HelpAge India Enhancing the Lives of Elders in India

Delhi,India, December 6, 2014 (Newswire.com) - India is currently home to more than 100 million senior citizens. Over the past 10 years, the demographics of the country have changed rapidly with lower birth rates and higher death rates. In addition, with growing urbanization and materialism, today’s generations find very little time to share with their family and friends. In such a scenario the elderly members of the family feel the most neglected and unloved. Their decreasing physical strength and other geriatric problems also add to their pain and difficulties. So in order to lighten their burden of poor financial condition, lack of affordable health care and general neglect, non government organizations (NGOs) for senior citizens have to step in.

One such organization that is constantly trying to improve and enhance the life of old people is HelpAge India. Established in 1978, HelpAge India is a leading charity in India that has been working with and for disadvantaged elderly citizens. It is registered under the Societies' Registration Act of 1860. The organization is dedicated to improving the status of age care in India and functions in more than 23 states of the country. Over 36 years, the organization has provided medical services, helped alleviate poverty and created numerous income generation schemes both in rural and urban India, all for improving the lives of elderly poor people.

Elderly care in India is an area of critical concern given the lack of adequate social security for senior citizens. This requires constant attention and work. HelpAge India is a 36 years old NGO that has been working for the uplift and improvement in the lives of elderly care in India and advocating for the inclusions of elder rights in government policies and programmes.

kanan, James

HelpAge India has over the years established itself as one of the most important social service organization in the country. It has slowly spread its wings and started focusing on long term sustainability options for these elders through various livelihood projects and helping them form Elder Self-Help Groups, which now span the entire country. In addition, the last few years has witnessed an increased concentration on advocacy for elder rights, engaging with the government on framing of new legislation and pushing for the implementation of the National Policy of Older Persons and for securing universal old age pension and medical insurance. HelpAge India hopes to bring about a change in all the above fields as well. Additionally, the organization is now also increasingly focusing on the concerns of urban elderly having realized that even relatively economically advantaged elders face emotional and physical problems as well. To meet these needs, the NGO has launched many unique initiatives: among them the HUG (Help Unite Generations) program that aims to encourage youth to bond with elders in society to end their sense of isolation; the AdvantAge Group program which encourages seniors to form peer groups and practice Active Ageing through physical activities and work for communities and the first of its kind AdvantAge Card Programme which offers membership to a discount program through a nationwide network of retail associates providing a range of products and services ranging from health care, wellness services to travel and leisure.

HelpAge India therefore works on a holistic level for both rural and urban elders, the disadvantaged and the relatively better off, providing direct support and through partnerships.  

Contact Details

HelpAge India
C-14, Qutab Institutional Area
New Delhi - 110016
Toll Free Elder Help Line:
1800-180-1253
messageheadoffice@helpageindia.org
telephone011 41688955-56
Website: http://www.helpageindia.org