TRAVEL Instead Samarth chose service apartments 6. Focus is the key that are self-sufficient in every aspect and located centrally within 5 km of railway Scotland might be small, but spending more station / bus terminus / airport. time in one place increases the chances of experiencing a relaxed rejuvenating 3. Carrying ready to microwave and vacation. eat food packets 7. Leave plenty of time between two Considering the fact that many elders are places to visit particular about what they would like to eat, Samarth team organized microwave There’s nothing worse than having to cut ready food packets in case the local a visit short because one is too tightly cuisines are not explored. scheduled, and one will probably want to spend some quality time in the shop before 4. Advanced planning heading out. Samarth team ensured that no more than two tourist spots are visited Most distilleries offer a range of in a day’s time. After all the evenings must experiences, from inexpensive tours also be spent over a glass of whiskey, in the of the production floor, to half-day good company of friends sharing a laughter extravaganzas with a focus on specific or two. topics or guided premium tastings. 8. Remember to savor the local cuisine 5. Most of the places can be approached on foot or by car Fortunately, the days of all British food being brown, bland, and boring are well behind us. Samarth kept the option of hiring a car Seafood uniformly excels, as does anything with a driver for the entire day, in case featuring local lamb or game. There’s also the members feel tired and would like to great food from the Middle East and South use the services. Asia to be found, especially in larger towns, which makes a nice change of pace from Cullen skink and fish and chips to Haggis. 9. Don’t forget about the pubs Visiting distilleries is fun, but after three or four, the tours can start to feel repetitive. Even modest Scottish pubs often have a huge range of whiskies behind the bar, knowledgeable bartenders (and patrons!), and a comfy, casual atmosphere that makes you want to sit down and stay awhile . 10. Pack a rain coat Even if the trip is scheduled for September, it can rain anytime in London. During the tour, it rained practically every day, and everybody we met said it had been raining like that all summer long. Hey, at least a rainy day makes for great pub weather. Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 49
TRAVEL DAY 0 Hop on to a late night flight from DAY 3 Half day exploration of shopping New Delhi to London via Abu Dhabi (1 hour destinations like Oxford and Regent Streets, stop over) Harrods etc followed by leisure stroll at Marble Arch Park stopping occasionally DAY 1 Land at London around 1 PM keeping listening to inspired performances at the in mind the comfort of elders and reach the Speaker’s corner. The day is wrapped up hotel around 2.30 PM in a pre-booked car. with some time spent in a London pub and The rest of the day is spent at a relaxed catching up on memories made here. pace with a stroll on the streets and enjoying the famous London weather. DAY 4 Catch a 1 PM train to Edinburgh that takes 5 hours but is extremely comfortable DAY 2 Full day London tour in a pre- to ride. Spend the rest of the evening booked cab visiting places like St. Paul’s acclimatizing to the Edinburgh weather. Cathedral and watching “Change of Guards” at Buckingham Palace for 30 minutes. DAY 5 & 6 Full day excursions to various Following some coffee and snacks on the attractions like Loch Lomond and Loch Ness way, one can visit London Tower, Royal in the hIghlands, sterling castle, Kelpies observatory in Greenwich, enjoy the Camera (Horse sculptures made of steel), and Obscura and end the day with a relaxed 40 enjoying local pub and food, minutes cruise on Thames River. 50 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
TRAVEL DAY 7 Visit to the Glenkinchie distillery, getting a guided tour, whiskey tasting sessions, and off course gift shopping. One can also use the “Hop-on Hop-off bus” service to visit various destinations in the city like Edinburgh museum, fort etc. DAY 8 Return to London and visit Madam Tussauds after lunch. Rest for the evening pack the luggage and memories to catch a late night flight back to Delhi. Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 51
UZBEKISTAN Gur-i-Amir, Samarkand DIARIESTRAVEL in search of the silk route authored by Samarth sta layout design by Aarti Uberoi Samarth editor Asheesh Gupta recently travelled to Uzbekistan and we strongly recommend a trip for senior members. TENTATIVE ITENARARY you take either a bus/ train/car UZBEKISTANSamarkand Tashkent to reach Samarkand. DAY 0 Bukhara Samarkand DAY 4 The tour begins from Delhi flying Uzbekistan: the name to Tashkent via Amritsar. Visit the Mausoleum of conjures images of far-away Timurlane (Gur-i-Amir) and mosques and blue-tiled DAY 1 Bibi Khanym mosque to domes, camels and caravan experience the glory of Timurid serai, mosaics and medressas. Full day exploring Tashkent, an empire and Turko-Mongol It’s true that Uzbekistan is the important trading post on the architecture. kind of place that many people silk route, formerly a part of Enjoy shopping textiles, local don’t reach, but the country Soviet Union. craft and other gift items in the has chugged into the new Amir Timur Square and di erent lanes and bylanes of the millennium with an excellent styles of architecture from Soviet medevial markets of Samarkand. high-speed train network that to Baroque are main attractions. Having satiated yourself makes getting around here Leave for Bukhara in the evening culturally with the local cuisines much easier than many by TGV express Bullet train. leave for Tashkent to catch a travellers might think. Overnight stay in Lyabi late night flight back to Delhi. House Hotel and experience the local cuisine. DAY 2 & 3 Explore the UNESCO world heritage city of Bukhara, central asian architecture in Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Charminar etc. Experience the local Plov (pilao) and the variety of kebabs. This is the ultimate destination where you5a2re| tsraanmspaortrhted| Vinotlh0e3w|oIrsldsuoef 03 Khoja Nasruddin. In the evening
