandemic, this helped the elders in rural India to get medicines through Aasha In the rural sector — specifically in workers. So far, the Aasha workers have Chandrapur in Maharashtra, Medak in reached out to more than one lac elders. Telangana and Yadgir in Karnataka — we helped the state put into operation a The third strategic intervention pioneered comprehensive health initiative by facilitating by Tata Trusts is the Helpline for elders. In central government’s National Program for consultation with Niti Aayog, private NGO Health Care for Elderly (NPHCE). Under this players and adopting a rapid assessment programme, primary health centres used to model, the helpline was set up and activated. focus on geriatric clinics for one day in the Volunteers listen, converse, engage with week using the Aasha workers as frontline seniors, and help them manage issues such staff. In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, we started as loneliness, pensions and legal cases etc. an activity centre where seniors engaged in yoga, music, dance, art and more. The I must also inform our readers here that centre received a tremendous response and the efforts of Tata Trust have been aptly backing of the Orissa government to expand supported by Government of India, by the initiative in due course of time. Our vision allotting INR 2500 crores towards eldercare is that every ward in the city should have in India that will be used for capacity building, one such physical space where seniors can enterprise building, helpline set up etc. The participate and remain active. In this model, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment we also encouraged the government to levy (MSJE) also constituted 8 to 9 task forces to user fees to involve the community in the initiate various pilot programs in collaboration with various stakeholders. 36 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

FEATURE However, at Tata Trusts we do not intend deny you, your rights, you will get them. to stop just here. For the coming few years, my focus will be to get more donors for our Samarth: What would you like to say to various programs, undertake a more focused advocacy, publishing our work aggressively, other women regarding leadership and the scale up and scope up the help line not only eldercare sector in India? in India but internationally as well. SB: I believe that women are caregivers by Samarth: Incredible to hear about the nature. They are resilient in a natural way. As various initiatives you have taken. What would leaders, it is our duty and responsibility to be your message to the samarth team and support other women. You must understand community of seniors across the country? that eldercare is driven by individual experiences and passion in our country, much SB: I believe that ‘Demand generation’ is like the disability sector. In order to make any impact, a tremendous amount of collaborative going to be the key in how we facilitate the effort is needed. This can only happen if evolution of eldercare in India. That is where women partner with each other, form support the present gap lies. That is where front- groups, come forward and take charge. end organizations like Samarth can play Homemakers must participate in eldercare a significant role. It is absolutely critical to like virtual daughters. They must bring out understand the changing needs of our elders. their passion and help build a senior-friendly Simultaneously it is also important that our environment, find innovative solutions to care elders in the Samarth community and others delivery and engagements. across the country know what their rights are and understand what their rights are. You Samarth: Thank you so much Sugandhi. Your must demand what your rights are. Noone can contributions to the senior care space in India are exemplary. 7. Happy people live slow, stay present, and enjoy the hidden pleasures life has to offer Do you know what makes me happy? Reading, writing, and exercising. Sports. Being in nature. Having dinner with friends. Basking in the sun at the seashore. Going for an evening walk with my dog. The simple pleasure I receive from making a cup of black coffee in the late afternoon and sitting outside in the garden to look up at the sky and contemplate life — it’s a mere five-minute ritual, but it makes me happy. The best part is that all of these things are free but requires you to slow down and take a pause. How to apply this habit: Slow down. Breathe. Forget the past. Stop worrying about the future. Train yourself to control the pace of your mind. How? Meditating just 10-minutes every day can help you better channelize the energy in your mind and body. contd. on page 46 . . .

