Aging is not a favorite subject to think about. Till I was
in my forties, aging was just a word for me. But as I am heading towards fifty,
retirement and old-age like topics have started coming in my mind. Like for me
and my husband, “old-age” plans have started to feature regularly in our
conversations. Not in a defined structure, but as a wish list for what we hope
will be as independent, active, and a healthy phase as possible. In the
traditional model of care for senior citizens, it was the joint family
structure along with the support of helpers that the elderly used to be cared for.
However, with the breakdown of joint family structure and corporate jobs for
most couples, the elderly in the nuclear family has only the support of
helpers. Most elderly people live with their children in a gated community with
very little social interaction. About 15 years ago, India was not culturally
ready for children to have their senior parents live separately. But now the
circumstances are such that the children move to other countries or cities, for
their career, and their parents stay alone. Even if the parents stay with their
children, mostly they are not able to live an independent and active life. To
provide a support base for the elderly, the concept of senior active living or
aging gracefully, as some would like to call it, is gradually emerging in
India.
Senior living refers to housing for people above the age of
55, who are still independent and lead an active life. Such facilities offer
convenient services, senior-friendly design feature and access to social activities.
The senior living is also further varied into independent living and assisted
living. The independent living refers to housing and communities for active seniors
who are healthy and independent, while assisted living is for seniors who
require varying levels of medical support, such as caregivers and nursing. Most
senior living apartments are built in remote places on the outskirts of the city.
The idea is to provide a noise and pollution-free environment to senior
citizens. However, it is important that the place is well connected via road
transport and the facility provides quick transportation in case of an emergency. According
to the World Health Organization (WHO), active aging is defined as “the process of
optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to
enhance the quality of life as people age. Active aging allows people to realize
their potential for physical, social, and mental well-being throughout life
and to participate in society while providing them with adequate protection,
security, and care when they need.”
I had an opportunity
to visit one of such projects with my family, and really liked it as it was
more than what I had expected.
The project provides a platform
for seniors to spend their golden years actively by offering a lifestyle that
is active, healthy, carefree, dignified and independent. It has created an
environment to keep its residents active and involved. The community consists
of like-minded people of similar age, promotes companionship and friendship
among them. Apart from enjoying the company of others, they engage in regular
activities like tambola evenings, movie shows, seminars, cooking classes, etc. Every
occasion, be it a birthday, an anniversary or a festival – it is celebrated
with zest and zeal. According to the residents there, many feel that they are
re-living their carefree college days/hostel life. There are plenty of indoor
and outdoor activities. The activity center was the main attraction with a
gymnasium, swimming pool, board games room, billiard and pool room, table
tennis, art and craft room, music room, library, media hall, multipurpose hall, etc. It is planned with open green
spaces, water bodies, and walking tracks. Every morning and evening, one can
enjoy music played through piped music. There is also an on-site OPD and nurse when needed. We can also avail of the services of a physiotherapist and caregivers on request. All the houses which are 1/2/3 BHK have skid-resistant tiles;
grab rails in toilets, arthritis-friendly fittings, wheelchair friendly
complex, round wall edges, emergency response system in each unit, etc. Safety
and security are given the utmost importance. It has a single gated entry and
security guards are present round-the-clock, patrolling the area and available
to assist residents as and when required. It also offers the option of
alternate dining which provides hygienic, clean and tasty food. When you do not
want to cook or want some variety for your meals, you can just walk down to the
dining hall at the activity center or can order for home delivery. To provide a hassle-free living, they provide
moving-in services, plumber and electrician on call, bill payment services,
scheduled transportation facility, shop for daily needs with the home delivery
facility, etc. This kind of community living ensures that there is neither
loneliness nor alienation, and therefore better mental health. Seniors are
secure and their self-esteem is intact as they don’t have to depend on their
children. There is a professional system in place to take care of them. Isn’t it amazing? We were overwhelmed and
surprised to see the arrangements and facilities they provide.
We’ve worked hard all our life
and fulfilled our responsibilities. There are times when we wanted to develop a
new interest or a hobby but there was neither time nor opportunity to do the
same. Here, we find numerous opportunities to pursue a hobby to learn a new skill
or develop your inherent but unutilized talents. It was truly like Jee Lo
Dobara (live your second innings) gracefully. It was an amazing experience and
would wish to stay at such a place once retired. The purpose of writing this
article was to make you all aware of such projects which are blooming in
India in many cities.
Happy Living!
Very Nice!
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