Mosaic work on Gur-i-Amir Char Minar Mud Fort Samarkand Bukhara Khiva TRAVEL Last Emir of Bukhara Alim Khan Traditionally baked buns Statue of Timor The country's three major Tashkent cities, and its most famous monuments, are all connected by bullet trains that make getting around fast and comfortable. History bu s, desert lovers, post-Soviet architecture seekers and anyone drawn by the mystique of the Silk Road will find Uzbekistan a welcoming and surprisingly easy place to travel. The country isn’t just desert and Silk Road architecture! The Qurama Mountains in the Fergana Valley o ers a spectacu;ar view Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 53
TRAVEL CARING FOR PARENTS LIVING ALONE When your parents are living away from you in a different city, taking care of them is not always easy. Use the following advisories to make the lockdown safer and easier for your parents and help them tide through the pandemic. 54 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
TRAVEL STAY CONNECTED Zoom/ WhatsApp video call/ Facetime, whatever it is that your parents are comfortable operating, make sure you check on them at least twice a day. Set up calls for your parents and make them connect with extended family and friends. HOME DELIVERY Take advantage of online services - Apps like Swiggy, Bigbasket, Amazon etc deliver essentials from basic grocery to regular medicines or other things that they need, You can also surprise them with a cake or a dish every now and then to bring a smile on their faces. Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 55
TRAVEL BRING IN HOMECARE Organise in home care givers to provide professional personal care and support. Samarth offers \"Stay at home support program\" geared to combat lockdown and pandemic situations. For details Whatsapp at +91-9818828960 or contact [email protected] DISCOURAGE WATCHING TOO MUCH NEWS Staying informed is important. However a continuous update on pandemic may make the elders anxious. Instead talk to them and share with them relevant information, positive news and happy memories. STAY IN TOUCH WITH PARENTS’ NEIGHBOURS Request them to check on your parents once a day - Some form of daily social interaction will cheer them up. Hearing about your parents from the neighbours will put your mind at ease. In case you are unable to reach them during any emergency you can get an update through the neighbours. 56 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
TRAVEL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CHANNELS OF ENTERTAINMENT Introduce Firestick, audio books or music on Alexa - Apart from the reruns of several mythological serials from the ’90s, there’s nothing new to watch. Perfect time to drive away from the saas-bahu serials and introduce them to the world of mindful mode of entertainment. Teach them to operate YouTube so that they can follow workout videos and engage in physical activity as well. HELP WITH FINANCES If your parents consent, assist with bill paying, online money transfer and money management, while keeping an eye out for signs of fraud. Delhi helpline REACH OUT TO THE AUTHORITIES 011-41182977 Some states have special helplines for helping elderly during the lockdown. Delhi 9 helpline is 011-41182977 in case, you want the government to send across essential [email protected] commodities or assist your parents for Street Name 455 anything else. The local police can be quite 123 456 789 helpful to provide government-funded food and ration or in helping procure medicines. Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 57
58 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 59
दखे ते ही दखे ते जवान माँ-बाप बढ़ू े हो जाते हंै ˙ दखे ते ही दखे ते जवान माँ-बाप बढ़ू े हो जाते हंै ˙... . सुबह की सैर में कभी च������कर खा जात े हैं ˙... Source: www.hindispeakingtree.in सारे मौह������ले को पता हैं ˙... पर हमसे छपु ाते हंै ˙... िदन ������ितिदन अपनी खुराक घटाते हैं ˙ और तबीयत ठीक होने की बात फोन पे बताते हैं ˙... ढीली हो गए कपड़ों को टाइट करवाते हं,ै देखते ही देखते जवान माँ-बाप बढ़ू े हो जाते हैं ˙... िकसी के दहे ांत की खबर सनु कर घबराते हंै ˙ और अपने परहेजों की स���ं ���या बढ़ात े ह,ैं हमारे मोटापे पे िहदायतों के ढेर लगाते हैं ˙, “रोज की विजश������ ” के फायदे िगनाते हैं “तदं ुर���ु ���ती हजार िनयामत” हर दफे बताते हंै ˙, देखते ही देखते जवान मा-ँ बाप बढ़ू े हो जाते ह.ंै .. हर साल बड़े शौक से अपने बंै ˙क जाते हैं ˙, अपने िज������दा होन े का सबतू दके र हशा���त��� े हंै ˙, जरा सी बढ़ी पशें न पर फलू े नहीं समाते हंै ˙, और Fixed Deposit िरनू करते जाते हैं ˙, खुद के िलए नहीं हमारे िलए ही बचाते हंै ˙, दखे ते ही दखे ते जवान माँ-बाप बूढ़े हो जाते हैं ˙... चीजंे रख के अब अ������सर भूल जात े हैं ˙, िफर उ������ह ें ढूँढने म ंे सारा घर सर प े उठात े हंै ˙, और एक दूसरे को बात बात में हड़काते हैं ˙, पर एक दजू े से अलग भी नहीं रह पाते हंै ˙... 60 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
एक ही िक������से को बार बार दोहरात े हंै ˙, देखते ही दखे ते जवान मा-ँ बाप बूढ़े हो जाते हंै ˙... च������म ंे से भी अब ठीक से नहीं दखे पात े हंै ˙, बीमारी मंे दवा लने े में नखरे िदखाते हैं, एलोपथै ी के बहतु सारे साइड इफे������ट बताते हंै ˙, और होिमयोपैथी आयव������ु ���े ���दक की ही रट लगाते हंै ˙, ज������री आॅपरशे न को भी और आगे टलवात े हंै ˙... देखते ही दखे ते जवान माँ-बाप बढ़ू े हो जाते हंै ˙... उड़द की दाल अब नहीं पचा पाते हंै ˙, लौकी तरु ई और धुली मूगं दाल ही अिधकतर खाते हैं ˙, दातं ों मंे अटके खाने को ितली से खजु लाते हंै ˙, पर डिें ट������ट क े पास जाने स े कतरात े हैं ˙, काम चल तो रहा है की ही धनु लगाते हंै ˙, देखते ही दखे ते जवान मा-ँ बाप बूढ़े हो जाते हैं ˙... हर ������यौहार पर हमारे आने की राह दखे त े हैं ˙, अपने पुराने घर को नई दु������हन सा चमकात े हंै ˙, हमारी पसंदीदा चीजों के ढेर लगाते हंै ˙, हर छोटी बड़ी फरमाईश पूरी करने के िलए माँ रसोई और पापा बाजार दौड़े चले जाते हंै ˙, पोते-पोितयों से िमलने को िकतने आसं ू टपकाते हंै ˙, देखते ही देखते जवान मा-ँ बाप बढ़ू े हो जाते हंै ˙... दखे ते ही देखते जवान माँ-बाप बढ़ू े हो जाते हंै ˙... Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 61
62 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
Poem I Cannot Remember My Mother By Rabindranath Tagore Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 63
Remember Me By Christina Rossetti (1830-94) 64 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 65
SECRET ZUMBA BY SAKSHI JAIN I AM VERY BORED.... DADI, I AM GOING TO MY ROOM! YESSS!! AB MERA TIME..