SAMARTH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Samarth Eldercare launches free COVID-19 care program for marginalised and underprivileged communities RESPONDING TO THE HAVOC of the second wave of COVID- the towns and more than 200 19, Samarth Eldercare launched a free COVID-19 relief and villages. For Pauri Garhwal, the rehabilitation program for marginalized and underprivileged centre set up together with Arya communities in Jharkhand and Uttarakhand in partnership Samaj and local administration with local administration, with support of IIM Calcutta has been the primary source Alumni. of support for people in the hills. Apart from the COVID-19 While Samarth has been working round the clock Care centres, Samarth has also supporting the elderly right from the onset of COVID-19, been distributing foodgrains extending care not only to its members throughout India, to the poverty-stricken and but to others through its non-profit forum with a free affected population. Keeping the helpline it started last year, this wave compelled it to extend current situation of semi-urban beyond the elderly through the R&R programme in these India during the pandemic, the states. organisation wants to ensure that in case of a third wave, lives The programme has so far included the establishment and livelihoods can be better of two COVID-19 Care Centres with oxygen concentrators protected. in Bokaro and Pauri Garhwal which together cater to It is also engaged with administration in several cities on ways to support covid vaccination for the marginalised, which is the key to getting people back to work and stay safe and healthy. Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Dy Commissioner of Bokaro said, “This initiative by Samarth to go beyond eldercare in Bokaro and help the underserved communities in these tough times is commendable and we look forward to Samarth’s continued work with the district.” Dr Rajiv Kumar, Dy Chief Medical Officer, Pauri Garhwal, 38 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT who is the nodal officer for the COVID Care our assistance to the people and communities Centre in Uttarakhand said, “Words are not and keep the initiative going until these dark enough to appreciate this contribution of days are over for good.” Samarth and other partners, which has and will benefit thousands of patients in the future.” In the first wave, the extension of Samarth’s community initiative, a Free National Helpline Asheesh Gupta, Founder and Chief Care for Elderly against COVID in 2020, helped Officer, Samarth, said, “While our work is thousands of elderly and their families directly primarily with the elderly, we felt we had to in more than 30 cities over a 4-month period. do whatever we can to help in these trying In addition to this, it also helped create a times. We got support from all over the world support ecosystem. With a close-knit network which included Indians in 20+ countries whose and involvement of local administration, parents we care for in India, IIM Calcutta university and college students, local NGOs alumni, Arya Samaj America and others who and business organisations, Samarth emerged saw our work. Our focus on working in the as the organisation that helped in providing frontline utilising our teams across the country, the elderly with access to essential food, and making a difference directly on the provisions and medical care. Part of this effort ground motivated many to come forward to was supported by CSR contributions from support this initiative. We will keep extending Coca-Cola India, SBI, Hindustan Unilever. Eldercare in India, and Samarth’s journey to build the best eldercare services available nationally IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, Samarth has been position in the Eldercare ecosystem in India quietly focused on working with the elderly with a trusted reputation with people in community, understanding their needs and India and 20 other other countries who developing a strong suite of services and a trust the care of their parents to Samarth’s nationwide delivery capability. team in more than 40 cities; Partners with state and central government to implement Today, Samarth has built a leadership the newly launched National helpline for Senior Citizens in 3 different states; Has a community of active seniors it nurtures in more than 110 cities of India; Offers a health product with benefits for all healthcare needs with a network of 9,500 hospitals, clinics, test centres etc.; Has a team of nearly 300 reaching nearly 10 million elderly in India through its various initiatives. Asheesh Gupta, the founder of Samarth, shares Samarth’s vision in conversation with ET NOW. Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 39

