Extend Your Famil y. Enjoy Your Age! It’s never too late!!! pg 20 Living wholesome and healthy beyond sixty pg 22 Keep learning and stay alive pg 24 The shifting focus to well- being For Subscription Call Samarth Helpline on 8800 699 599
FROM THE EDITOR Purple as tulips in May, mauve Here is my bouquet, here is a sing into lush velvet, purple song of all the things you make as the stain blackberries leave me think of, here is oblique on the lips, on the hands, praise for the height and depth the purple of ripe grapes of you and the width too. sunlit and warm as flesh. Here is my box of new crayons at your feet. Every day I will give you a color, Green as mint jelly, green like a new flower in a bud vase as a frog on a lily pad twanging, on your desk. Every day the green of cos lettuce upright I will paint you, as women about to bolt into opulent towers, color each other with henna green as Grand Chartreuse in a clear on hands and on feet. glass, green as wine bottles. Red as henna, as cinnamon, Blue as cornflowers, delphiniums, as coals after the fire is banked, bachelors’ buttons. Blue as Roquefort, the cardinal in the feeder, blue as Saga. Blue as still water. the roses tumbling on the arbor Blue as the eyes of a Siamese cat. their weight bending the wood Blue as shadows on new snow, as a spring the red of the syrup I make from petals. azure sipping from a puddle on the blacktop. Orange as the perfumed fruit Cobalt as the midnight sky hanging their globes on the glossy tree, when day has gone without a trace orange as pumpkins in the field, and we lie in each other’s arms orange as butterflyweed and the monarchs eyes shut and fingers open who come to eat it, orange as my and all the colors of the world cat running lithe through the high grass. pass through our bodies like strings of fire. Yellow as a goat’s wise and wicked eyes, yellow as a hill of daffodils, yellow as dandelions by the highway, yellow as butter and egg yolks, yellow as a school bus stopping you, yellow as a slicker in a downpour.
FROM THE EDITOR Asheesh Gupta Seniors are valuable. ‘Ageconomics’ is not about revisiting the lack of effective policy for elder care or post retirement issues. It is about recognizing the rising economic, social and cultural importance of senior citizens and acting on it. In this issue we have tried to make the reading a two way process with lots of interactive features, ‘do-it-yourself and share with us’ activities, acknowledgement of our readers’ contributions and many more. The past has been in their of fun, all at the same time. It can be a time of immense able hands and they happiness and lets face it, a time of heart-wrenching have carefully designed losses. This is why our March issue is packed, full of our present. There is no infographics and latest news from around the globe, doubt that the future too has to articles written by experts and a detailed survey on what be elderly– focused and we need contributes to quality of life for our members. It is simply to gear up everything accordingly. a must read issue! There are many sources of value And for us at Samarth, the three driving forces for that seniors bring: they stay longer creating this issue have been interaction, interaction and in any learning environment, interaction. We have tried to make the reading a two way consistently show patience and process with lots of interactive features, ‘do-it-yourself perseverance, they are coachable, and share with us’ activities, acknowledgement of our have loads of practical experience readers’ contributions and many more. to share, exhibit better people For tips from experts, we have exclusive articles skills and so on. Hence, senior contributed by our members as well as non-members years should be like spring season across healthy living, finance and continuous learning to look forward to. It is the start domains. Of course, we have not left out travel and of the fabulous post retirement community engagements organized by Samarth team for years, that makes life catch on a our members. new pace, reach new destinations, So there are lots to read, lots more to interact with and experience new journey, cherish lots to see— making it truly a guide to the fabulous senior new companions, develop new perspectives. Its eventful, years. Enjoy the season of colours! unmistakable, unavoidable, lots Asheesh Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 1
FROM THE EDITOR SAMARTH TEAM Joydeep Mukherji Mrs. Kumar, a spirited and fiercely independent lady Chief Care O cer raised her two kids well, who went overseas to fulfil their Gaurav Agarwal professional aspirations. Aged 83, she now lives alone in Chief Operating Bangalore. With her health not the same as before and O cer her increased dependence on domestic help, the children Dinesh Budhiraja were concerned about her well-being. Some time back, Care Technology they heard about Samarth and after understanding our O cer work, subscribed to our Comfort Care Plan. Dipti Sinha Senior Care Padmaja, our care-counsellor who stayed close by, Manager became her extended family. An MA in literature and a Jaswant Rawat former marketing manager, Padmaja had decided to give Samarth up a usual 9 to 5 job to use her time to do something Community Mentor professionally, which allowed her to make a real Raman Kapur di erence. Being a care-counsellor with Samarth gave Care Network her that opportunity. While clinical support, safety and Manager emergency response was the key concern of the children, a month into the relationship, Padmaja realized that Mrs. Kumar was longing for something to engage her mind and give her a sense of accomplishment. She noticed Mrs. Kumar’s proficiency in Ikebana and got her to meet a school principal she knew. Mrs. Kumar is now helping design a course on Environment studies and teaching students flower arrangements (Ikebana) Making lives meaningful in old age requires more imagination and thoughtfulness than just thinking emergency health care and safety. This is one of the many stories across India of Samarth’s comprehensive physical and emotional support to elderly that we are proud-of. This is the reason I cofounded Samarth with Anuradha, Gaurav, Sanjay and Joydeep. We have been able to touch lives of more than 30,000 elderly in India over the last 2 years. If you know of parents and elders living independently who can benefit from comprehensive family quality care, we would love to help. If you would like to help us professionally in our mission, please do write. We would love to hear from all of you. Asheesh 2 || samarth || VVooll 0022 || IIssssuuee 0078 2 samarth