GET READY !! 1! 2! 3! 4! AFTER A WHILE..... 1! 2! 3! 4! SECRET ZUMBA BY SAKSHI JAIN
FINANCE Invest Smartly, Live Comfortably Wise investment decisions ensure a steady supply of income in old age. Here’s how you can do it too. By Sanjay K. Ojha Most working of income to sustain that mind. Therefore, it becomes Indians’ small amount. Most seniors important for the elderly ultimate dream have not been investment to know which savings or is to enjoy the savvy and the savings are investment instruments can same pre-retirement life after in the form of small fixed help them enjoy life without they hang up their boots. deposits or life insurance. financial worries. But, unfortunately, for most With constantly increasing this remains a pipedream. financial liabilities, they begin Well Planned The hard earned savings are to spend a stressful life and Investment depleted with no other source eventually ruin their peace of The investment or savings 68 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
FINANCE should be done so smartly of capital and regular A person can also have that it is able to beat payouts. The minimum more than one account by inflation of the day and age is 60 years. But, this opting for a joint account provides suitable amount scheme can be relaxed to with his/her spouse, but of income that take people, who have opted overall investment can’t care of one’s day-to-day for voluntary retirement cross `15 lakh limit. financial needs. Besides, at 55. However, it is The rate for interest it is necessary for silvers mandatory for VRS takers in 2015-16 was 9.3 per to diversify the retirement to invest into the scheme cent, which means an corpus in various within one month of investment of `15lakh will investment channels to retirement. The interest is yield a quarterly income create a regular source of credited to the investor’s of `34,875 (`11,625 per income for post retirement account at the end of month). The SCSS has a life. In addition, there are tenure of five years, but it government schemes such every quarter – on March can be extended for three as Public Provident Fund 31, June 30, September 30 years after the scheme (PPF), pension schemes, and December 31. matures. etc. to help create a well One can invest up to `15 The scheme has a lock planned retirement. The lakh via post offices or 24 in period of five years, elderly always want to public sector banks and which can be extended invest in those schemes also at ICICI. However, for another three years. It which could provide them the amount invested offers tax benefits under assured returns. Thus, can’t exceed the value Sec 80C during premature their capacity to take risk of the retirement corpus. withdrawals. in their investments is However, it also qualifies abysmally low. for deduction under this Here are a few schemes Act. TDS (tax deduction that seniors can prefer to at source) is applied if the invest: income earned is over Rs 10,000. However, the high 1. Senior Citizens’ liquidity factor makes it Saving Scheme most preferred among (SCSS) seniors. Run by the central 2. Post Office government, this is one of Monthly Income the most popular savings Scheme (POMIS) avenues among elderly Indians. This scheme An investment scheme offers everything that a of Indian postal service, retired person wants, that it promises the investor is, assured returns, safety guaranteed returns at 8.5 Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 69
FINANCE per cent per annum Senior citizen portfolios Fixed deposit in the form of fixed doubling the returns of scheme offered by monthly income. The banks is the best investment ceiling for millennials in US option for those an individual account seeking safe returns. is Rs 4.5 lakh, while The portfolios of senior citizens It is doubly good it is Rs 9 lakh for the were on a high in the United States for senior citizens joint account. The in 2016, providing more than 10 per as they get 0.25-0.5 maturity period is six cent returns. According to a data by per cent over and years. If the investor TD Ameritrade, an American online above the regular keeps on making broker, there is a high overlap between interest rate. The investments for the the top 10 holdings of the millennial duration of deposit entire period, he is generation, Generation X, baby varies from as low as qualified for a bonus boomers and senior citizens; though a week to 10 years. of five per cent. In there’s also enough divergence The amount accrued case of premature that the gains of seniors in 2016 are from the interest of withdrawal, nearly double that of millennials. Five the scheme can be applicable charges stocks — Apple, Facebook, Amazon, availed on quarterly, apply on the amount. Microsoft and General Electric — are semiannual or It doesn’t come top 10 holdings for all four generations. annual basis. There under section 80C The elderly were also the generation is also an option of Income Tax Act, with the most unique portfolios for reinvestment of which makes it a relative to the other age groups. Three interest. However, very good monthly of their top 10 holdings –Johnson & bank fixed deposits income plan for Johnson, Verizon Communications do not enjoy any senior citizens. The and tobacco company Altria tax exemption for amount accrued from Group – don’t appear in the other tenures below five the scheme is not generations. Telecommunications and years. Also, the taxed separately, but consumer staples are both considered interest attracts TDS becomes a part of defensive industries, as they tend and cess if it is more one’s overall income, to offer dividend yields above the than Rs 10,000 in a and is then eligible broader market. These sectors have financial year. for taxation under also contributed to seniors’ year-to- the current rules on date outperformance. J&J, Verizon 4. Post Office income tax slabs. and Altria, in addition to being well Term Deposits Thus, the scheme is established brands, could reflect a (POTD) suitable for elderly preference on the part of seniors for with lower tax slabs a more conservative allocation. This scheme, similar to bank fixed 3. Fixed Deposits deposits scheme, is (FD) risk-free and offers guaranteed returns. 70 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