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Since its inception in 2016, Samarth has of care managers to help their parents and quietly and systematically transitioned into other elders living in India. Several major the largest organisation serving the elderly organisations, both Indian and multinational, in India. Its evolution as a comprehensive have also chosen Samarth as their eldercare national organisation serving the full range partner to help their employees looking after of needs of the elderly is nothing short of the parents, an important concern for them, extraordinary. From support, advice, care, especially in these times. services, research, innovation, advocacy, and rights, it encapsulates every aspect of Samarth, along with its consortium partners, the elderly ecosystem to achieve its goal of has been selected by the Ministry of Social enhancing the quality of life of seniors in India. Justice Empowerment, Govt. of India, and It is well-positioned as a leader across the respective state governments to implement longevity economy in India. the National Helpline for Senior Citizens in the states of Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and J&K. It Samarth has been instrumental in helping now reaches approximately 10 million thousands of families across the country to elderly through its various initiatives fight this crisis better. People from over 20 and is the only eldercare organization countries leaned on the organisation for help to offer comprehensive parent-care and reached out to the 200-strong team services across the country. How eldercare organisations are working as extended family to help old parents amid pandemic RESTRICTIONS ON MOBILITY left many senior citizens, living by crisis, they, along with their themselves, helpless and alone in the absence of a family member who could not visit them even if they wanted. In the wake of the children, turned to eldercare organisations for assistance. Samarth, an Samarth, an organisation based in Gurugram, has offered help to over 300 families across the country. They received about 25-30 requests every day from elderly people and children living in a different city or abroad, unable to take care of their old parents. 40 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

“These children want us to them in their absence,” quarantineiiiiiii to support for an ongoing states co-founder and director facilities, butiiii need such as parents’ medical Jagadish Ramamoorthy. also preventive treatment, post-covid care, stays foriiCovid- isolation, mental health, home Besides, some of the largest negative seniors. “As the support etc, or as a proactive multinationals have also pandemic continues to threaten safety net and support system extended the option of parent lives, Antara has ensured the in case they have an emergency, care to their employees. “We training of the team members or for long-term support for are being approached by many to address the dynamic their physical and engagement organisations,” adds Gupta. health needs of seniors. Our needs ensuring care and entire team is trained to offer support is available for all their How elder care an integrated and holistic requirements. These include organisations are approach to wellness with people not only from India but helping strong preventive health 20+ countries around the world check-up programmes, round- who have parents in large and This is not restricted to providing the-clock medical services, small towns of India,” Asheesh nurses or caregivers for and well-equipped emergency Gupta, founder and chief care meeting medical emergencies. response systems,” says Dr officer tells Indian Express. The services entail basic Shabnam Mir, consultant requirements like payment of physician and head of Clinical In the case of Alserv, too, bills, deliveries or even repair. Services. which is currently focusing on Professional deep cleaning and looking after Covid-positive disinfection — after a patient “Not just that, our team elderly patients, nearly half of recovers from coronavirus — members are also equipped the calls they receive on a day have been incorporated by to offer care at residents’ are from children who are settled Alserv. Samarth’s care team homes, including services like in another country. “Many of also facilitates fall-proofing and dedicated nursing, diagnostics, these parents are not even Covid management of the staff to physiotherapy, and critical care, positive, but their children are ensure safety and home security. when required,” adds Dr Shilpi worried and want somebody Kulshreshtha, medical doctor at to take care of them and talk On the other hand, senior care Antara. homes at Antara, a Max Group company, not only provide “At Samarth, we don’t focus only on transactional services but our promise is to be ‘like the son or daughter’ who is genuinely concerned in the long- term well-being of the parent. We try to ensure every elder under our care continues to see purpose in their life by encouraging their interests, enabling them to contribute to others even if in small ways, keep them engaged and live life more fully. In case it is required, we also bring in professional counsellors and specialists,” Gupta asserts. Care managers engage the elderly by taking them out, playing games, reading, writing, introducing new hobbies, and so on. Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 41

