Monday 24 June 2013

HILSA UTSAV / ILISH UTSAV

HILSA UTSAV 2013 at THIKANA SHIMLA on 8th Sept. from 10 am. Probable cost Rs. 400/ head. Anybody can join. For details pl contact Dr. A. Desarkar: 9330843394.
 www.facebook.com/thikanashimla

Saturday 15 June 2013

ACTIVE AGEING

Active ageing (aging) is a recent concept (1990) evolved by the World Health Organization, by which it is meant that a longer activity period with a higher retirement age.


Active ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. It applies to both individuals and population groups. - WHO. 
Active ageing allows people to realize their potential for physical, social, and mental well-being throughout the life course and to participate in society, while providing them with adequate protection, security and care when they need. Older people who retire from work and those who are ill or live with disabilities can remain active contributors to their families, peers, communities and nations. Active ageing aims to extend healthy life expectancy and quality of life for all people as they age, including those who are frail, disabled and in need of care. 

Worldwide, the proportion of people age 60 and over is growing faster than any other age group. Population ageing refers to a decline in the proportion of children and young people and an increase in the proportion of people age 60 and over. Decreasing fertility rates and increasing longevity will ensure the continued “greying” of the world’s population. 

Rapid ageing in developing countries is accompanied by dramatic changes in family structures and roles, as well as in labour patterns and migration. Urbanization, the migration of young people to cities in search of jobs, smaller families and more women entering the formal workforce mean that fewer people are available to care for older people when they need assistance.

Maintaining autonomy and independence as one grows older is a key goal for individuals. Moreover, ageing takes place within the context of others – friends, work associates, neighbours and family members. This is why interdependence as well as intergenerational solidarity (two-way giving and receiving between individuals as well as older and younger generations) are important tenets of active ageing. Yesterday’s child is today’s adult and tomorrow’s grandmother or grandfather. The quality of life they will enjoy as grandparents depends on the risks and opportunities they experienced throughout the life course, as well as the manner in which succeeding generations provide mutual aid and support when needed.


The active ageing approach is based on the recognition of the human rights of older people and the United Nations Principles of independence, participation, dignity, care and self-fulfilment. It shifts strategic planning away from a “needs-based” approach  to a “rights- based” approach that recognizes the rights of people to equality of opportunity and treatment in all aspects of life as they grow older. It supports their responsibility to exercise their participation in the political process and other aspects of community life.


Active ageing policies and programmes recognize the need to encourage and balance personal responsibility (self-care), age-friendly environments and intergenerational solidarity. Individuals and families need to plan and prepare for older age, and make personal efforts to adopt positive personal health practices at all stages of life. At the same time supportive environments are required to “make the healthy choices the easy choices.” 




Two men practicing Tahtib, one of them lost his hair, indicating advanced age active Ageing, on an Ostraca from Ancient Egypt,Louvre,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_ageing




AN ORGANIZATION FOR WELFARE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
SIMLA, SERAMPORE -3, HOOGHLY
www.elderpeoplehome.org