FINANCE It can be started with a value of the property, multi-cap funds, while minimum investment of the bank makes monthly midcap and smallcap Rs 200 and there is no payments to that person. funds should be restricted limit on the maximum The borrower can opt for to 30 per cent of the level of investment. The monthly, quarterly, annual overall equity exposure. investment tenure varies or lump sum payments. from one to five years. As reverse mortgage is 8.Debt-linked Plans The interest payout is a loan, the interest rate annual, however, it can is either fixed or floating. A.Monthly Income be compounded on a It is also not taxable. quarterly basis. The five- The maximum period Plans: Like post offices, year deposit is eligible for the mortgage is 20 these mutual funds also for tax eduction under years, after which either offer income plans. Section 80C of the Income the borrower or the heir These are open-ended Tax. (in case of the death of schemes, whose most the borrower) will have part is invested in debt 5. National Savings to repay the loan or sell instruments. Only a small Certificate the house and settle the portion is put in equities. transaction. The excess The incomes accrued from Another safest invest- amount generated in the dividend payouts are tax- ment for senior citizens process is passed on to free. It can be paid either is National Savings the borrower or the heir. on monthly, quarterly or Certificate, popularly on annual basis. However, known as NSC. It is issued 7. Equity-linked unlike post office plans, by post offices across Products there is no guarantee India and generally about the amount of applied for 5 or 10 years. The elderly must also dividend from mutual This scheme is good for invest a part of their funds. those seeking to get good money in market-related returns and also benefits products, preferably in B. Fixed Maturity Plans in their taxable incomes. equity mutual funds, through the systematic (FMP): These are close- 6. Reverse transfer plan (STP) route. ended debt mutual funds The equity provides with tenures ranging Mortgage optimum growth to the from three months to portfolio, which will three years. However, In this scheme, the come in handy after the unlike other closed-ended first eight to ten years of mutual funds, these plans individual keeps a house retirement when inflation can’t be redeemed before starts to bite. A large maturity. as collateral with the part of money should be invested in large-cap and bank. As per the price Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 71
FINANCE Things you need to know about protecting yourself from financial abuse According to the World Health Organization, 1 in every 6 people over the age of 60 experiences some form of abuse or the other. Financial abuse happens to be among the top 3, right after psychological and physical abuse. By Samarth staff But what exactly So, if you are a senior and • Stealing your hard cash, does the term want to be prepared for all mean? Financial possibilities, here are some credit cards and other abuse is a crime essential aspects of financial that involves depriving abuse that you absolutely possessions people of their financial must know. independence by refusing • A ccessing your bank them access to their Common Financial finances. While anyone can Crimes You Are accounts without your be subjected to it, seniors Likely To Face – especially elderly women – consent are at a higher risk of being A shocking fact about elder financially abused. What is financial abuse is that the • N ot allowing you to spend sad is that, more often than abusers are almost always not, this kind of abuse goes family members or close your own money unreported by seniors either friends. So, it’s hard to guess because they are ashamed, who might take advantage • C oercing you to pay for are unable to report it of your trust in them and because of cognitive or other subject you to this form of their expenses forms of impairment or do abuse. Your family members not even realize that they are and friends are likely to • Using your finances for being subjected to it. commit financial crimes such as: purposes besides what they are meant to be used for • Forcing you to give them huge parts of your funds and never returning them • Failing to provide you with any agreed-upon care like day-to-day needs and home/ vehicle repair • P ressuring, tricking or threatening you to modify 72 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
FINANCE your will and other financial Steps You Can Take setting up direct deposits To Prevent Financial to your bank account. documents. Abuse 2. S hred written In addition to these, financial Besides being aware of the receipts frequently: abuse can be the result of many financial crimes you If you don’t need written documentation– scams by professionals such are likely to face, it’s also like credit/debit receipts or old as: important to know how you bank statements – that contains • L oans and reverse can prevent such instances. important financial mortgages offered to you information, shred and throw them with extremely high rates away as often as possible to prevent identity theft. of interest 1. Be alert about your finances: 3. S tay updated • Investment scams on the most The more cautious you common scams: promising you are, the safer you will be. Keep checking your bank Read and be informed unreasonably high returns statements to see if there is about illegitimate any unusual activity. If you investment and pyramid • Calls and visits by fake feel like you need help with schemes that claim to managing your finances, provide unreasonably charities and religious reach out to a professional high returns with minimal such as a financial advisor investment. organizations demanding or an attorney (if legal requirements are involved) 4. Safeguard large amounts of money as donations • Telemarketing and fraudulent emails about bank accounts, credit cards, lotteries and prizes that involve huge sums of money 2.Direct deposit • Excessively expensive cheques: travel packages If you receive cheques via • Falsely recommended post often, it is likely that home and vehicle repairs you will misplace them or requiring exorbitant be at risk of losing them advance deposits to theft. Avoid this by 73 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 07 Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 73
FINANCE important financial give away any personal or information about your documents: financial details to anyone. finances to them. Keep your chequebooks, 6. H ire trustworthy 7. T rust your instincts: bank statements and help and keep other sensitive financial them away from Abusers and exploiters information safely locked your finances: tend to be forceful and up at all times – and all the charming (whether they more when other people Always remember to ask are your family, friends or are home. for references before employees). So, if you feel employing hired help such like something is not right 5. Don’t divulge as caregivers and cleaners or sounds too good to be confidential details: to avoid any possible true, don’t ignore it. More issues in the future. Also, often than not, your gut is Unless you have initiated no matter what happens, likely to point you in the a visit or a call from a don’t give away any right direction. verified professional, don’t 74 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
2 Source: www.suddenlysenior.com 3 51 2 1 4 6 85 7 51 94 8 2 57 6 85 1 7 36 5 79 136 4 92 74 956 328 71 4 721 496 853 3 4 Vo8l 037| Iss5ue 103 | 2sam9arth6| 75 694 83 2 57 1
MIND BENDERS 2 1 76 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS Silver Tech for Grey Heads “I’m young at heart, but slightly older ”in other places. By Subha Chandrasekaran What kind of technology do spotlight is beginning to shine on this space– seniors really need? Senior companies trying to understand how technology citizens today have not been can be made more useful and relevant to senior blindsided by technology. They citizens - Silver Tech as it is being called. have seen the rapid changes and many have been quick to adopt too. Yet, as most of the The focus till a few years back was to force- new age technology doesn’t specifically cater fit technology that works for the younger to ‘silver’ citizens, their consumption is pretty generations to seniors. For example, wearables like fitness bands were becoming a rage among much limited to a Skype young working men and women. It became a call with a grandchild or natural extension to assume that seniors would exchanging Whatsapp be okay to wear such a device all day and be messages among a monitored so closely. The device could keep a family member updated on when their elderly group of senior parents woke up, walked for a while, left the friends. perimeter of the house, etc. But for an active Thankfully the Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 77
TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS senior citizen, this can be theirs. The phones just aren’t focus on senior citizens. Such extremely intrusive and also designed to be used by them. systems typically involve a misleading at times. Focus is small pendant or clip that is now shifting to remote health A lot of good work is worn always. This is connected monitoring for regular feeds happening to focus on Silver to a base device in the home. In on blood pressure, sugar Tech. Phones with larger text, the event of a fall or accident, levels, etc. The trick is to allow colour coded icons for easy the wearer just needs to trigger for blips and aberrations so usage and emergency buttons the device on them. This will in that every swing from normal are now available in India turn activate the base device does not lead to excessive and overseas. And a key to a to message, call, alert the medication being prescribed. great user experience may be required family members and to voice enable a lot of basic seek medical help. Here again Similarly, the way to tech- functions in a simple manner the technology has started enable a senior citizen is taking the next step of being not by simply handing them The way to available for the active senior a smartphone. Smart they tech-enable citizen who may not always still are, but maybe not that a senior citizen be indoors, yet the same physically comfortable with is not by emergency situation can handling such a gadget. A simply handing occur. typical smartphone needs them a smart- quite a bit of work to make it phone... they Accurate fall-alert techno- ready for comfortable use by may not be logy is critical and combined a senior citizen. Think about comfortable... with a durable yet comfortable it- you would need to put the device to be worn; this is a win- phone is a no-slip, easy to grip as it’s not always easy to type win for elderly folk on their in case; increase the default or touch with an arthritic hand own and their families. font size; update names or the shake of Parkinson’s. as appropriate set up chat And finally we hope the applications like Whatsapp or Speaking of arthritis and the latest buzzword in the financial Skype and explain once, twice like, did you know, falls are the services space, FinTech, is able or thrice how it works pre-set leading cause of both non- to deliver solutions that the all the regular wi-fi networks; fatal and fatal injuries among elderly can get excited about. help them get their way around those aged 65 and over? Even in its simplest form, today auto-correct; etc! Medical alert systems can be managing a savings account is a lifesaver, passing on critical cumbersome for many. After all this you would be information in a timely manner. lucky if they have locked their This can also allow for a great screen so that you don’t keep degree of customisation and getting FaceTime calls every time they touch the phone! And all this, for no fault of 78 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS Being able to transact online independence online opens • A food delivery app like is almost a necessity - to see up a world of possibilities for your account statement since senior citizens living alone or Zomato or Swiggy that lets banks don’t issue passbooks spending most of the day by you pay cash once the food anymore; to check if you themselves. From hailing a cab is delivered – for those days received the regular credits to ordering lunch to buying when you are just too tired related to pension and from their favourite book without to whip up a meal or your your loved ones; to pay bills having to rely on someone crave variety. without needlessly stepping else. out of your home. • A taxi app like As a senior citizen, it’s Yet the systems are not necessarily a long wait Ola or Uber with designed for a savvy user. for the write tools. Even cash payment Multiple pins and passwords option or linked to remember and sometimes Accurate to your own very convoluted navigation fall-alert or son’s or screens making sure that technology is daughter’s card so that you bill will never get paid! With critical and can be as mobile as you the increasing reliance on combined with want to be. OTP (an SMS code sent to a durable yet the linked mobile number), comfortable Get bill payments set up to multiple devices are required device to be auto-debit your account or to be accessed to finish any worn; this is a card or send you a trigger transaction online. Technology win-win... to pay with one click so that that works onvoice recognition you aren’t spending hours for a customer profile like today with a little effort and in long queues. senior citizens - typically help from family, you must regular set of transactions and enable yourself with a basic Simple health monitoring not very high value - would be smartphone and learn how devices like a BP monitor a real boon. This could enable to set up a few features that or Sugar level tester for a them to transact more online will make daily life easier. For quick check to quell any from the safety of their home example, panic that things are not and also seek help without okay. wading through IVRs of call centres. Giving them financial Instagram app that not only allows you to see what other people around the world are doing and celebrating but also allows you to share your own stories with the world. Engagement and entertainment at the same time. Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 79
TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS • Technology should not extent possible. And if comfortably, Silver Tech young folks start thinking will surely deliver on its just aid but empower the more about how a product promise! consumer. The idea is be can help their grandma or independent and self- grandpa live a little more sufficient to the largest SAMARTH COVID-19 HELPLINE FOR ELDERLY Extending a helpline to the elderly to cope with COVID 19 Elderly are most at risk during the ongoing Covid 19 Crisis from the standpoint of being vulnerable to getting infected, mortality as well as other associated hardships given their limitations and physical dependence on others. They face a number of challenges due to lockdown as well as psychological stress from fear of contracting the infection. Indications are that elderly will need to stay home for a longer period even after the current pandemic ends. Samarth has been supporting elderly citizens in cities across India to help them stay safely at home with their essential needs being met during this period of crisis and after. Samarth also collaborated with a network of stakeholders, delivery partners and volunteers, integrated and managed by a dedicated team during the peak of lockdown with a free helpline