Join 30,000+ Samarth members in 110 cities EXTEND YOUR FAMILY. As the Samarth family grows, we invite you to include your friends... Please share their details and we will send them a membership and e-card on your behalf, absolutely free. Please whatsapp your details @ 87700677878 As a Samarth community member, enjoy great benefits: DISCOUNTS I EVENTS I TOURS I VOLUNTEER I EXPERT ADVICE www.samarth.community TM M - 80, South City 1, Gurugram - 122001 Call us on +91 8800 699 599 Please use the form to recommend your friends and mail it to us at Samarth Community, M- 80, South City - 1, Gurugram - 122001 MR. MRS. MR. MRS. MR. MRS. NAME NAME NAME AGE PHONE AGE PHONE AGE PHONE CITY CITY CITY EMAIL EMAIL EMAIL MR. MRS. MR. MRS. MY DETAILS: NAME NAME NAME AGE PHONE AGE PHONE PHONE CITY CITY SAMARTH MEMBER NO. EMAIL EMAIL
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24 29 34 38 01 | From the Editor 06 | Around the World 45 | Community Engagement 49 | Mind Benders
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COVER STORY COVER STORY Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 11
COVER STORY Get more from life What constitutes “Quality of Life” for our senior members; what are their perceptions about well-being. A detailed insight into what the Samarth community believes in, values and aspires for in 2019 By Samarth sta Everyone has an immeasurably surpassing no. 1), we may assume that opinion about those that can be possessed senior citizens across the their quality of by anyone else’. Thus, quality globe are sufficiently unique life, but no one of life is highly individualistic in this respect. Many reasons knows precisely because people, their have been attributed to this what it means. John Stewart mindset and their choices are assumption, in particular, the Mill noted that individual so different. Based on the perception that the elderly opinion about well-being was assessment by World Health are increasingly vulnerable ‘the best means of knowledge Organisation (refer to table due to: 12 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 8
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COVER STORY behaviour), subjective (e.g. leisure activities) and collective (e.g. governmental policy) Given the difference in opnions, we need dimensions. a broader set of parameters to paint the full picture of quality of life in older age. Most of the quality of life measures is not done keeping in mind work and research on There are three approaches to measuring elderly populations. So, Samarth Research quality of life: normative — the norms Team designed a quality of life (QOL) survey being dictated by beliefs, principles and for its members. The survey questions were philosophies about a good life; preference divided into two broad categories; satisfaction —quality of life depending on availability of goods to choose from and • How important are the factors for ability to acquire them; and subjective IIIhaving better quality of life for the evaluation — a good life being one that is IIIelders? experienced as such. The last two approaches • How satisfied are the elders in terms are commonly used in developing measures IIIof these factors in their lives? of quality of life. This process of measurement has replaced the individuality, which many experts considered as an essential constituent of well-being, with a multi-dimensional approach: objective (e.g. consumption IMPORTANCE OF THE FACTOR FOR QOL VS SATISFACTION WITH THE PRESENT STATUS I FIGURE 1 14 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 8
AGE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS I FIGURE 3 COVER STORY Several hundred responses were received and analyzed to infer the survey findings. Respondents from all over India participated in the survey with 28% responses from Northern states, followed by 25% from southern part of the country. The maximum participation was from seniors in the age group of 66 to 75 years followed closely by seniors in the age group of 55 to 65 years. The intention was to gain a better understanding of what our seniors perceive as important factors for their well-being. Though we based our survey design on the WHO model but contextualized the same to our DNA to get a better directed result. In a survey of individuals aged 55 years or more, the respondents were familiar with the term quality of life and talked about it in both positive and negative terms. Almost two-thirds of the respondents, described their quality of life as positive or very positive. Only 23% of the respondents reported having negative emotions. Through the survey, they evaluated their quality of life positively based on comparison with others, social contacts especially with family and children, health, material Vol 02| Issue 08 | samarth | 15
COVER STORY circumstances and activities of daily living main factors, which they thought gave their (AODL). In making negative evaluations, life quality. Different kinds of losses such as ill they stressed on dependency and health and functional limitations are among the functional limitations, unhappiness and key reasons making quality of life worse for our reduced social contacts through death seniors. Nearly 20% seniors felt that they are of friends and family members. Family, not adequately supported by friends and family activities and social contacts were the members. 4% Another strong factor affecting their overall perception of quality of life is having good health. Many participants mentioned mobility and financial independence very frequently throughout their responses in the survey. The following is a graphical representation of what all factors are considered important by our elders to have a well-balanced life. Overall 51% elders responded to have 16 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08