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Day-to-day assistance with chores and medical two months, all while overcoming several logistical facilities meet the needs of the elderly to a great challenges owing to shortage of medical supplies extent, but they do not compensate completely for and lockdown restrictions. Ramamoorthy says, the absence of a caring family member. Studies have “We faced challenges while moving caregivers shown pandemic-driven isolation and loneliness from one place to another. Now we only have have deeply impacted senior citizens, leading to resident nurses.” a surge in mental health issues. Organisations are making sure they address senior citizens’ emotional Adds Gupta, “On some occasions during the and mental health needs as well. extreme lockdown, the family of our care teams have also pitched in, driving them around to ensure Talking about how Alserv is helping in this supplies are delivered, or cash is made available to regard, Ramamoorthy adds, “Having somebody them to pay their staff or buy things.” full time who is able to talk to them or help them makes a difference. We have our own relationship And amidst all this, the pandemic has, in a way, managers who keep talking to them on a regular compelled people to reassess and reinvigorate basis, calling them multiple times to ensure they are senior care in the country. “The senior population able to communicate.” in India is fast growing with over 20 million elders who stay alone, and the number is slated to rise in At Antara, too, special sessions are organised the next two decades. In India, senior care services to maintain the happiness index by engaging the are still at a nascent stage, but are expected to seniors in fun activities. The team has also put pick up due to the direct impact of the pandemic together a monthly activity calendar. on the elderly population. This segment is undergoing a radical change in its lifestyle and Challenges needs. From being a sacrifice-all population, it now has the aspiration and the financial means to fulfill With the country recording a huge number of their wants right from travel to investments to self- Covid cases in the past few months, these elder care. We need more structured care programs, care organisations have had to augment their targeted policies, specialized medical services, operations to meet the needs of as many as senior-friendly architecture, and economic/ possible. At Antara, queries have gone up to 800 financial interventions to ensure a better quality a day, where the call centers only have a capacity of life for seniors,” says Dr Mir. of 100-150 calls a day. Alserv, on the other hand, has roughly helped around 500+ families in the last 42 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Amid pandemic, home-care services for the elderly see a surge in demand isolated, tracking their vitals, hospitalisation support, oxygen cylinders, concentrators and even helping in cremation ceremonies. “This is a transient demand aided by two factors. One is people’s requirement for emergency services has gone up largely around healthcare,” Asheesh Gupta, Founder and Chief Care Officer, Samarth said, adding: “Second, there is a sense of fear and helplessness THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT daily care (food delivery and which has nothing to do with GROWTH in demand compared home needs) and emergency physical needs but emotional to first wave’ care (ambulance assistance and mental state of people. At-home care providers of the etc) in Chennai, Hyderabad On these two counts, we are elderly are witnessing a surge in and Bengaluru. It soon plans to seeing very different responses demand for their services amid expand into Mumbai. and demand in this second the second and more lethal wave.” wave of the pandemic that has Stuck at home Samarth offers homecare confined a large number of From ensuring vaccination of services for the elderly under elders to their home. elderly members to addressing four categories – healthcare, “We are seeing a significant their day-to-day healthcare convenience, engagement and growth in demand compared needs and helping them in emergency. Currently, Samarth to the first wave because things emergencies, home care Care Program is available are really getting worse now. service providers are stepping in over 40 cities across the “The enrollment for our care up to help senior citizens who country, with the support of plans has surged at least by are stuck at home and fill the over 200 local care counsellors. 