service accessible to all elderly. To support this initiative in any form, mail at covidhelpline@samarth. community 80 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS Home is where the heart is. For the elderly, however, safety, convenience and comfort add to an ideal home A Home of Comforts By Subha Chandrasekaran It was Mark Twain who had A Safer World you may face problems with famously said, “Lord save your sense of balance while us all from old age and A majority of accidents getting up from bed, walking broken health and a hope involving elders happen at or when visiting the bathroom. tree that has lost the faculty of home from falls on steps or Loss of muscle, joint pains and putting out blossoms”. Alas, staircases and on slippery dizziness caused by weakness no eternal fountain of youth surfaces in the kitchen or in the and medicines make even has been discovered for the bathroom. Thousands of these simple things such as walking a ravages of our advancing lead to painful recoveries from difficult and dangerous chore. years. There’s some relief hip fractures or broken knees Walkers provide elders with though through advancements and involve long and expensive stability, strength and a sense in modern technology and hospital stays. It is important of balance while standing or medical science for the grey that the home is modified walking. They also provide population. Here’s how you where necessary to be a safe much needed reassurance can give yourself some relief environment for elders. and confidence. They help in terms of a safer and more one stand and stay upright. comfortable world. Walkers Modern walkers can be After a debilitating illnesses, Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 81
TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS adjusted to suit the height of bathroom should be cleaned painful for elders because of the elder, some need to be up and dried after the bath. the difficulty of sitting or rising lifted with every step while Ideally, skid-proof tiles ought from them. Western style others come with options of to be used. toilets with raised toilet seats two, three or four wheels for are better for senior citizens as rolling. Some walkers even Shower chairs they can sit and get off them have built-in chairs so that you easily. These seats are a few can take some restful breaks inches higher than the normal while walking. WC and reduce the amount of squatting required. Getting off Non-slip mats and them is easier for old worn out skidproof surfaces for knees. safer bathrooms Handrails, grab bars & tension poles Most falls happen in the Bathing can be very tiring for Install handrails in locations shower area or while climbing elders if it involves standing such as staircases, bathrooms in and out of bathtubs. Water, for a long time. A good and passages to make moving soap and talcum powder can shower chair with arm rests easier for elders. Have grab make the wet floor or tub very and strong stable legs are bars near the toilet and in the dangerous for elders. Nonslip safer and more comfortable shower area. Include them in mats on the floor of the than stools that can slide or areas that you normally hold shower or on the floor of the tip easily throwing the elder onto for support. A bolted bathtub reduce the chances off balance. The height of the tension pole from the floor to of slipping as they come with chair should not be low as this the ceiling can be incorporated adhesive strips or suction caps makes getting off the chair in or near the bathtub. Ensure to latch onto the wet surfaces. and standing difficult. A that all these safety fixtures They also help by seing as a hand-held shower for bathing can bear the weight of the visual reminder or cue to the while being seated on the elder seeking support. person entering or leaving the shower chair can be very slippery area. Rugs can be comfortable and relaxing, as Emergency alert devices kept near the sink and in front they can be controlled. of the toilet bowl. The entire For medical emergencies Higher toilet seats Floor level Indian style toilets are most inconvenient and 82 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS such as illnesses, injuries or off. Where intrusions happen, sensors integrated with the falls, elders can wear medical elders must have a safe way home security systems sense emergency alert devices with of seeking help from security unauthorized movements panic buttons in pendants staff and emergency services within the premises. Door and around their neck or on by sending off an alarm alert window sensors, shock sensors bracelets around their wrists. discretely. and glass break detectors These can also be positioned on sense intrusion through doors wheelchairs or railings on the IntegratedCCTVsystems or windows. The system alerts bed. Waterproof emergency the security staff of the building alert systems are also available With reduction in camera by automatically sending for installation in bathrooms. In costs and advancements in alerts via SMS, phone calls medical emergencies, help is technology, it is now possible to or by activating a hooter. For summoned without the need secure homes with integrated safety, even smoke detectors, to make a telephone call. The surveillance systems. These flood detection sensors, gas elder simply presses the alert integrate CCTV, access leakage detectors and extreme or panic button to get help temperature sensors can be from a family member within control, intrusion detection integrated with modern home the house. and intercom cameras can security systems. Separate models are available quickly take high-resolution for the elderly in nursing images of the intruder even in Video door phones care facilities and homes for dark nights and relay them to the aged to alert the nursing the security provider or police. Video door phones help station or the monitoring staff. The sight of security cameras enhance the safety of elders ‘Wandering Patient’ features is usually enough to deter in residential apartments can alert the care taker if intruders and keep you safe. or in independent houses the elder moves out of bed, by helping them screen the experiences a fall or moves to Home security or visitor at the door through an an unsafe or unauthorized area intrusion detection audiovisual communication within the facility. systems system. The video allows the visitor to be seen on a screen Security for Senior Home security systems with inside the house, while two Citizens panic buttons and alarms are available for dealing As a senior citizen you may feel with threats and attacks on that you are vulnerable and a seniors by intruders. Motion soft target for intruders when there is no one else at home. Homes should be secured with Intrusion Detection Systems, Door Video Phones and CCTV to act as a deterrent to intruders and warn them Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 83
TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS way communication helps you and the internet with Wi-Fi chronic illnesses you could screen the visitor in terms of controlled smart appliances use adjustable beds. In his credentials and purpose of such as washing machines, cases involving breathing visit. That way you open the microwaves, geysers and and respiratory ailments, door only to identified and coffee makers, empower nocturnal GERD, stroke and validated visitors. This can be a senior citizens and enrich other diseases, maintaining an huge blessing in today’s world their lives through modern upright position for the head of unending courier deliveries comforts. Elders can operate and chest is important. In other and surprise visitors. these intelligent systems with cases, elders need to keep a mere handheld remote. their legs in a raised position. Convenient and An elderly with arthritis can Positions also need to be Comfortable Living switch on or switch off the adjusted for comfort while lights in the room by merely reading, eating or watching In your retirement years, life moving or clapping his hands TV. In such cases, adjustable can be made a little more or by pressing a button on his beds make life easier. There comfortable with some remote. There’s no need to is no need to struggle with modern aids. It is always move out from the comfort of props and pillows. A handheld a good idea to minimize one’s chair or bed! remote with a button gets you discomfort and inconvenience. the exact position the elders Phones for the elderly needs. Smart homes for the comfort of the elderly Phones are essential now-a- Adjustable backrests days for easy accessibility, Intelligent sensors and convenience and also for Infirmities, immobility, thermostats have the potential safety. Poor eyesight, hearing joint pains and long hours of making life very comfortable loss and restrictions in in bed make movement for senior citizens today. movement can make using a uncomfortable for elders. These intelligent control telephone a real challenge for Adjusting positions for systems involving lighting, the elderly. Fortunately, a host eating, taking medicines, air-conditioning, heating of mobile phones, speaker- sleeping, reading, watching phones and cordless phones TV or receiving relatives and available in the market are visitors can be painful or very designed to help elders overcome these challenges. These come with large screens, easy navigation, great amplification and keypads that are both easy to read and use. Adjustable beds In many instances, when recovering at home with 84 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS inconvenient. Adjustable or impaired mobility. Made a gadget or apparatus to backrests are a great boon for from hard wood or plastic, address your needs. You don’t the elders and their caregivers these boards are great for need to live a life of discomfort. as comfortable positions transferring elders from the Find your favorite item and tell and angles while lying on bed to the chair or car. They us more about it! the bedcan be adjusted have safe rounded edges to more easily. Moreover, these prevent injury from sharp adjustable backrests can edges and are safer than using also be used outdoors in the slings and bed covers for garden, terrace or on balcony transfers, as the elder cannot chairs. slip or slide off easily. As you can see, there is a plethora of Transfer boards items available aimed to make your life just a little bit easier. Transfer Boards can be Ask a dear one to go online very convenient for moving (w w w. s a m a r t h . c o m m u n i t y/ those who have restricted Vol 03 | Issue 03 | samarth | 85
TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS H‘app’y Life! SMART TECH Life360 often face the problem of take in a day. It keeps a steady weak eyesight. Reading check on your weight by This app will things in small font – digital telling you the calorie count do away with or on paper – is a difficult for any kind of food or drink asking your task. Even if they try reading, you have consumed in the day family to make calls to inquire they can not keep at it for – from an apple, to a toast with their safety. This app uses long because of the strain in butter, to even masala oats. GPS tracking to keep track their eyes. However, Audible At the end of the day, you of family members as they provides an answer to these can check the total number of attend school, vacations or problems with access to over calories consumed. work. Your family members, 1,80,000 audiobooks to its can keep track of you, too. users allowing them to just Pandora listen to the story instead of MediSafe having to don your glasses If you love and strain over the book. music, Pandora’s If you are forget- perfect for ful, this app is a Calorie Counter you. It allows life-saver. It will you to create a radio station act as a personal assistant With the help of this app, based on your favorite genre and a friend. You can fill-in the elderly can maintain a of music, artists and songs. the list of medications and balanced diet and limit the Upgrade for a small fee for a set reminders for when you amount of calories that they no-commercials version. need to take them. The app can even make status reports and keeps information confidential. Audible Senior citizens 86 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
SAMARTH MILAN A COMMUNITY WEBINAR FOR THE ELDERS Pandemic is not over yet. However for a healthy living, what we all need at present is a life without fear of pandemic and a heart to heart with our friends and family members. This must be done with precautions in place and online interactions can be the next best option to meeting someone face to face. By Samarth staff Social engagements are key Since most of the activities engaging and informative to leading a healthy life. This that elders engage in daily sessions on topics related to is even more pronounced are being offered online health and wellness, finance, in the senior years. The like ordering medicines and travel etc. As Mr. Asheesh ongoing Covid-19 induced food, watching movies and Gupta, founder of Samarth, pandemic has led to isolation reaching out to loved ones, puts it, “The webinar, as of senior citizens across the it was time to help Samarth a way to cultivate new country and has severely community members in friendships while maintaining affected their physical, relieving any fears that the old ones, is absolutely emotional and psychological they may have of online essential for the emotional health. communication. and physical wellbeing of our seniors in these Even though meeting with With this foresight challenging times. Set up for friends and family face to Samarth initiated an India’s largest community face is not always possible exclusive series of webinars, of senior citizens, Samarth these days, virtual platforms Samarth Milan, in the Milan will serve as the virtual like Zoom, Hangout, Teams month of November 2020. platform to stay connected etc have provided wonderful Anchored by Samarth with friends even during ways to stay engaged. Ambassador, Mr. Yashpal lockdown as well as an Mehta, the webinar engages opportunity to make new Lack of technical the community members ones.” knowledge is no longer through various interactive, a reason to stay isolated. Vol 02 | Issue 09 | samarth | 87