COVER STORY a good perception of their life quality. They attributed many positive factors like good social relationships with children, family, and friends; social capital represented by good relationships with neighbors, nice and enjoyable living conditions, comfortable houses and good public services such as transport facilities; quality of life is especially important for psychological factors such as optimism older adults. Feeling satisfied and fulfilled and positive attitude, contentment, is just as important as getting regular looking forward to things, acceptance and check-ups from the doctor. other coping strategies; being actively engaged in social activities such as Having a positive view of life can help attending educational classes and seniors have more energy, less stress, volunteering; good health; financial better appetite, and prevent cognitive security which brought enjoyment as decline. The following are steps that can well as empowerment and having not be taken to improve quality of life: to depend on others. These responses clearly demonstrate that quality of life Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 17 goes beyond health; it is however logical to wonder whether these perceptions are a result of urban older people having less health problems or at least better managed health issues. It’s not enough to just be alive. Good
COVER STORY 1. Look out for any sign of depression • Keeping yourself up to date on Depression late in life affects 6 million people the news above 65. It could be caused by stressful life • Gardening and allied activities events like retirement or losing a spouse. It • Forming or joining a laughter club could also be caused by a medical disease or or yoga club medication side effects. In case you are in such • Writing memoirs and daily diaries a situation or you happen to know someone suffering from one, do seek out professional 3. Stay physically active assistance. Samarth care services may be able Regular physical activity, no matter how to help. Do write to us for assistance if you mild, helps keep both body and mind feeling need. balanced and positive. Exercise keeps blood flowing to the brain, sharpening the mind. 2. Feel useful and needed It also relieves anxiety, tension, and even From the very young to the very old, everyone depression! Overall, it will make you feel wants to be useful. You have lived a good life better. Physically, exercise boosts the immune and post retirement deserve a good second system, lowers blood pressure, improves innings. Get in touch with your near and dear sleep quality, heart health, strength, stamina, ones, friends and family. Initiate activities of and more! In the survey only 5% elders stated engagements, such as: that they use cycle for their transportation • Teaching students needs. Cycling is not only greener means of • Organizing household spaces transportation, it is also healthier for your • Writing grocery or household to- lungs and heart and helps you maintain gait do lists and financial planning for balance better. the monthly expenses, maintaining records etc. 4. Stay mentally active Crossword puzzles, sudoku, other brain games, reading, and writing are all great activities for mental stimulation. Having a sharp and active mind improves overall well- being. A lot of personalised support and information is available on the Samarth app. Beta version of this app is available for free on Android and phones. Also, visit our website www.samarth.community. 18 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08
COVER STORY 5. Stay connected with family, friends, • Initiate a hobby and meet up new and community people across age groups. Seniors who are isolated and lonely are • Volunteer with church, community, at greater risk for dementia and ill-health. or charity organization in your Prevent that by encouraging and helping locality your older adult stay connected with people. Connect with your close friends, family The discussion about quality of life was started members, care counsellors and plan the more than two millennia ago by Aristotle, following: but we are still arguing about what it means. Aristotelian concept of good life was not only • Monthly family outing to nearby something to live for but also something to restaurant or shopping complex live by. This is truer for elders today, where living can be described in terms of strategies • Shop for your grandchildren if you for maintaining quality of life outlined in want. Retail therapy really helps the article: Happy living! Get active in the lighten the mood. Samarth Community in your city. • Attend birthday parties, graduation ceremonies, annual holidays etc. Majority of senior professionals don’t want to “retire”. They have led an interesting, fulfilling working life that they’d like to continue — may be just not at the frenetic pace of top corporate jobs. That’s why so many, lured by the promise of flexible hours, higher rates, and location independence, are intrigued by the idea of becoming a consultant or coach when they retire from their “official” career. Here are five things to keep in mind to work as a coach / consultant in your golden years: Give yourself sufficient runway. Any career change is disruptive to a certain extent. The more time you give yourself to plan and prepare, the better off you’ll be (one to two years is good, and three to four years is better). Shripath Dixit, who is now the head of a major eye bank in Madhya Pradesh, told his board three years ago that he’d be retiring at age 58, and in his performance review last year set a specific departure date: December 31, 2018. “My ‘new beginning’ was cast in that moment,” he said, “and it felt great.” Though some people might be concerned about acquiring “lame duck” status, giving your company plenty of time for succession planning allows you to make a thoughtful departure and cap your career knowing your legacy is in good hands. Even if you prefer not to tell colleagues about your intentions so far in advance, creating your own internal timetable can allow you to plan your finances and any life changes (moving, selling your house, etc.) that your retirement and new career might entail. contd. to page 20... Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 19