60 per cent compared to last shoes of their children. Multi-fold growth year,” said Prashanth Reddy, Samarth eldercare, one Founder, Anvayaa. of the largest players in this Chennai-based senior care and space, has augmented support assisted living service provider Services offered to the elders by arranging Alserv also said it is witnessing The Hyderabad-based start-up essentials such as medicines, a multi-fold growth in demand, offers home-care services, provisions and cash at home, especially for food and catering including healthcare (regular besides regular check-in calls services from home isolated health needs and check-ups), to ensure that elders don’t feel elders and their families. 43 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 07 Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 43

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT “It’s not just about people Ramamoorthy said that corporates are approaching As published in The Hindu Businessline unable to get a hospital bed besides the surge in demand us to give Covid care to their but there are many who are from the local community, employees and their parents. in home quarantine and need Alserv has also been receiving That is one area where we help so there is definitely a a lot of enquiries from NRI have seen a significant change requirement,” said Jagadish children in the last 30-45 days as compared to last year.” “We Ramamoorthy, Co-founder seeking care for their parents have a couple of companies & Director, Alserv, adding: in Chennai. already and are talking to a “Today, the number we do in In addition to direct consumers, lot more, primarily to create food is far higher compared a growing number of corporates a Covid help desk for their to what we were doing last are also roping in elderly care employees and families,” said year. We have probably done service providers to cover their Alserv’s Ramamoorthy. five times compared to what employees and their families. we did in the first wave.” Anvayaa’s Reddy said: “Lot of Covid Care Centre, Bokaro Covid Care Centre, Pauri Garhwal DURING THE SECOND WAVE of the COVID-19 oxygen support. pandemic, Samarth worked in collaboration with The Centres, a first of their kind 20-bed facility SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Society) to set-up and manage Oxygen COVID in Bokaro and Pauri Garhwal, aimed to make care centres in Bokaro, Jharkhand and Pauri essential covid-care accessible to patients, thus Garhwal, Uttarakhand. This initiative was taken helping them recover or provide support until under Project EPIC (Enabling Patient Isolation their need could be met by tertiary-care. The Centres). The District Administration for Bokaro main focus was on the underserved population and Pauri Garhwal also supported Samarth in with poor access, across all age groups, utilizing the endeavour, while the alumni network from existing physical infrastructure to provide low- IIM Calcutta, played a major role in helping raise cost, high utilization capacity with oxygen funds for the project. concentrators supported by local administration and hospitals. Project EPIC was initiated to address the gap between home-care and tertiary-care needs by The Centre at Bokaro was launched on the establishing Covid Care Centres equipped with 27th May, while that at Pauri Garhwal was launched on 2nd June. 44 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ftyk mik;äq Jh jkt”s k flga 26 cVkfy;u ds dekMa j lfgr ,d e¶q r jkgr vkjS iuq oklZ çnku us vkt pkl] ckds kjks fLFkr vkJ; vU; inkf/kdkjh mifLFkr FkAs ;g djxs hA NkVs s ”kgjkas ds detkjs xg` eas cus vkDlhtu ;äq dkfs oM lVas j lhekra vkjS ofa pr lenq k;kas cfq u;knh <kpa s us leFkZ ,YMj d;s j d;s j dk mn?~ kkVu fd;kA mä ds fy, ,d e¶q r dkfs oM&19 dks LVhy flVh eas ;g d;s j lVas j dkfs oM lVas j eas 20 cMs dh O;oLFkk jkgr vkjS iuq oklZ lVas j gAS leFkZ ‘k:q djus ds fy, çfs jr fd;kA fd;k x;kA ckn eas bls ejhtkas ds ,YMj d;s j QkmMa ”ku o ckds kjks nos k’a k eYVhLi”s kfyVh vLirky] c<u+ s ij bls c<k+ ;k tk ldrk gAS ds ftyk ç”kklu ds lkFk lk>ns kjh vkbVZ hvkbZ ekMs ]+ pkl ckds kjks bl bl volj ij vij uxj vk;äq eas ;g ,d O;kid igy gS tks dæas eas fpfdRlk los k çnkrk gAS vfuy deq kj flga o lhvkjih,Q ckds kjks ds ofa pr lenq k;kas ds fy, leFkZ dh mÙkjk[kMa ] >kj[kMa vkjS jktLFkku ds vU; fV;j & 2 ”kgjkas vkjS v/k&Z ”kgjh {k=s kas eas ,ls s vkjS dæas LFkkfir djus dh ;kts uk gAS mik;äq us dgk fd ftyk ç”kklu ,oa leFkZ ,YMjd;s j ds lg;kxs ls 20 cMs dk v‚Dlhtu ;äq dkfs oM d;s j lVas j cuk;k x;k gS tks lHkh lfq o/kk ls ;äq gAS mUgkuas s crk;k fd leFkZ ,YMjds;j laxBu }kjk ckds