Muthirnnavar (Elderly)
Aging is a reality; we all must be mindful of when we are young and youthful. As we are now, they were the one in our place and positions then. Their wellbeing, experience and knowledge need to be taken care of and tapped to take our young ones later into our current place and positions.
Identifying and recognising the issues faced by the elderly in our community are the first thing to start with and we think the following can be the major issues they may face.
- Loneliness & monotony – is the main issue faced by many being alone at home when other members of the family go out to offices and school.
- Meet & mingle with people of their own age and experience – No common place or facility are available to go to meet, get together and spend some quality time among their age group.
- Abuses & bullying: By their own children and family member is an issue currently faced by the elderly.
- Living alone – without any immediate family members or someone to support.
- Cleaning, cooking and maintenance by themselves- for one it can be a problem
- Transport and travel – Buying grocery, visiting doctor or clinic can be an issue.
- Rejection and ignoring by own children and family
In this direction we aim:
- Where possible help them develop a self-help group in and around their residential areas to engage and meet people of their own age and interest.
- Rent or lease a space or place for these people to meet and spend the daytime with the help of some benevolent community members or our own funds.
- Develop a dedicated volunteer group who will provide them with necessary advise and help and if necessary to report any harassment/bullying to the local authorities for further action.
- Our proposed elderly support volunteer group will take care of and look after all other envisaged issues listed above.
- Other than this we will also be looking at organising regular meets and greets of this group say on a weekly, monthly basis and arrange cultural events and activities of their interest from time to time.
- A serviced community living facility for the elderly people are also considered.