ENGAGEMENT It’s never too late!!! Life experiences often bring wisdom and it’s never too late to start something new or to explore your interest in life. By Archana Mattoo As you get older, There are so many your immunity and improve you might find opportunities available your overall wellbeing. yourself having around us, which we could more spare time easily take up at any stage If you are interested – especially as you come to of our life. Here are few that to channelize your inner the end of your working life. I would like to share to just Pablo Picasso, then you can They’re called the golden give a kick-start on your paint pictures and make a years for a reason. Getting exploration. scrapbook of your work. older has its own perks. Engaging your time in art One of the best ways is to helps you to keep your mind There are so many ways include Yoga in your routine. calm and soothing. It can you can use this time .You It will not only have healthy positively influence your might be wondering that “we benefits but will also give health. are too old” to maybe think you a positive feeling about of something new, but this is life. Doing regular meditation Well, I understand not absolutely wrong. It’s all in will enhance the spirituality everyone like to play with our head and we just need of your mind. It helps in colors, but there are other courage to take the first step. releasing stress, increases ways by which you can stand out. You could make a 20 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08
ENGAGEMENT small group who share share with outside world. in beginning. Make a small common interest You may also develop group with your near and dear towards music and ones and explore new places sing along or even your skills like learn a new around. It all depends on how dance to your favorite language, which you always you want to travel. This will track because little bit of wanted to learn in your life. It add more experiences and grooving never hurts and only does not require any creative new perspective in your long- makes one happy. Only “WE” background. Anybody can lived life. have the power to create learn at any stage of his/her happy moments for us. life. So, give a thought in your interest by keeping your One can even go an extra People who enjoy cooking inhibition aside and try to mile to explore their could experiment with new work on them by taking small talents; you could do dishes and do their own steps. version of “Master Chef” show photography and click where your peers will try their There is an old saying, lot of pictures with your food. “Keep the Body in motion, old camera or even a smart and the Mind in action,” phone. You can take print of Elders defines the best way to your pictures and share with who like keep “growing up”, and not others. If you are tech savvy to wander “growing old”. and like to surf on internet, can travel you could upload your around by pictures on social media and planning short trips contd. on page 28 . . . Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 21
HEALTHY LIVING Living Wholesome and Healthy Beyond Sixty “It is not necessary that quality of life should go down as we age. Healthy engagements and breaking the barriers of mind are two key Ifactors in having a higher life standard.” came across an seven. In addition, right until By Rahul Agarwal infographic recently ninety-five he was fairly active, that said that kids have full of energy and spirit. Being Two things. One, age is just a energy and money but an RSS member, he attended number in the mind. It is not necessary that quality of life should go down as we age. no time, mid age people the morning Shakha into One can continue to live a have money and energy but his eighties and also moved normal and active life. Two, no time and senior citizens around on a bicycle. His son being physically and mentally have time and money but (my maternal uncle) has his active has enormous benefits no energy. It sounded true own software firm, so he used at any age, especially in the to some extent, at least on to look after administrative so-called old age. In India, the face of it. Yet, I am sure, aspects into his early nineties. let alone senior citizens, even we have all come across My Grandmaster in Karate is mid age adults question the examples of people who have Japanese septuagenarian (77) premise of taking up any had energy as well in the later and still practices and teaches physical activity or sports by years of life. My maternal classes actively. thinking that will it be safe or grandfather lived up to ninety- What am I implying here? doable for them. So one can 22 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08