kjks eas ctq xq kZas dh n[s kHkky djus tkus vkjS bu dfBu le; eas ofa pr lenq k;kas dh enn djus dh ;g igy ljkguh; gS vkjS ge ftys eas leFkZ ds fujra j dke ds fy, rRij gAaS dekaMj lrh’k dqekj HkYyk d;s j dkmfa lyj lhek ”kkjnk FkhA O;kolkf;d etcfw j;kas ds dkj.k os bl ckj vius 87oas tUefnu ij mlus ijw s Hkkjrh; rkjS &rjhdkas ls lkFk jgdj mudh los k ugha dj cgrq [k”q k FkAs D;kfas d bl ckj og nhi tykdj] i”q igkj igukdj o ldrAs dbZ dkj.kkas ls ek&a cki vdys s ugha FkAs muds lkFk mudh feBkbZ f[kykdj mudk tUefnu Hkh muds lkFk ugha tk ikrAs ,ls s egaq ckys h cVs h] ;kuh ^leFk^Z dh euk;kA dNq fnukas igys tc mUgas ctq xq kZas o njw jg jgs muds cPpkas dkjs kus k gks x;k Fkk] rks Hkh mUgas ds chp dMh+ dk dke dj jgk gS bl egaq ckys h cVs h ls cgrq enn ,d lxa Bu ^leFk^Z A feyhA dekMa j HkYyk Hkkjr ds mu reke ctq xq kZas eas ls ,d g]aS ^leFk^Z ds lhek ”kkjnk tlS s ftuds cPps fon’s k eas jg jgs gAaS dbZ d;s j dkmfa lyj n”s k ds 40 ”kgjkas eas ldS Mk+ as ctq xq kZas dh n[s kHkky bu cPpksa dks vius cw<+s fcYdyq muds cPpkas dh rjg dj ek&a cki dh fQØ rks g]S yfs du jgs gAaS [kklrkjS ls dkjs kus k dky Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 45

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT e]as tc jkts fey jgh ngykus okyh [kcjkas ds chp yxkrkj lia dZ eas jgrs g]aS cfYd t:jr iMu+ s ij vdys s jg jgs ctq xq kZas dk vkRefo”okl VVw us yxrk muds ?kj tkdj mudh t:jrkas dk Hkh [;ky j[krs gAS mudk ?kj ls ckgj fudyuk e”q fdy gAS jkts ejkZ gAaS os yxkrkj bu ctq xq kZas ds fon”s k eas jg jgs cPpkas dh t:jr dh phtas Hkh fey ugha ik jgh gAaS u ds Hkh lia dZ eas jgrs gAaS blls muds cPpkas dks Hkh tkus dc M‚DVj] ,ca yq las ;k vLirky dh t:jr lra fq \"V feyrh gS fd muds ekrk&firk dh n[s kj[s k iM+ tk,A ,ls h fLFkfr eas ^leFk^Z ds d;s j dkmfa lyj ds fy, dkbs Z Hkjkls es na O;fä ektS nw gAS fcYdyq muds cPpkas dh rjg lca y cudj muds lkFk [kMs+ fn[kkbZ nrs s gAaS vk”kkhs’k xqIrk ds vuqlkj] leFkZ vius ds;j dkmfa lyj dk p;u Hkh çkQs ’s kuy vk/kkj ij ugh]a ^leFk^Z ds çc/a k funZ ’s kd vk”kkh’s k xIq rk dgrs gaS cfYd HkkoukRed vk/kkj ij djrk gAS bl dke ds fd ;g u rks dkbs Z Lo;la os h lLa Fkk g]S u gh dkbs Z fy, ,ls s ykxs gh puq s tkrs g]aS tks vius fdlh lQy O;kolkf;d dia uhA ;g cgrq ekeyw h ”kYq d ij njw i.w kdZ kfyd dfS j;j ls fdlh dkj.ko’k vyx gks pdq s jg jgs cPpkas ds ekrk&firk dh n[s kj[s k dk dke gk]as vkjS bl dk;Z ls os flQZ ilS s ds fy, u tMq + djus okyh ,d lLa Fkk gAS muds vulq kj u flQZ jgs gkAas ;g Hkh t:jh gS fd os vius ekrk&firk dh fon”s k e]as cfYd Hkkjr eas Hkh fdlh vU; ”kgj eas jg los k djrs jgs gkas vkjS ctq xq kZas ds çfr mudk yxko jgs cPps pkgrs gaS fd nlw js ”kgj eas jg jgs muds gkAs tlS s ecaq bZ dh lhek ”kkjnk dbZ o’kZ fon”s k eas ekrk&firk dh n[s kj[s k vPNs rjhds ls gks ldAs jgdj v/;kiu ls tMq h+ jgh]a vkjS vc ecaq bZ eas viuk D;kfas d os Lo;a muds ikl jgdj mudh los k djus NkVs k Ldyw pykus ds lkFk&lkFk vius ?kj ds fudV eas vleFkZ gkrs s gAaS bl t:jr dks le>rs g,q gh jgdj vius ekrk&firk dh Hkh n[s kj[s k djrh g]aS 2016 eas leFkZ dh LFkkiuk dh xbAZ dkjs kus k egkekjh lkFk gh leFkZ ds lkFk tMq d+ j dNq vkjS ctq xq kZas dk ”k:q gkus s ds ckn rks ^leFk^Z dh çklfa xdrk vkjS c<+ Hkh lgkjk cu jgh gAaS ^leFk^Z ds d;s j dkmfa lylZ xbAZ D;kfas d bl chekjh us vdys s jg jgs ctq xq kZas ds dh Vhe eas 95 Qhln efgyk,a gh gkrs h gAaS tkfs d eu eas vljq {kk dk Hkko vkjS etcrw dj fn;k gAS ^leFk^Z ls tMq u+ s okys ctq xq kZas dh ,d cVs h cudj ,ls s eas ^leFk^Z ds d;s j dkmfa lyj u flQZ ctq xq kZas ds los k dj ldAas 46 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04

1 Find the differences 2 Word search Can you spot 8 differences between pictures A and B? Find the words in the grid. when you are done, the unused letters in the grid will spell out a hidden message. Pick them out from left to right, top line to bottom line. Words can go horizontally, vertically and diagonally in all eight lines. Source : PrintitFree.net Source : http://www.qets.com/Airplane FairParty Bike Father Pets Boat Friends Picnic Camp July Play Car Mother Swim Vol 03 | Issue 04 | samarth | 47

MIND BENDERS 3 3 This origami diagram should be helpful to work with to make your fish. When following origami diagrams, it’s useful to look at the step you need to do next, as well as the one after that to see what it needs to look like. Don’t worry if you don’t succeed at first. Origami takes practice. For this fish, you’ll need one sheet of square origami paper. It is best to start with a regular 15 x 15 cm origami paper or any other paper of that size that can be easily folded. The Starting Folds 12 Fold the paper in half Fold the left and right to Fold the top and bottom both ways and unfold. the centre. edges to the centre. 45 6 Unfold the top and Pull the left & right Squash the bottom fold bottom. centre points up and out into the centre. to the sides. 48 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 04