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 88 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Born to a family that migrated from Pakistan after partition, MR. YASHPAL MEHTA and his other three siblings had nothing much to write home about except good education from good schools till they got their own wings. After completing a degree in Commerce he went ahead with doing his Chartered Accountancy in the year 1975. He was placed in the top 10 ranking pan India. Thereafter he also completed Cost Accounting and Company Secretarial courses and could manage what is called the “Grand Slam of the Accounting Profession”. Mr. Mehta went to Muscat hoping to make sufficient money in two years to buy a flat and return back to home land. Two things happened at the same time, one, he began to like Muscat and all the good things it had to offer and second the real estate prices went on spiralling in India that a two year stint became a long stay of 38 years! In his own words, “I must admit that apart from money and good living, Muscat afforded experiences that are there to cherish till the last breath”. Post retirement, Mr. Mehta was keen on sharing his experiences of life with others and was happy that opportunities came knocking at his door. In due time he got involved with the following activities: • Mentor for teaching English for an organisation called TTM ( Talk to Me), The mentees are from Salaam Balak Trust Mumbai • Ambassador for Samarth Care, a company catering to Senior Citizens. Presently he is the anchor of Samarth Milan, an online programme for the elderly. • Honorary consultant with Light of Life Trust (LOLT), an NGO working for the welfare of children and skill development for women in the rural areas. Always a keen learner, Mr. Mehta is hooked on to zoom meetings of Awakening Circle, Manthan, Vidya and the weekly meetings of the Arya Samaj. He truly believes in life- long learning. Even though he does not like to use the word Passion as it can become an obsession with its associated behavioural foibles; his only mission is just to do what comes his way, for as a Buddhist Monk said Good, Bad, Who Knows. Along with Mr. Yashpal Mehta, Samarth Milan is co-anchored by five STUDENTS OF 3RD YEAR B.A. PSYCHOLOGY FROM R.D. NATIONAL COLLEGE, Mumbai. Extremely passionate about spreading smiles, these students left no stone unturned to create engaging content for weekly sessions. With a knack for organizing games, fun activities and constructively engaging the participants, the sessions hosted by them are always well appreciated and enjoyed by all. Vol 02 | Issue 09 | samarth | 89
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Samarth Helpline: Best COVID focused community initiative In a unique initiative, Universities and Institutions joined hands with Samarth Eldercare to support elderly across the country in fight against Covid 19 during four critical months of lockdown so that our seniors could stay safe at home and do not feel isolated. By Samarth staff COVID 19 has resulted in an extra-ordinary after lockdown got progressively lifted. The Hon. Prime Minister himself requested elderly to crisis affecting billions of people everywhere. stay home for a longer period despite of various Elderly are most at risk from the standpoint phases of unlocks. of infection, mortality as well as hardships given their limitations and dependence on In view of the magnitude of this crisis, others. With 12 million elderly in India, it is a Samarth decided to scale this helpline beyond humungous task to help keep them at home its own community, and made it available to engaged, protected and provided. every elderly in India during the peak lockdown months of 2020. Isolation or loneliness can be of three types: social isolation, emotional isolation and existential The Initiative isolation. There are many detrimental effects of isolation like depression, sleep disorders, Type -2 The Samarth helpline offered support to diabetes etc increasing the risk of early death by elderly to stay safely at home with their essential 84%. needs met during this period of crisis. These needs were not only physical but also emotional In the weeks following lockdown due to as isolation started to affect them mentally. The Covid 19, Samarth supported elderly who were helpline delivered: part of its 30,000+ community in nearly 40 cities as they faced a number of challenges due 1. Access to emergency healthcare to complete lockdown as well as psychological 2. Medicines stress from fear of contracting the infection. 3. Food and provisions Given low digital literacy and mobility limitations, 4. Counseling and we realized that phone helpline will be one of the most viable channels in these circumstances for social support to many elderly to access support for essentials. It alleviate anxiety also became clear that elderly will need to stay and feeling of protected and at home as much as possible even isolation 90 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03 Vol 02 | Issue 09 | samarth | 90
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The service was free and members (who formed and Bahadur Shastri Institute accessible to all elderly. Those managed the backbone & of Management also joined who could afford, paid for technology with round the the effort along with several actual costs of provisioning clock support and working senior citizen organizations, support (e.g. medicines, during the crucial phase of corporates and media resulting provisions, transport etc which pandemic) to make it seamless in multiplier impact. were to be paid directly by for the elderly. the beneficiary) and for others The helpline took up and we took support of NGOs and In a novel initiative, Samarth resolved more than 2,500 voluntary initiatives operating team engaged with Universities cases across the country, in these cities. and educational institutions to helping individual elderly, old harness the energy of young age homes, providing rations Building a network of students in this effort as and medicines to poor elderly stakeholders: a unique well as brought the value of etc. aspect of the project intergenerational interaction. JK Lakshmipat University, a In addition to the To deliver support, Samarth leading University in Jaipur inspirational stories from Call team created a network of was the first to partner in and Service Teams, blessings stakeholders (which helped the this initiative as it became a from elderly who were served, initiative to scale in a matter way for them to support the and encouragement of the of weeks) including delivery local community as well as Institutional supporters, the partners (since permission provide an opportunity to whole effort was recognized to move in lockdown was students to contribute. The as the Best COVID focused necessary and they already local state administration also Community Initiative in the had that), and volunteers who joined hands. Subsequently, CSR Health Impact Awards, wanted to help and used this others such as Manav 2020. platform and Samarth team Rachna University and Lal “कोई सुनने वाला ही नहीं था घर प,े अ������छा लगता है जब हम बजु ग़ु ो������ की कोई सनु ता है तोे | ” S.N. Mathur “बहुत भला काम कर रहें हैं आप लोग |” Mukund Chitalia “ब������चो ं न े तो खाना दने े स े माना कर िदया था, आप जसै े भलो लोगो से दिनु या चल रही हेै | ” Harjinder Singh “Good to know that there is helpline for elders. I will recommend it to everyone” Dewan Bisht Vol 02 | Issue 09 | samarth | 91
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 9 [email protected] Street Name 455 123 456 789 92 | samarth | Vol 03 | Issue 03
+91 87006 77878
Search