HEALTHY LIVING very well leave out brain - forming new neural being. As my Grandmaster the thought around connections when new says, it is profoundly spiritual. starting a Martial art techniques and combinations A selfless contribution to such as Karate at that are being learnt, thereby others leads to one’s own age. enabling the brain to stay spiritual growth. Selfless young and active. There service (or seva) unto others Let me detail are enough research has always been rated highly out why Karate is studies proving the above in the Indian context. My beneficial for the two benefits. What also own experience of practicing seniors as much as happens through learning and teaching for twenty- it is for the kids and young and practicing Karate is five years has been a deeply adults. While we get to see the lowering of emotional satisfying one. And now only the violent side of Karate reactivity. Developing there are others with me who in the media, it is as such a patience is inherent to the continue to be students yet wholesome physical art form. art. have also started teaching Needless to say, the exercises others. A study of the four help you build strength (helps Last but not the least, hormones, dopamine, the muscles and bones), teaching / helping junior serotonin, endorphins and flexibility (important in old students in the class to learn oxytocin reveals to us how age) and endurance (what is akin to selfless contribution the above four dimensions actually releases energy). to others. A source of are closely connected to the Since it is an art form, there the most fundamental release of these four in the is ample engagement of the satisfaction for a human brain leading to a feeling of wellness and health creating a better quality of life. I invite you to take a trial class at a Karate or any activity center that is inclusive in its approach (and does not expect you to compete with a young practitioner in combat or physical ability). ability). Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 23
LIFELONG LEARNING KEEP LEARNING and STAY ALIVE By Prachi Mittal 24 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08
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LIFELONG LEARNING If you are being threatened or intimidated by anyone at any point, contact the right resources. HelpAge India has for the longest time been involved in preventing and resolving all kinds of elder abuse issues, including financial abuse. You can reach out to them on their helpline number 1800-180-1253. Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 27
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HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE TREAT DEPRESSION STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE Stressful life events like retirement Keeps both body and mind feeling or loosing a spouse or medical balanced and positive. disease or medication side e ects Exercise keeps blood flowing to the could cause depression. It is brain, sharpening the mind. It also important to recognize the signs of relieves anxiety, tension, and even depression and get help from a depression! doctor or psychologist. Exercise boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep quality, improves heart health, improves strength and stamina, and more! STAY MENTALLY ACTIVE LEISURE TRAVEL Crossword puzzles, sudoku, other Vacation can drastically lower stress brain games, reading, and writing levels, even after the vacation ends. are all great activities for mental Travel keeps seniors moving and stimulation. Having a sharp and active, perhaps you want to join our active mind improves overall next Samarth tour. well-being.
FEEL USEFUL AND ENGAGED Help with tasks you can handle - Folding laundry Organizing drawers Opening the mail Writing grocery or household to-do lists Keep yourself up to date on the news Prepping dinner like trimming vegetables etc. Going with younger members to help shop for groceries or run for other errands. STAY CONNECTED WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY Seniors who are isolated and lonely have shorter lives and are at greater risk for dementia. Prevent that by staying connected with people. Suggestions: Arrange for family and friends to visit, eat with, or go out regularly Attend any get-together or parties Get involved in a hobby Engage with local community actvities- temple/ church, read to children/ grandchildren or teach someone a skill or read and write
FINANCIAL SECURITY Importance of finance for quality of life Finance is a topic, parents. Fast forward, we such as investment, savings which excites us all start earning and at the time, but in all cases, we think only the way from our again we believe money one word – investment – put birth to our end. comes from our jobs but one in LIC to save taxes under From our childhood, we thing does change, we now 80C or saving to put money worry about pocket money get instructions to save. In in fixed deposits. This key and count every cent we both these phases of life, we question we don’t ask is how get from our parents. We never think how the money the money is generated? We do not wonder at that time is made. We assume it will feel excited all throughout how the money comes – come and we need to save. but we never try to grasp for us money source is our We occasionally hear terms the basics – saying it is too 34 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08
FINANCIAL SECURITY complicated. The key here is Risk lower cash flows and the barrier we generate for more risk. At the same ourselves terming finance is The next question is then time, assets can also too mathematical and too how do I measure risk? How be priced, relative to complicated or we use our do my insurer calculate this each other, by scaling favorite word – too risky. risk and hence the price of the price that you pay Little basics of finance can my premium? There is no to a common metric. change our lives completely– secret recipe to measure You can price a stock it can generate the wealth risk however there is an easy relative to another and at the same time it can way to measure and that is similar stock. Obviously protect our wealth. to use relative measures. In the assumption here case of your life insurance, is that similar stock is Let us start with some basics: the relative measure is your also correctly priced. age and health relative to an We will leave this Value vs