Many of the senior citizens are left alone in many households as children are busy working or abroad. Many people above 70 cannot catch up with the fast-paced technology and cannot communicate with others. They are not tech-savvy either. This creates a void in life and adds to depression and age-related illness.
Recently, a church in our hometown began picking up elderly people from their homes and dropping them off at the church space where they can interact with others of the same age and engage in activities of their interest, such as gardening, singing, reading, fishing, etc, which provides them with recreation. Evening, the authorities drop them off back at their houses also.
This is helpful for their working children, so that they don’t need to worry about aged parents who otherwise will be left alone at home. It is a relaxation for elders also, so that they will be out of the frustration of being alone at home without having to do anything.
This can be imitated by elders’ forums either in other churches or institutions. Can’t we provide a positive environment to the elderly in this way?
This is such a heartwarming initiative! Elders often face loneliness and social isolation, affecting their health. Programs like this offer engagement, recreation, and a sense of belonging, benefiting both seniors and their families.
Replicating it in other communities could greatly improve quality of life for the elderly.
Sheeba, this is such a heartwarming initiative. It’s amazing to see how a simple act picking up elderly people and giving them a space to connect, share, and engage can transform lives.
Often, the loneliness of seniors is overlooked, but programs like this not only bring joy and purpose to their days but also peace of mind to their families.
This is a beautiful example of empathy in action, and I hope more communities replicate such thoughtful care for our elders.
This initiative needs to be taken in every city of India. Elders who are retired, sick, alone need friendships, celebrations and faith to feel accepted and alive. Such wholesome retreats will make their life more enjoyable.
That’s a great initiative!! Programs are found both in urban and rural settings, fostering a sense of community, belonging, and active participation among seniors, which significantly enhances their physical, psychological, and social quality of life.
I completely agree. Isolation in elderly is the root cause of many mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Interacting and engaging with other individuals, socialisation helps promote positive mental health in them.
What a lovely project! It is incredibly touching to give seniors a place to interact, exchange stories, and take part in worthwhile activities. Elder loneliness is becoming a bigger issue, and these community-based initiatives give them happiness and meaning in life. There is no doubt that more institutions and communities should adopt this model.
When I was younger I used to see everyday at exactly 5pm a group of elderly men and women used to form a circle with a moderator in the middle. They stretched, did some yoga and some standing exercises. At the end of each session they all unanimously had this laughing exercise and everyone used to end the session with a smile.
This maybe one way for socialisation in old age where no tech is involved just pure joy.
Yes, definitely. Providing positive environment for elderly individuals can boost their physical and mental health tremendously.
Such initiatives needs to be encouraged at a larger scale to combat old-age depressions.
Absolutely, creating spaces where seniors can socialize, pursue hobbies, and feel part of a community can greatly improve their mental and emotional well-being. Expanding such initiatives through local organizations, clubs, or community centers can help more elderly people stay engaged, active, and valued.
Elders often face loneliness and social isolation, affecting their health. Programs like this offer engagement, recreation, and a sense of belonging, benefiting both seniors and their families.