Price average age healthy person. discussion for later. Hence it is important to We often confuse between establish a benchmark to Commodity value and pricing. We cannot measure the risk and best value everything but almost way to establish a benchmark A commodity such can price everything. Value is to look at the history. In life as metal or gold can or more appropriately insurance, it is the willingness be valued based on termed as “intrinsic value” of that person to pay the its ability to meet a is the fundamental value premium. fundamental need, of anything. An example is whether it be energy, your life – while value of your Having understood the food or shelter. The life to you and your family fundamentals, we need to difference compared to is infinite the same is priced understand the fundamental asset is that while asset by your life insurer who instruments using which we prices change relatively asks you to pay premium to can make money. slowly over period of insure your life. The value of time and it is easy to your life never changes for Asset get the information your family but price of your about assets, insurance changes overtime. An asset is something commodities are hard Fundamental differences that generates or is to value because come due to risks and that’s expected to generate they are driven by what establishes pricing. As cash flows in the future demand and supply you get old, the risk of your such as a business or of the commodity health is high and hence is a house. Every asset and hence harder to pricing. Whether you are generates some cash digest the information buyer or seller, you must and that can be valued, and price it. Further, first know how to price and assets with high finding a similar anything. cash flows and less stable commodity is risk should be valued more than assets with Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 35
FINANCIAL SECURITY very difficult. Think comparables but you Knowing the fundamentals about gold. It is not can price currency of pricing and type of possible to find a relative to currency investment significantly similar commodity. of other countries. increases the capability of Consequently, Further, currencies an individual to make right commodities tend fluctuate a lot relative financial decisions. Right to be priced, often to government decision is not just about relative to their own interventions unlike generating cash but also to history, by using supply vs demand protect the cash i.e to avoid techniques such as that influences scammers. Here are few averaging, seasonality, commodities. Typically advantages: etc. most of the currencies are valued relative to 1. Cash flow Maintenance Currency US dollars as that is the most stable currency. Cash flow is required to meet A currency is a medium the immediate needs of your of exchange that Collectible life. Knowing the difference you use to purchase between which investment anything. Standing A collectible has no tool to use and how will help alone, currencies cash flows and is not a in better management of have no cash flows medium of exchange cash. For example having unless you do not but it can sometimes a collectible may have invest and cannot be have aesthetic significant value but it is valued, but they can value (painting or very difficult to cash it out. be priced against other a sculpture) or an Having a good cash flow currencies. They are emotional value should be the prime objective not similar to currency (autograph from especially for senior citizens. as commodity do Sachin Tendulkar). A Investing in assets may result not have any similar collectible cannot be in better cash flows rather valued since it does than investing in commodities 36 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08 not generate cash which are harder to track flows but it can be and manage. Managing priced, based upon investment vehicles may how other people result in a balanced approach perceive its desirability – cash flow for meeting short and the scarcity of term liabilities and saving the collectible. This is some of it to invest in long exactly what happens term assets such as house. in an auction where it is not the true value but 2. Opportunity cost the emotional value that a buyer pays. Sometimes people have enough cash and they are
FINANCIAL SECURITY simply too reluctant to invest opportunities. Understanding Golden rule here is again to and try to manage cash and managing risk will help know how to price something needs using their savings. avoiding such scenarios. and how to minimize the One problem with this risk. Buying a house may approach is that they miss 3. Scammers ahead sound lucrative proposition out on better investment but with no estimate of its opportunities which is known Avoiding poor investment is intrinsic value may result in as Opportunity cost. Typically also as important as making overpaying. this problem exists due to money. Scammers are always lack of understanding of around the corner trying Navjot Kumar is an ISB risk in an investment. This to abuse the hard earned graduate and specializes in is certainly more prevalent savings of senior citizens. financial strategy. Currently in senior citizen who try to They easily fall into prey of working with a multi-national minimize the risk rightly so lucrative offers especially in firm as Program Leader, Mr. as they do not have cash stock market, mutual funds Kumar is based in Australia flow due to retirement. or even while buying assets. and is also a professional Rather than minimizing risk, Knowing how to price an football player. senior citizens becomes investment and evaluate risk averse which leads to the risk will empower senior missing out better investment citizens to move away from poor investment choices. Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 37
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TRAVEL them did not have a lot of expectations for the trip. However, it turned out to be an amazing experience for all and the biggest thing for them was the company of other like minded members from across the country. Our seniors loved every bit of Sri Lanka: the verdant landscape, the delicious food; the crumbling, overgrown ruins; the abundant wildlife; and (especially) the welcoming locals who took hospitality to the next level. Sri Lanka is an easy place to go for senior travelers. Off course, it can be a little chaotic, with overcrowded buses moving along clogged roads where lanes are mere suggestions, and trains packed to the gills with people hanging off the edges (which actually is kind of fun). Nevertheless, English is widely spoken so once you get used to the chaos, it is not too difficult to get around. Being in India none of us ever complain about a little chaos, isn’t it? Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 39
TRAVEL Travel Tip #1 food that is overpriced. Our advice is to stick to the local food! It is super delicious. Balaji Drink plenty of water – You should not really Dosai in Kandy; Ahinsa in Sigiriya; Upali’s in drink the roadside water in Sri Lanka, so bring Colombo; Hot Hut in Nuwara Eliya etc: Just a reusable water bottle with a purifier (please eat it all! do not buy plastic bottled water to avoid polluting this beautiful country instead get Travel Tip #3 your own bottle and get it refilled from the hotel). Another way to look at this is the fact More about food– local food, besides being that Sri Lanka remains hot and humid year crazy good, is also cheap in Sri Lanka! Local round, so to keep hydrated, you’d probably food costs about INR 60 - 200 per meal for spend 300 rupees per day on plastic bottles simple dishes of dosas, kottu (a dish made of of water at 60 rupees each. However, a water roti (flatbread), vegetables, egg and/or meat, bottle with a purifier costs just 1000 rupees! and spices), rice, chicken, and everything in between. At restaurants with table service, Travel Tip #2 you will pay closer to INR 300 per meal. Eat the local food– Outside of the major cities Travel Tip #4 of Colombo and Kandy, one may not find many non-Sri Lankan or Indian food options. Hire the Tuk-tuks– You can hire drivers What you do find is a poor excuse for Western 40 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08
TRAVEL cheaply. Any tuk-tuk driver will let you hire you are there after 10am, the crowds are so them for the day. Expect to pay around INR overwhelming that it is not worth visiting. It 1000 for the day. Moreover, tuk-tuk drivers takes an hour to walk up as its single-file all are honest, except in Colombo, where you the way! So take into account your ability to may encounter street-smart drivers trying walk for a while at an elevation before buying to overcharge you. Elsewhere in the country, the tickets. you will get a fair deal. There is no need to try to bargain hard. Keeping in mind this Travel Tip #8 variation from city to rural areas, at Samarth, we ensured an advanced booking of all the Bring flip-flops to temples: You will have to transport needs for our travelers. take your socks and shoes off before visiting temples, even if they are outdoors, so bring Travel Tip #5 flip-flops to keep your socks clean! Travel by train: Train travel, while often Travel Tip #9 slower, are the cheapest and more scenic way to get around. Some typical routes: Day trip to Galle: Galle is only worth a day Colombo to Jaffna is 150-445 rupees, Jaffna trip. Do not stay over in the town. There is to Anuradhapura is 150-295 rupees, Kandy to not much to do there at all. Nuwara Eliya is 85-280 rupees, and Colombo to Galle is 150-295 rupees. Travel Tip #10 . Book good accommodation: There are a lot Travel Tip #6 of inexpensive but great accommodation throughout the country. You will usually get Book your train in advance: If you are breakfast with your room too. travelling with Samarth team then all your bookings are taken care of by the travel Join us for tours that are manager accompanying you. In case you thoughtfully crafted and tailormade want to travel on your own then do book for seniors in terms of convenience, the trains in advance, as they tend to get full safety, care and enjoyment. For pretty early. Also these tourist trains cannot booking and more information call be booked in person at the station unless it’s Sonali @ 8800 699599 or email at done four days before departure. You can [email protected] always (and only) get a cramped second- class ticket (where you will learn the new meaning of a tight squeeze) on the day of departure. Travel Tip #7 Show up early at Sigiriya: If you are visiting Sigiriya, get there when it opens at 8am to avoid huge lines and crowds at the site. If Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 41
TRAVEL Overall Sri Lanka is a relatively cheap country to visit. Even when you splurge, it is not that expensive compared to many of its island neighbors. Here is a list of prices to help you get an idea of costs in Sri Lanka: • Airport taxi – 2,500 rupees • National Museum in Colombo – 600 rupees • Train from Jaffna to Anuradhapura – 340 rupees • Bottle of water – 60 rupees • Bus from Anuradhapura to Dambulla – 340 rupees • Tuk-tuk from Dambulla to Sigiriya – 1,000 rupees • Kottu chicken (and water) – 370 rupees • Lunch – 300 rupees • Tuk-tuk – 200 rupees • Bus from Dambulla to Kandy – 98 rupees • Hostel in Kandy – 600 rupees • Temple of the Tooth in Kandy – 1000 rupees • Dosai dinner in Kandy – 200 rupees • Train to Nuwara Eliya, second class – 160 rupees • Beer – 500 rupees • Bus to Tissamaharama (Tissa) – 240 rupees • Bus to Galle – 307 rupees • Lunch in Galle (burger and fries) – 1,200 rupees 42 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08
HEALTH ADVISORY Precautions to take if pollution levels rise through AQI (Air Quality Index) meter ELDERLY, PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC CHILDREN AND LUNG DISEASE, PREGNANT WOMEN HEART DISEASE 0-50 Normal Normal activities activities Good 51-100 Normal activities Normal activities Moderate Minimise prolonged Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor 101-200 or strenuous outdoor Unhealthy physical exertion physical exertion 201-300 Minimise Avoid outdoor activity outdoor activity Very Unhealthy >300 Avoid Avoid outdoor activity outdoor activity Hazardous To check AQI rating to measure pollution levels - Download Plume app for regular air updates on the phone or check www.air.plumelabs.com/en/live/new-delhi or www.aqicn.org/city/delhi/
OUTDOORS INDOORS Refrain from morning Use air-purifiers walks and restrict and clean filters regularly X outdoor activities Use face masks when Air purifying plants outdoor Purify your car air Take steam daily IMPROVE YOUR DIET Ventilate your Jaggery to detoxify kitchen, bathroom Diet rich in vitamin C, Ventilate your omega fatty acids home Herbal tea and drink PREVENTIVE PLAN plenty of fluids Guide to protect yourself from pollution
SAMARTH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Celebration of Basant Panchami by Gurgaon Laughter Yoga Clubs at Leisure Valley ” Life laughs at you when you are unhappy. Life smiles at you when you are happy. But Life salutes you when you make others happy. ” Charlie Chaplin DR . MADAN K ATARIA Gurgaon assembled at 8.00 to see the talent of all the developed Laughter Yoga am on Sunday Morning with senior citizens. Some games based on the concept that excitement and joy. Several were also played. To add to voluntary laughter could members from Delhi also the enjoyment, hot tea and provide the same health joined them with lot of pakoras were served followed benefits as spontaneous enthusiasm and high spirits. by a sumptuous lunch. The laughter. The laughter yoga anchor had to cut short the clubs of Gurgaon celebrated The event started with a program, as the weather was Basant Panchami on 3rd walk where everyone was getting colder. Feb at Leisure valley. Such laughing and clapping hands. celebrations are done by Some members were making Talking to members present, them 6 times in a year and sounds like tigers. There it was fascinating to see how this was the first for the were songs, dances, poetry, the club spread. Most of the year. All the members from ghazals presented by the members had started by members and it was amazing attending a laughter yoga Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 45
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT session in their neighborhood. have spread to all parts of Laughter yoga. Most of the Since they found it enjoyable, Gurgaon. Some of those members were senior citizens they started to attend daily present have been practicing and they feel that joining the and became active members. Laughter Yoga for the last group keeps them energized When they relocated to 8 years. Some clubs also and they look forward to another area, they started organize visits to Senior every morning and also the another group and over the citizen homes, Hospitals, and community sessions. last few years, these clubs schools and share the Joy of About Mr. Jagannath Arora, Samarth Community Member in Gurgaon and one of the champions of Laughter Yoga for seniors in Gurgaon Mr. Arora has been practicing laughter Yoga for more than 6 years. A keen reader, promoter of self-help books, and educational magazines, it was his voracious reading habit that introduced the benefits of laughter yoga to him. After several years of searching for a laughter yoga club in his locality, one day he came to know about Delhi Laughter Club. Through their website, he contacted the President of the club in Gurugram and his journey with the practice began in 2012. Over the last six years, he has been regular in his association with the club and reaped lots of benefits-physical, mental, spiritual and emotional e.g. • He used to suffer from acute anxiety. The yoga practice helped him overcome the condition. • Over all the energy levels during the day improved considerably. • The association with the club provided him a better community life. • The sessions that he conducts are immensely satisfying since he goes home with the feeling iiiof having contributed positively to the society. • Many of his session participants have reported better digestive health and lesser stress. 46 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Gurugram Chapter SAMARTH GURUGRAM Samarth meeting has always gave a demo on one of our chapter had a meaningful and been spectacular. Mr. Srivastava member. Mrs. Prema and Mr. laughing monthly meeting on brought an amazing handmade Jaswant felicitated the members Thursday, January 17, 2019 at DLF art portraying goodwill and of Touching Hands. City Club, Phase – 4, Opposite brother hood by way of big Galaria Market, Gurgaon at 11 am. Rakhi. We also had the privileged Nearly 20 members attended company of Mr. Kuldeep Rai, the meeting. Mr. Mahay arranged Ms. Aparna from ‘Touching who is vice president of Laughter the club premises for members. Hands’ delivered a talk on Club; he made us laugh with his Nice outdoor arrangement at therapeutic healing by visually various small tricks. Members lawn was well complemented by impaired. Well-known Japanese continued to enjoy the entire sunny weather and all members experts train the therapists in meeting with those tricks of had pleasant time in the winter India; they diagnose through laughter. Members also shared of January. Mr. Srivastava recited sense of fingertips. It does not views/tips on cleanliness and his poem after introduction involve direct touch; rather they being better citizen; Mr. Banga round; his energy level at use a cotton cloth. Mr. Amit and Mr. Amar Goel cited their (visually impaired therapist) initiatives in this respect. Vol 02 | Issue 08 | samarth | 47
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT West Delhi Chapter 48 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 08
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